Dave Trude's Norlin MKIII 2.4mR's are FOR SALE.

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The Begining of the Journey

2004 Independence Cup

2005 Independence Cup

Dave (Dawg) Trude was named to the 2001 United States Disabled Sailing Team sailing in the Sonar Class. Prior to that He finished 3rd in the 2000 Trials for the US Paralympic team selection, only 2 points out of 2nd place. He did this with a chartered SPYC boatand sails and a crew that had only sailed together twice before. The top 4 teams (not including Dave's) all had their own boats and new equipment. Imagine if Dave had new equipment, sponsorship and time to hone a crew. The winner Paul Callahan said, "Thank god Dave does not own his own boat". Well he does now, making the decision to plunge into the battle, Dave has purchased a new-used 2.4mR. the single handed class in the Paralympic. In the 2004 Independence Cup Dave placed 2nd, the first time in one. A year later in 2005 finishing 4th against a strong field and not having sailed the boat in a year Dave still felt good.

The journey to the Trials to choose the US Paralympic representative will include several regattas. The cost will not be cheap but Dave is good a keeping costs under control. Dave could use your help. If you feel so inclined to help below is the address to send tax-deductible donations.

The 2.4mR Paralympic Class Pre-Trials

Thank God for Gul Dry Gear or I would have been soaked

Thanks to Quantum Sails, Gul and Barz Optics for your sponsorship of my effort. I wish I could have done better. Thanks to BJ Porter, Bob Congdon and all the Marines and Navy personel who volunteered to help at the dock, I could not have done this without your help.

I arrived in Rhode Island on October the 4th, Wednesday afternoon. Grabbed my baggage, rental car and made my way to BJ Porters house. That actually may sound easy but from a wheeling point of view it is quite a task. I traveled alone for this regatta, which in retrospect I will not do again. We’ll visit that later. I had been in touch with BJ for several weeks prior to my arrival as he lives near the regatta venue and offered his assistance.  Lets go back further. I had posted on the forums that I was coming out and was wondering if there was anyone who wanted to open their house up to me for free or a fee. Several Newport anarchists responded and after consideration I decided to take BobC’s offer. One of the other competitors in the Scud 18 class took up with JeffR. So it was cool that other competitors were watching and took use of the offers. As it turns out Bob’s house is almost 100% accessible.  I shipped out a 6’ folding ramp and BJ set it up, with a little work. I have no idea what I would have done without BJ’s help (hence the future need to have a traveling companion). So as I said, I made my way to BJ’s house where after years of chatting on the forums and phone we finally meet face to face. BJ cooked a steak dinner and I ate with his family. I must say that BJ has a nice view from his porch. After a long day I finally made it to Bob’s house and was ready for the sack. Continue