RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007

**Dave Sutton** · 28th July 2007, 19:09

OK, guys, Captains view first of the first RBW-Only Andrea Doria Campaign, which has just returned to the dock.

The trip was a Rebreather Only one, and was open only to RBW Members. We planned two trips with a day layover in port between them, in order to allow the largest weather window in case of a storm. As it turned out, this worked out well. Here's the chronology:

July 15th: Capt Dave begins sweating the weather, as a large offshore storm is building. July 16th the weather looks worse. On the 17th it looks better. On the 18th it's bad again. On the 19th it looks better. Dave sweats.... frets..... on the morning of the 20th it's forecast to be 9-12 feet offshore. The team is already in transit and there's nothing to do but to assemble them, and then to make a plan.

July 20th: Team 1 arrived: Mark Nix (Inspiration), Joe Radomski (with his "rebreather of many makers"), Holger Berghauser, who came from Germany with his self-made TR-300 (compact version), Peter Rotheroe, who came from Germany with an Inspiration, myself with the rEvo, and Capt. Al Pyatak of the Dive Boat SEA LION as my relief Captain, as well as our intrepid cook, Mya, who established herself in the galley and got down to the chow program. We load out the gear, and put our heads together. Obviously no Doria diving in is the forecast, so we bed down aboard for the night and shove off at 4:30AM for the U-853 for a warm up day. All hands get two dives on the U-Boat, and we retreat to New Harbor, Block Island, and anchor out in the harbor for a night of grilled steaks, salad, rice, and other goodies provided by Mya from the Galley. Sleep at anchor and all is well....

July 21st: Out of New Harbor and bound for the USS BASS, get to the site, pick up the mooring, and get down to diving the big submarine. All able hands get their diving done without fanfare, as conditions on the surface are "robust" but managable, and the visibility is fine. After diving is done we head back on the 4 hour run to port. Nightfall finds us back at the dock where Mark Nix and Joe Radomski take their leave of EXPLORER and head off to the Thousand Islands to wash their gear off in fresh water. Capt Al Pyatak returns to NJ, and the rest of us bunk down.

July 22: Rain. Wind. Crap. All hands spend the day doing odd jobs, Mya restocks the galley, Capt. Dave re-mixes gas, and studies the weather. July 23 is going to be rough, but the 24/25/26 are supposed to be nice. Spirits brighten.

July 24: Pete Piemonte (Kiss) and Andre' Fortin (Kiss) arrive and load their gear. At 6:00 Jay Harding, a Sport Kiss diver but on this trip acting as my Relief and First Mate arrives with his seabag. At 6:30PM we slip the lines and head out into the open sea. Conditions are "rock and roll" for the first few hours, but by midnight the sea settles down as forecast and we run offshore in the night. On watch on the 3:00 to 5:00 watch, we're in a little fog, but with a clear sky above, the Milky Way shining brightly, phosphorescent fish are jumping across our bow, and our little ship runs towards the false dawn.

July 25th: Dawn finds us just approaching the wreck, where we set the mooring using a shot line and bouy. First attempt, Pete Piemonte: Pete finds that the shot has bounced off the wreck about halfway on his descent, and is on the sand at 240. He returns to a short deco and back to the deck. Round 2: Shotline back into the water, on a solid SONAR picture. Andre' Fortin is up: He dives and finds the damned shotline on the keel, with no way to swim it up the hull and to a tie-in spot. He returns to a short deco and to the deck. Third try: We fish the shotline across the hull, and when I feel it bounce down onto the bottom we jump Pete Piemonte again with a scooter. He makes a flawless tie-in thru a porthole and we are in business!

Diving starts in perfect conditions. Before we jump the first of the other divers, we are visited first by a HUGE Mola-Mola (Ocean Sunfish), a pod of Porpoise including a mother and her calf, and a HUGE Leatherback Turtle, who swims up, looks at us, and retreats to the deep. All divers get their dives done. I make my dive with the rEvo, and figure out that Pete has managed to tie us into a spot 1 meter (!!) away from Gimbels Hole. Imagine that! Plans are laid for the next day, and as sunset arrives we see shark fins on the surface a hundred meters off. Mya is in the galley preparing dinner (grilled steaks!), and Pete Piemonte and myself run the Zodiac out to look at the sharks. They sound, but we get a chance to see EXPLORER at anchor, completely at peace 100 miles offshore in the sunset light... just magic. A photo or two and we are back aboard.

