Two young cadets drove to the harbor (Bender, south of Milwaukee) in a pickup to give us a hand when we made it in; grab the lines, that sort of thing. Then there was the small matter of the post-rescue inspection; they waived most of it. They could tell we were serious about being in compliance . . .
I was impressed by the skill with which the captain managed the helm of that boat. He couldn't have been a day over 25 years old. Given the water conditions, he did a remarkable job with a vessel that can't be the easiest thing to pilot. He kept reminding the officer working the bow line not to fall in; I had to laugh. I'd bet there is a good story in there somewhere . . .
When the 41 "shot" you in, were the docks within heaving range? The Coast Guard has lots of "kids" that practice their "stuff" every day, just for these occasions. I'm glad you made their live easier by being in compliance. It has to be annoying/frustrating rescuing those with no regard for safety.