Who is that behind the helmet and goggles?

Some of us are blessed, (cursed) with the inability to remember names and faces when they are not encumbered by protective gear. When you add full winter paraphernalia to the equation, we become hopeless. There are those who are super when it comes to numbers and names. Thus sail numbers are very helpful. I’m lucky to remember my own let alone any that are above two digits. Occasionally there are clues that allow me to recognized fellow sailors as we gather in the pits. Unusual craft seem to catch my eye which sometimes help to recall the names of their owners. Local sailors that I’ve been on the ice with numerous times also have a better chance with me. Unique clothing and colors also seem to trigger the brain cells of recognition. As far as I know, no one has has AIS on their craft yet. Then there are the individuals that continually change the facial design ie beard, no beard, partial beard, different partial beard…..you get the picture. Ladies stand a better chance with me in that area. Colorful gear also helps. Some of you will remember my early sailing outfit.

This worked for many outings until for some reason it shrunk around the middle. One sailor was recognized by his red mittens that he always wore. A good mate, (now over the bar) had a lime green jumpsuit AND an iron cross on his sail and flew the German flag from his forestay.

(Notice the two digit sail number) Three clues seemed to be the hat trick to remember the name. (Truth, he was actually a good friend too.)

So anyway, if you see me on the ice and need some help with identity, this is now my standard garb. (note beard may be covered by face mask) Feel free to read the name and if you see me look at your helmet, I’m hoping your name will be on it to help avoid embarrassment. Please don’t be offended if I ask………maybe several times, “Who are you again?”

I am amazed at many of you that do recognize me from all the events we’ve been together on and thanks for your understanding if I have to ask your name. It’s even worse for me on the ski slopes. There are so many grey beards, red jackets, and black helmets out there that I almost hit the shutdown mode on recognition. Hope to see you and whatshisname on the ice soon.