Formal dinnner in the wardroom (shirts required means formal). Steak, salad, rice, beer and wine, and good cheer abound. Cigars and Port after dinner. A conversation into the night, and then each to his bunk, or to the RADAR watch as per the watch bill.

July 26th: My watch is at sunrise. I make a cup of coffee, put the CD of the soundtrack of "Victory at Sea" on the CD Player, and sit on the flying bridge watching the soft colors over the sea brighten slowly. At 5:31, as predicted, the sun rolls over the horizon. I pick up the microphone to the 1MC Public Address system, and key it:

"Now hear this, Now hear this: Reveille, Reveille, Reveille, up-up all hands, all hands heave out and trice up! Chow in ten, diving operations commence at 06:00. Now Reveille!”

and the crew stirs to a radient sunrise at sea.......

Mya whips up a breakfast, and we are into the water again. Routine diving, now working as a team. The fact that we're at Gimbels Hole determined, Andre' Fortin trumps all others by doing a penetration.... and hits gold. I'm standing on the bow, not expecting a diver, when I hear "Dave!!" from the swim platform. It's Andre' gesturing for me to bring my camera. He's back early, bearing a plate from First Class. I'm not sure if he's happier, or if I am happier. Many photos and congratulations are made, and the plate is placed into EXPLORER's china locker. By 10:00AM all divers are done and we begin the run home under perfect seas. Jay Harding rigs a rod, and we troll for the run back. Pete Piemonte's attention to the rod rewards him with a fat Bluefish, which I quickly reduce to fillets and put in the freezer. At 9:30 we are safe at the dock and all hands bed down for the night.

July 27: I arise at 4:00AM (sleep is over-rated) and by 4:30AM EXPLORER is again underway to the U-853. All hands get in one long dive, and by noon we are back at the dock and the unloading and washing begins. One by one we part, and our little party is ending. One more detail remains though, Pete R. complains of a sore elbow, and we take the conservative approach and convince him to make a chamber run. We're blessed with an excellent treatment center about 20 minutes away from the dock, which is run by friends. Andre' and I take him to the chamber, he's run to 60 feet with no relief, all hands figure that he's probably just whacked his elbow on something, and we return to EXPLORER.

July 28th: Andre' knocks on my cabin door at 6:00 and says good-bye, Pete R comes aboard at 11:00AM to shake hands and to say "Next Year", and the boat is suddenly empty again...... I think she's depressed, knowing that a boat in a harbor is safe, but that is not what boats are for.

I want to thank all team members for a safe job well done. I want to especially thank Mark Nix for stepping up to the plate on our first run to assist me, and to Pete Piemonte and Andre' Fortin for their work in getting the tie-in done on the Doria. Well done guys!

Also thanks to our sponsors: Paul Raymaekers who provided my rEvo for the trip. Carl at Sartek for my excellent HID light. Kevin Gurr for my VR-3, which has been providing excellent service for 5+ years. Joel Silverstein for our strobes. Kent Tooling for their BEAUTIFUL reels, the best I have ever seen. Pier Dive in Narragansett Rhode Island for air, 02, and Helium as well as the loan of a stack of aluminum 80's for the guys who traveled in from overseas. Al Pyatak from Lakeland Divers in East Hanover NJ for all sorts of goodies, as well as coming along as a relief Captain (and diver). Divers Cove in Essex CT for drysuit repairs. All great people, and supporters of the effort. Lastly to Stu, for providing RBW so we could all meet each other and build the international team, drawing divers from the USA, Canada, and Germany together for this wonderful trip. Thanks one and all.

