Welcome to the January/February edition of Project LifeSail Campaign newsletter.

Physics for Dummies and Sailors

Remember back in school when they tried to explain that whole theory of relativity thing to you? You know what I'm talking about: While standing on earth you drop a ball, and at the same time somebody in a spaceship flying by overhead also drops a ball. The test question, if I recall correctly, is to figure out how long it takes for the ball you dropped to bounce back, hit you in the face, and break your nose relative to the time it takes for the ball dropped from the spaceship to careen through your skull...or something like that. Yeah, I got a lot out of that class, too. I must admit though, it did give me a healthy respect for the importance of making the most of time.

With less than six months left to get ready before our July 4th start date, we are up against it, so to speak, as far as time goes. Critical chores still remain - refinishing the bottom of the boat, spraying on a new anti-skid deck, ordering new sails and rigging, getting on the water, bringing in new sponsors - and, frankly, we can't get them all done ourselves. However, the chores will get accomplished, and that absolutely amazes me; the sole reason being that the outpouring of support from friends and the local sailing community has moved way beyond even my highest expectation.

Even if I get behind on a project I can't really sweat it, though. Relative to the parents of babies born early, my problems just don't amount to much. Need an example? Check out our Family-of-the-Month parents, Monica and Tom Garris. When their child Ian arrived 14 weeks early at 1 lb 14.5 ozs they had real problems to deal with. The only similarity between their story and mine is they also got through it by leaning on the support of others, including the medical advances delivered by the March of Dimes and the incredible support of NICU medical personnel. Me? I'm still trying to avoid that ball dropped from the spaceship.

New on the site this month

• Raffles: Two PLS raffles now open and available online for purchase!
• Mazatlan, Mexico: The trip includes airfare for two and 7 nights in a beach-front condo. With only _ of 500 raffle tickets left after only 2 weeks of sales, order yours online today.
• 6-Month Moorage: Up to a 40' slip courtesy of Columbia Crossings. Obviously more appealing to Portland-area sailors, only 500 of these raffle tickets will be sold.
• Buy a boat part: "Own" a part of the boat by donating a boat part. Check out the initial list and make your selection.
• Drawings for both held June 10th following the Columbia Crossings Regatta and Send-Off Luau.
• Family of the Month: Even at 14 weeks early and 1 lb 14.5 ozs, Ian Garris was ready to prove that he was a heavyweight fighter.
• Getting Ready: Between the media interviews, getting ready for the Portland Boat Show, working the show booth and selling our latest fundraisers, we haven't been lacking for things to do.
• Blogs: How do you get a boat ready for a boat show or a 2,100 mile race? The outpouring of support from friends, family and strangers alike.

Media

• Project LifeSail was mentioned as one of the top ten things not to miss at the Portland Boat Show by the Statesman Journal.
• Sponsor: Contact Peter at peterguilfoyle@projectlifesail.org to let us know if your company is interested in becoming a key supporter of the campaign.

Sponsors

• Our current sponsors have stepped up big again.
• Blackfish Creative: Delivered stunning show signage, great looking raffle tickets, and this month's Web site updates. Give them a call if your company is looking for a phenomenal strategic design agency.
• Columbia Crossings: The PLS team is keeping dry during the winter maintenance cycle thanks to the donation of the dry, comfy shop space.

How Can You Help?

• Communicate: Forward this newsletter to others to let them know about the campaign.
• Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us reach our goal of ending the dangers associated with premature birth.
• Sponsor: Contact the Peter at peterguilfoyle@projectlifesail.org to let us know if your company is interested in becoming a key supporter of the campaign.