sad day on the water

We watched "Big Red", as it has been referred, sail out this morning on what has become it's last journey. A report from the person we refer to as "the spy" was it was to be it's last run before the new second hull goes in the water. The second hull has the capability to foil, lifting it out of the water and producing greater speed. Speed, being the ultimate quest. Artemis has been a major source of entertainment for all of us on Seaplane Lagoon. They have become our home team, members of their staff have been in our shop. We've followed their movements. Noticed all their comings and goings. We have all gotten so used to the size of the AC72s that the AC45s now look small to us. And while it is a stretch to justify the expense of this whole campaign, they are truly beautiful to watch as they harness the power of the wind. But natural forces are strong, and perhaps even too strong for Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.