9-4-04 - Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. Rigged and launched Slowdance at Davies Ramp on Los Alamitos Bay around 1230. Rigging and launching uneventful except for having to avoid motorboat backing rapidly off of trailer at ramp while looking at shore. First mate Donna, along with first time crew, daughter Jennifer Husak Bronson (2nd mate) as well as grandchildren Alex (3rd mate - 6 yrs old) and Michael (able bodied seaman- 2 yrs old) boarded at dock.

Sailed out past breakwater under main and lapper. Winds about 12 kts and increasing from W to about 15 kts. Changed jibs to working jib and sailed back into protected area near Queen Mary. Third mate instructed to watch for pirates. 3rd mate spotted brigantine sailing into harbor and suggested she was most likely candidate for pirates.

Captain altered course of Slowdance to intercept brigantine as she neared the Queen Mary. Apparently Brigantine saw Slowdd

ance coming, wore ship and headed back out to sea. Slow Dance gave chase, but brigantine still outdistance us. Suspect longer waterline and sound of diesel engine had something to do with brigantine's speed advantage. Cheers can be heard from visitors aboard Queen Mary.

As harbor now appeared safe, Slowdance returned to Los Alamitos bay, hauled out and de-rigged around 1700. Captain and crew were appropriately rewarded for scaring off pirates with dinner at Market Broiler in Huntington Beach.

Brigantine sails for Queen Mary!!!

Brigantine spots Slow Dance approach and wears ship

Brigantine runs for the open sea.

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