Lena made a buffet for dinner. You could fill your plate and either eat on deck or below. She and I set up cushions on the foredeck and got to know each other. She was a "marriage and family therapist" and subsequently adjusted her appointment schedule to fit around trips for The School. She rolled her eyes when I asked about the old couples. She said she was already preparing therapy sessions for both of them. "You mean while underway or after the trip?"

"Both."

We watched the sun set which illuminated the moon already risen. All was calm in Turner Bay and you'd think this would be a setting for the start of a long term friendship. When the trip ended in Victoria, Lena made a sack lunch for me and gave me a peck on my cheek. I never heard from her again.

People say that racing to Honolulu on a Transpac bonds you with your shipmates for life. Out of six races, my bonding net is zero. It's unlikely it's their fault.