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Fishy Cover · 09-14-2006, 10:23 AM

This is not a Winnepesaukee story but nevertheless a boating story. In 1967 I was a very young Army 2nd Lieutenant and spent a while at Cam Ranh Bay, Viet Nam. I was able to intercept a shipment of three 15' runabouts & 35 hp outboards, water skis etc that were being trans shipped to an R&R center in Qui Nhon. Having been an outboard mechanic before the Army I was able to install the engine and controls on one, get a battery, fuel, trailer & truck to tow it and my other Lieutenant buds and I spent a delightful afternoon water skiing just north of the floating bridge. What a contrast between the Hueys, F4's and C-130's taking off and landing at the air base and us water skiing. I think I was the first ever water skier on Cam Ranh Bay. Fortunately my CO never found out what I was doing.

The next day all 3 boats were shipped out and shortly after so was I. I'll never forget this relaxing interlude in an otherwise exciting year. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.

09-14-2006, 10:23 AM	#89
Fishy Cover Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134 Thanks: 9 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Water Skiing in Unusual Place This is not a Winnepesaukee story but nevertheless a boating story. In 1967 I was a very young Army 2nd Lieutenant and spent a while at Cam Ranh Bay, Viet Nam. I was able to intercept a shipment of three 15' runabouts & 35 hp outboards, water skis etc that were being trans shipped to an R&R center in Qui Nhon. Having been an outboard mechanic before the Army I was able to install the engine and controls on one, get a battery, fuel, trailer & truck to tow it and my other Lieutenant buds and I spent a delightful afternoon water skiing just north of the floating bridge. What a contrast between the Hueys, F4's and C-130's taking off and landing at the air base and us water skiing. I think I was the first ever water skier on Cam Ranh Bay. Fortunately my CO never found out what I was doing. The next day all 3 boats were shipped out and shortly after so was I. I'll never forget this relaxing interlude in an otherwise exciting year. Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.