FUBAR Odyssey: Presented by San Diego Yacht Club and Mexico Tourism Board

VALKYRIE

BOAT NAME: Valkyrie BOAT TYPE: 55 Sundancer SKIPPERS: Tom Petersen and Anita Mays EXPERIENCE: 35 Years YACHT CLUB: Channel Islands SRC BUILT: 2008 PURCHASED: 2007
FAVORITE DESTINATION: So many great places to go boating around the world. The Channel Islands are some of our favorite places. You can be in Avalon feeling like a resort in the Med, or you can be on the backside of Santa Cruz Island and feel like you are the only people in the whole world! Besides the ocean, we also love boating in Lake Tahoe. The mountains and deep blue water are incredible.
FAVORITE BOATING EXPERIENCE: While we love boating alone, our most favorite experience is when we travel as a flotilla with others. Leaving the harbor with fellow boaters, all headed to some location, together is quite a site. Then meeting up with others and going from boat to boat to spend time with everyone is one of the best that can happen! This is one of the reasons we love the Channel Islands Sea Ray Club! We also love fishing, socializing, Scuba/Snorkeling, being together and being with friends on the water.
ABOUT THE CREW: Tom Petersen - Captain/Owner: Partner with Petersen International Underwriters a Lloyd's of London Coverholder and Underwriting company. Tom has been in business for over 20 years. He is also a PADI Master Scuba Instructor, EMT and licensed Ocean Operator (100 tons). Anita Mays - A General Manager at Newport Boats specializing in SeaRay, Azimut and Meridian Yachts as well as all brokerage boats. Anita has been with Newport Boats for over 17 years and has built both sales and finance teams at the company. She is also a very experienced boater. Additionally we will have Gene and Kandy Harter with us.
WHAT'S IN A NAME: "VALKYRIE " In Norse mythology, Valkyrie are similar to Angels. When a Viking would die in battle, the Valkyrie would deliver him to Valhalla (the equivalent to Heaven). Thus, where ever the Valkyerie takes us, MUST be Heaven! Additional trivia item - Have you ever wondered where the expression "It isn't over until the fat lady sings" comes from? In the Opera, the "Fat Lady" is a Valkyrie. She sings at the end since everyone is dead and she is the only character left! Now you know!
REASON FOR PURCHASING THIS BOAT: This is our 6th Sea Ray. Sea Rays ride well and feel secure in the water. Well made and nice touches too. The 55 Sundancer model was a natural progression for the need of a larger boat that can accommodate large parties (we love to entertain). We have had over 30 onboard at the docks! Yet is can still be single handed without a crew. At 30 kts, it is still quiet enough to talk in the cockpit area. Lastly, the Master Stateroom rivals staterooms in much larger vessels.
PREVIOUS BOATS OWNED: Sailboats, power boats, canoes, kayaks, inflatable, ski boats and numerous ocean going vessels.
INTEREST IN THE FUBAR ODYSSEY: FUBAR is a perfect way to travel in safety and give you experience to venture farther south into Mexico with experienced fellow boaters.
BOATING STORY: Cruising at about 20kts, on autopilot, and headed north somewhere between Morro Bay and Monterey, the Valkyrie (previous Valkyrie) was 5 miles offshore with 2 mile visibility. Suddenly the Valkyrie did a 90 degree sharp turn to starboard. After shutting off the autopilot and maneuvering back into the wind waves, the Chart plotter and the Radar were both bouncing around and not in unison! Both were basically dead. Not being able to see land and just completing a big circle, visual cruising was not an option. Modern electronics are fantastic, but they can fail and they will fail at the worst times. There is no substitute for knowing basic navigation and being able to read a chart and compass!