KEEPING YOUTHFUL ON TAMPA BAY

You're 55, you've got a freight-hauling business in Chicago, but you like to sail your Lightning in Florida waters in the wintertime. So you can come to the kind of sudden immersion that bespectacled Earl Ross (half submerged, wearing light oilskins, in picture at left) is experiencing here with his crewmates in Tampa Bay and feel that it's all in the day's sport.

Ross and his two crewmen, Don LaCross (kneeling on hull) and Joe Heitzinger, risked 25-knot blows to sail in the 13th annual Lightning class midwinter regatta off St. Petersburg. With mainsail sheeted down hard and made fast, Skipper Ross found himself suddenly broadside to the wind. Before he or his crew could ease the sheets, the boat was on its side and skipper and crew were in the cold drink. Ultimately they accepted a tow. Next day, the sailing urge being what it is, captain and crew were all back for more racing.

Sailor's Ignominy is borne by soaked Skipper Ross and crew of his Lightning.

Clearing Tangle of gear preparatory to rescue consumed chilling 20 minutes.

TWO PHOTOS

GEORGE TRABANT—ST. PETERSBURG TIMES