The wardroom photo is at dinner sitting 100 miles offshore. Left to right: Holger, "Big Pete" Piemonte, Andre' Fortin, Jay Harding, myself, and "Little Pete" Rotheroe. Not shown: Mark Nix, Joe Radomski, Al Pyatak, or Mya. The first three were on the first trip, and Mya was behind the camera. Other photos show Mya in the Galley, and EXPLORER at anchor at sunset, as well as Andre's plate.

I'm sure that the teams will add their words, and we're already planning next years 9 day exploration voyage.

Home is the sailor home from the sea.........

Dave

barney · 28th July 2007, 21:06

S W E E T.

Mixaddict · 29th July 2007, 01:43

Dave,

I am sitting here at home, rubbing my sore leg, thinking to myself, "this is the week I'm supposed to be diving the Doria!" Then, I log on RBW and read your report. Oh well, if I couldn't be with you guys on this trip, at least it's fun to read about it. Sounds like you had a great time. Congrats! Count me in for next year!

Regards,
Randy

**Dave Sutton** · 29th July 2007, 01:49

Hey Randy,

Well, your "A whale busted my leg" story got you out of this year... We'll see what creative excuse ya'll use next year...

Start planning,

Dave

OceanOpportunity · 29th July 2007, 02:18

Dave,

did the modified P96 make an appearance for a quick bounce? how'd it go?

**Dave Sutton** · 29th July 2007, 14:06

Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity)

Dave,

did the modified P96 make an appearance for a quick bounce? how'd it go?

Not this year... although the conditions would have been perfect. Just had too many boat oriented details to work on to get the rig out of storage and set up again.

Dave

gathan · 31st July 2007, 13:29

This was one of those dive trips that I am not going to forget for a long while!

You frankly take a chance when you commit yourself to such a trip, wheather wise anyway. After a long drive, I arrived at Narrangansett to be greeted by our hosts, Dave and Mya. Both went to great length to make me feel welcome and help me settle in.

As Dave stated already, the weather was unbelievable. Once we arrived on site, the seas were flat and the sky was blue. Add to this the many marine visitors that came by our way and the great diving that took place and we ended up with a highly successful and rewarding experience.

It became readily apparent to me that Dave had carefully thought of and prepared for the requirements of the trip; food and beverages were plentiful, deco gas that would be staged on site were ready, first aid equipment was more that adequate, etc.

I'd like to thank Dave for giving me the opportunity to participate in this diving expedition. I was impressed with the professionalism with which he ran day-to-day operations as well as with the way he strived to make me feel like I belonged to the team. I very much look forward to next year.

Andre Fortin

Pete Rotheroe · 1st August 2007, 15:34

I’m just back from some great diving from Dave Sutton’s Explorer. This was an all rebreather trip. My Inspiration was the most “stock” rebreather to hit the water all week. At the other end of the spectrum Holger’s entirely self built TR-300 also performed flawlessly.

We were out on the Andrea Doria in near perfect conditions and flat seas for a couple of days. Beforehand, while waiting for good conditions on the Doria, we ran out to the U-853 and Bass.

This was my first trip to the Doria. The ride out and spending a night in the open ocean was almost as spectacular as the diving; watching the sun set on the horizon over our wake on the ride out and looking up at the Milky Way on night watch are unforgettable experiences.

Although the upper decks of the Doria have slid off into a jumbled pile of debris, the wreck remains impressive. One can’t help but feel insignificant on a 700 foot wreck with so much history.

Dave runs a great boat; one of the best experiences I’ve had in about 30 years of diving. Mya kept us well fed with tasty meals and snacks every day. When my dry suit sprang a leak Dave generously offered me the use of his. As Dave doesn’t have a large crew, everyone helps with the dive operations, night watch, etc. We all got along well and made new friends. I’d very much recommend the Explorer to anyone looking for a great small group diving experience.

Thanks Dave for accepting me on this trip. I hope to see you again next year!

