Like a well written and researched book, many good companies and ventures only come to life thanks to the unwavering support and tremendous efforts of individuals whose hard work is not always acknowledged. From the beginning, Rocket Boats and the Rocket 22 have captured everyone’s imagination, with many offering assistance above and beyond what we could ever have hoped to expect. It must be something about sailing!

First, Rocket Boats would like to thank Gary ’s widow, Shelley Hayse, and former employee of Gary, the well known naval architect, Jim Antrim. Without their enthusiastic support we would never have gotten off the ground and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. Equally important is the input, support and advice we received from all corners of the sailing world. The emails and telephone calls from across North America , Europe and beyond supported our vision for the Rocket 22 with suggestions, cheer-leading, anecdotal stories about Gary and the original Pocket Rocket as well as sage advice about the design modifications we have implemented. Of particular importance was the input from the Penticton Fleet of original Pocket Rockets with special acknowledgement to sailors Ken Hope, Shawn Brown, Al Barnes, Mike Kidd, James Gordon, Rudy Enzmann, and Brad Terpstra, as well as manufacturer Ron Kent, and all of whom made significant contributions. Thank you.

We are also extremely grateful to many individuals from the commercial world of sailing who so freely and generously committed their time and professional expertise to the Rocket 22 project. David Cross from Quantum Sails was always available on short notice when we needed to talk sails and Jeff Penny from Western Marine in Vancouver was equally committed when hardware and rigging decisions were being made. Thank you.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our investors who not only believe in the commercial viability of the Rocket 22 but also share our passion and enthusiasm for the project. Thank you.

We are also very grateful to the people at Bracewell Boatworks, specifically Lance Bracewell and David Tolman, who have been instrumental in moving the Rocket 22 project forward. Their commitment to the venture, their amazing boatbuilding knowledge, their willingness the think outside the box and their easy going manner all contribute to making them an ideal partner. Thank you.

Even though Don Martin is an integral part of the Rocket Boats team we would be remiss to not acknowledge his invaluable contributions to the new Rocket 22 and to thank him for his unwavering commitment to the project. In his typical self deprecating manner, Donny has often said that he is only continuing Gary’s vision using modern materials and boatbuilding techniques. We believe, however, that Donny has made a unique contribution to the venture that would have been impossible for someone without his experience, yacht design knowledge and extraordinary talent.

Our acknowledgements would not be complete without thanking our families for tolerating our talking and obsessing about sailing more than usual. From endless late night discussions about the Rocket 22 to long telephone calls at odd hours to frantic dashes off to “look at a boat” our families have been wonderful from the beginning. Thank you.