Remember that wonderful book, The Wind in the Willows and that famous quote uttered by Rat as he and Mole were rowing up the canal? “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
I am sure that there are many among you that feel the same way so I expect that you will enjoy this short piece about JFK and is 30 year love affair with his Wiano Senior, “Victura” , a gift from his father on his 15th birthday. This video was released recently in recognition of what would have been JFK’s 100th birthday. Shortly after Brenda and I were first married we purchased our first “boat to mess around in” and while our current Pandora, nearly 40 years later, can be quite a hand full and has taken us far and wide, I do have many fond memories of our early years of “messing about in boats”. There is certainly a simplicity of purpose when boats, and life, are not so complicated.
My good friend and now famous marine artist, Christopher Blossom gave me this lovely portrait of Brenda and me aboard our first boat, TAO, a 20′ Cape Cod Catboat sailing off of Fairfield CT as a birthday present many years ago. 
Of course, even if our boats and lives have become more complicated, there’s always Pandora’s mascot Louis to remind us of simpler times as he gazes out at the world as it rushes by aboard Pandora. 
I’m sure, that mice, rats, moles and even Presidents alike will agree that indeed, “there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
A happy 100th Birthday to JFK. A boy that loved messing around in boats.
Love this post … a nice mix of history and personal reflection. Thanks for sharing. I post this sitting on Long Island in the Bahamas watching as the boats in the 50th annual Long Island regatta get ready to pull their anchors to compete in the C Class. Perfect day with a steady wind. Lots of people here love “messing around with boats”!
Elaine: It is so nice to hear from you. What a nice spot to be. I raced as crew on one of those a few years ago in Little Farmers Cay.
I am pretty sure this president doesnt skipper his mega yacht.
Val: I do fear the he looks at the world in a way that is his own. Hard to say what that “way” is though.
I love this. Thank you for making me smile Bob!
Nancie: I am touched by your comment. I found the short news piece to be very touching.