Pete Rotheroe

Peter Piemonte · 1st August 2007, 16:14

Group: I guess I will add my comments regarding the RBW/Explorer, Andrea Doria/U-853 trip of last week.
This was to be my second trip out to the Doria this year. Due to an injury, I was forced to cancel the first which was to be with Capt. Hank Garvin on the Garloo.
Arriving at the marina, I was very pleased to see the very "salty" looking Explorer. A 42' Grand Banks, it is a very comfortable boat to live on. Dave has done a great job in also making Explorer into a good deep diving platform.
Coming onboard, I was introduced to the other divers, Peter R, Andre F and Holgar B.
I was also introduced to mate Jay Harding and Mya, who was a charming host as well as a wonderful cook!
As others have indicated, we were treated with perfect weather and sea conditions during our stay on the Andrea Doria, enjoying some great diving, beautiful scenery and some exotic sea creatures. All this in addition to some very agreeable companionship.
I would urge those of you who are able to make a trip with Dave to do so. Like me, I am sure you will enjoy the professional attitude that Dave approaches his duties as a boat captain, and his regard for safety in dive operations.
Thanks again Dave, Mya and Jay for a great trip.
Best Regards, Peter Piemonte

jmhardingjr · 1st August 2007, 20:18

Hi Folks,

I've been trying to find the time to do this, but have come to the conclusion that there won't ever be a good opportunity for me to sit down a hash out a long winded trip report. So, here is my not-so-extended view of the Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 aboard the Explorer.

I've been mating sporatically for Dave Sutton now for a few months aboard Explorer, but it never seems like I can get away from my other life enough to get my "sea fix" as often as I would like. So when he asked me to come along on the Doria trip as relief and first mate, I was quite happy to oblige.

Arriving on the Explorer after a whirlwind day of meetings, driving back and forth from Narragansett to New Bedford, and being terrified that I'll get caught in traffic and F#$K up the trip schedule, I throw aboard my sea bag (no diving and, hence, no gear for me this trip) and we shove off. I meet "Big Pete" Piemonte, Holger Berghauser, Andre Fortin, and "Little Pete" Rotheroe. Captain Dave and Mya I know already

The divers turn out to be a great crew and, from a mate's perspective, were as put together as I could have asked for. The professionalism and confidence that each diver exhibited in preparing for their dives bolstered my own confidence that we would have a great trip. I was not disappointed, all dives on the Doria went off without a hitch with smooth entries and exits and minimum of issue.

The weather was perfect, with 1-3 foot ground swell and no, I repeat, no wind chop. Glass!! In fact so glassy, that when the Leatherback turtle came to visit we could see it plain as day. And when the tuna swam by the boat, it was so smooth that we could see sufficient detail to identify the fish as a yellowfin. We could not have placed an order for better conditions.

The food was great, thanks Mya. Dave's ship was run with the utmost of professionalism, with safety always being his primary concern. We all functioned well as a team, and I must stress that, because it was a small group, we did take on the team mentality. As if we were on expedition, everyone pitched in and did a share of the work.

For me, a newbie in the world of RBs, this was a great opportunity to gain exposure to different rigs and diving methods. We had two Classic KISSes on board, an Inspiration, a rEvo, and Holger's TR300sc. I must say that each diver did their respective rig justice and I was impressed to say the least. Holger's TR300sc, though, really impressed me. To think that he jumped on a plane and came over from Germany and dove the Doria on a completely homebuilt (not modified, but built from scratch) unit! It was inspiring and it only serves to reinforce the point that so many homebuilders make: when you have designed and built your rig and know every little piece and nook and cranny, and have such an intimate familiarity with your unit, it shows big time in your confidence and performance. Well done, Holger!

Thanks, guys and gal, for a great trip. I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.

