A Salute to Harry Farrell

This is going to be a great evening, Harry.  A most fitting and appropriate way to wind up the tenure of someone I often think of as "Mr. Islander 36."  Yes, you, Harry.  You embody all the wonderful attributes that have made our involvement with the Association and our friendship with you so rewarding.  You have been a dedicated and devoted servant of the Association putting your whole heart and soul into making this organization tick.  Not just this year, but all the years you served as Treasurer as well.  You have been a faithful supporter of both the cruising and racing activities at a level no other member can lay claim to.

Perhaps you modestly would say that you've had a lot of help.  That may be true, but there's a reason why people feel like helping and it's because of leaders like you.  The Association has attracted some pretty talented people, and you can be proud that you have created an atmosphere to which they are drawn, and to which they remain attached.

Whenever I think of the Islander 36, I think of you.  Not just because I copied your color scheme, when I repainted my boat, but because you have been such an inspiration as an Islander 36 owner.  You have been actively involved with this Association from the day you bought your boat.  You maintain your boat in pristine condition and you have greatly enhanced its racing capabilities.

Your sixth place finish out of a total of twenty boats in the Islander 36 Race Series in 2004 is a most significant accomplishment.  In only your second full season of racing you managed to finish among the very top racers in the fleet, most of whom have fifteen to twenty years experience.  Congratulations to you and your wonderfully supportive crew on achieving that milestone.

There's much more that could be said about all your accomplishments, the help you've provided to other owners like me, about the public relations work you've done, and so much more.  But there is not time enough in a day to mention them all.

What there is time for and well deserved it is, is a salute to Mr. Islander 36 for all that you’ve done.  So if you would all join me in raising your glasses in a toast to Commodore Harry Farrell, faithful servant of the Islander 36 Association and "Dear Friend" to all.

• Art Fowler -