Mudhead history and how we got the name "Mudhead".
Click on photos to enlarge.

2/18/2002 Email from Ron Abate
Frank,
    I was back in Connecticut three summers ago and I discovered that the Mudheads were doing well which pleased me to no end. Some friends drove me to Mystic and then past the clubhouse in Noank. No one was around but we took a few pictures and continued on our way. Now, I periodically check the web site to see what's new.
    Last fall, I reread the history of the club and got a little nostalgic. Images of the early members flipping their Lasers came to mind so I decided to cast the idea in mud. Unfortunately, some of the pieces cracked in the final firing so I had to repair them with epoxy (which was fitting considering the last time I used epoxy was twenty years ago on my boat) As such, I had to paint over most of the ceramic glaze. Sorry about the weight. I hadn't anticipated that aspect of the project. The individual tiles were cut to have a sail, hull or vaguely nautical appearance. The people on the boats are generic so anyone who wishes to claim that they are one of the sailors is welcome aboard. The numbers come from different boats I have sailed. The hull colors are a function of the acrylic paints I had at home. It was a lot of fun to make and I hope it provides a smile to some old members. I may be back in the Mudhead fold in the future. My wife liked the area on our last visit. We both teach so our summers are more open than most.
    By the way I picked up a couple of Mudhead hats for my kids and a fleece pullover for me. I look forward to seeing the photo on the web site.

 

Ron Abate
Mudhead Emeritus