Cheers,

Jay

28th July 2007, 21:06	#2 (permalink)
barney EXPLORER Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Posts: 291	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 S W E E T. __________________ Michael C. Barnette ASSOCIATION OF UNDERWATER EXPLORERS
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29th July 2007, 01:43	#3 (permalink)
Mixaddict Always Learning! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Draper, Utah USA Posts: 508	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Dave, I am sitting here at home, rubbing my sore leg, thinking to myself, "this is the week I'm supposed to be diving the Doria!" Then, I log on RBW and read your report. Oh well, if I couldn't be with you guys on this trip, at least it's fun to read about it. Sounds like you had a great time. Congrats! Count me in for next year! Regards, Randy __________________ Randy Thornton (MixAddict) Inspiration, Evolution, Hammerhead & Sentinel CCR Instructor
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29th July 2007, 01:49	#4 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Hey Randy, Well, your "A whale busted my leg" story got you out of this year... We'll see what creative excuse ya'll use next year... Start planning, Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
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29th July 2007, 02:18	#5 (permalink)
OceanOpportunity for a world of water Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 590	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Dave, did the modified P96 make an appearance for a quick bounce? how'd it go? __________________ Michael Lombardi Oceans of Opportunity www.oceanopportunity.com Elected Director, Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments MN'07, The Explorers Club Project Manager, Diving a Dream
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29th July 2007, 14:06	#6 (permalink)
Dave Sutton Diveshop of Horrors Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Azimuth Home Build Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island and Hackettstown, New Jersey Posts: 2,719	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Quote: (Originally Posted by OceanOpportunity) Dave, did the modified P96 make an appearance for a quick bounce? how'd it go? Not this year... although the conditions would have been perfect. Just had too many boat oriented details to work on to get the rig out of storage and set up again. Dave __________________ "Silent Diving with No Bubbles and No Politics".... www.nobubblediving.com
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31st July 2007, 13:29	#7 (permalink)
gathan MixedGas Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Other SCR Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tottenham, Ontario, Canada Posts: 194	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 This was one of those dive trips that I am not going to forget for a long while! You frankly take a chance when you commit yourself to such a trip, wheather wise anyway. After a long drive, I arrived at Narrangansett to be greeted by our hosts, Dave and Mya. Both went to great length to make me feel welcome and help me settle in. As Dave stated already, the weather was unbelievable. Once we arrived on site, the seas were flat and the sky was blue. Add to this the many marine visitors that came by our way and the great diving that took place and we ended up with a highly successful and rewarding experience. It became readily apparent to me that Dave had carefully thought of and prepared for the requirements of the trip; food and beverages were plentiful, deco gas that would be staged on site were ready, first aid equipment was more that adequate, etc. I'd like to thank Dave for giving me the opportunity to participate in this diving expedition. I was impressed with the professionalism with which he ran day-to-day operations as well as with the way he strived to make me feel like I belonged to the team. I very much look forward to next year. Andre Fortin Last edited by gathan : 31st July 2007 at 14:52.
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1st August 2007, 15:34	#8 (permalink)
Pete Rotheroe New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Muenchen, Germany Posts: 3	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 I’m just back from some great diving from Dave Sutton’s Explorer. This was an all rebreather trip. My Inspiration was the most “stock” rebreather to hit the water all week. At the other end of the spectrum Holger’s entirely self built TR-300 also performed flawlessly. We were out on the Andrea Doria in near perfect conditions and flat seas for a couple of days. Beforehand, while waiting for good conditions on the Doria, we ran out to the U-853 and Bass. This was my first trip to the Doria. The ride out and spending a night in the open ocean was almost as spectacular as the diving; watching the sun set on the horizon over our wake on the ride out and looking up at the Milky Way on night watch are unforgettable experiences. Although the upper decks of the Doria have slid off into a jumbled pile of debris, the wreck remains impressive. One can’t help but feel insignificant on a 700 foot wreck with so much history. Dave runs a great boat; one of the best experiences I’ve had in about 30 years of diving. Mya kept us well fed with tasty meals and snacks every day. When my dry suit sprang a leak Dave generously offered me the use of his. As Dave doesn’t have a large crew, everyone helps with the dive operations, night watch, etc. We all got along well and made new friends. I’d very much recommend the Explorer to anyone looking for a great small group diving experience. Thanks Dave for accepting me on this trip. I hope to see you again next year! Pete Rotheroe
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1st August 2007, 16:14	#9 (permalink)
Peter Piemonte KISS and rEvo diver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 155	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Group: I guess I will add my comments regarding the RBW/Explorer, Andrea Doria/U-853 trip of last week. This was to be my second trip out to the Doria this year. Due to an injury, I was forced to cancel the first which was to be with Capt. Hank Garvin on the Garloo. Arriving at the marina, I was very pleased to see the very "salty" looking Explorer. A 42' Grand Banks, it is a very comfortable boat to live on. Dave has done a great job in also making Explorer into a good deep diving platform. Coming onboard, I was introduced to the other divers, Peter R, Andre F and Holgar B. I was also introduced to mate Jay Harding and Mya, who was a charming host as well as a wonderful cook! As others have indicated, we were treated with perfect weather and sea conditions during our stay on the Andrea Doria, enjoying some great diving, beautiful scenery and some exotic sea creatures. All this in addition to some very agreeable companionship. I would urge those of you who are able to make a trip with Dave to do so. Like me, I am sure you will enjoy the professional attitude that Dave approaches his duties as a boat captain, and his regard for safety in dive operations. Thanks again Dave, Mya and Jay for a great trip. Best Regards, Peter Piemonte
(Online)

