Signs of the Recession:
The collapsing economy and the rise of Mexican narco-terrorism have affected all of us in one way or another, but the hardest hit? Boat people. The number of entrants in the annual Newport-to-Ensenada International Yacht Race "is down — about 270 are expected compared with nearly 400 last year — and the crowd of people who have traditionally driven to Ensenada for a weekend of partying is
expected to be considerably thinner." It's tough all over!
That's bad news for Kenny Loggins and the cut-off jeans industry too.
You must have that photo taped to the monitor. Eyes on the prize, kids.
I've lived on the shore of a lake for most of the past 20 years, and I can attest that boats are, in fact, a very reliable economic barometer. During recession years, the drop in boat traffic out on the water is typically pretty sudden and steep.
If there's a book out there titled "What to Do When You Become Less Rich," Chapter 1 is probably called "Sell You Boat."
Was it really just one summer ago that we six sailed from Newport over by The Dunes Club to see the fireworks, the hull filled with cocaine, caviar, Camembert and chardonnay? How prophetic it was when Stacia held up the suddenly empty vial and announced to our group with a mix of sternness and fear: "Something has happened."
If anyone is interested in participating in my "Newports and enchiladas" event, I'm currently accepting applications.
America, You've Sunk My Battleship.