1st August 2007, 20:18	#10 (permalink)
jmhardingjr Son of a Sailor Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: . . . this one particular harbor . . . Posts: 200	Re: RBW Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 Hi Folks, I've been trying to find the time to do this, but have come to the conclusion that there won't ever be a good opportunity for me to sit down a hash out a long winded trip report. So, here is my not-so-extended view of the Andrea Doria Campaign 2007 aboard the Explorer. I've been mating sporatically for Dave Sutton now for a few months aboard Explorer, but it never seems like I can get away from my other life enough to get my "sea fix" as often as I would like. So when he asked me to come along on the Doria trip as relief and first mate, I was quite happy to oblige. Arriving on the Explorer after a whirlwind day of meetings, driving back and forth from Narragansett to New Bedford, and being terrified that I'll get caught in traffic and F#$K up the trip schedule, I throw aboard my sea bag (no diving and, hence, no gear for me this trip) and we shove off. I meet "Big Pete" Piemonte, Holger Berghauser, Andre Fortin, and "Little Pete" Rotheroe. Captain Dave and Mya I know already The divers turn out to be a great crew and, from a mate's perspective, were as put together as I could have asked for. The professionalism and confidence that each diver exhibited in preparing for their dives bolstered my own confidence that we would have a great trip. I was not disappointed, all dives on the Doria went off without a hitch with smooth entries and exits and minimum of issue. The weather was perfect, with 1-3 foot ground swell and no, I repeat, no wind chop. Glass!! In fact so glassy, that when the Leatherback turtle came to visit we could see it plain as day. And when the tuna swam by the boat, it was so smooth that we could see sufficient detail to identify the fish as a yellowfin. We could not have placed an order for better conditions. The food was great, thanks Mya. Dave's ship was run with the utmost of professionalism, with safety always being his primary concern. We all functioned well as a team, and I must stress that, because it was a small group, we did take on the team mentality. As if we were on expedition, everyone pitched in and did a share of the work. For me, a newbie in the world of RBs, this was a great opportunity to gain exposure to different rigs and diving methods. We had two Classic KISSes on board, an Inspiration, a rEvo, and Holger's TR300sc. I must say that each diver did their respective rig justice and I was impressed to say the least. Holger's TR300sc, though, really impressed me. To think that he jumped on a plane and came over from Germany and dove the Doria on a completely homebuilt (not modified, but built from scratch) unit! It was inspiring and it only serves to reinforce the point that so many homebuilders make: when you have designed and built your rig and know every little piece and nook and cranny, and have such an intimate familiarity with your unit, it shows big time in your confidence and performance. Well done, Holger! Thanks, guys and gal, for a great trip. I'm looking forward to doing it again next year. Cheers, Jay __________________ ". . . the sea's in my veins, my tradition remains, I'm just glad I don't live in a trailer . . ." Last edited by jmhardingjr : 1st August 2007 at 20:22.
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