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From: Reiss Recollections
Location: Port Huron
Email: reissrecollectionsathotmail.com
Remote Name: 68.79.167.241
Date: 03/30/04
Time: 09:52:36 PM
Brent, there are and always have been boats with 13 letter names. The Richard J. Reiss sailed from 1943 until the early 80s with 13 letters and no great harm befell her. The painting out of the letter "J" was the result of her last owner's own superstitions. Sidney E. Smith, Jr. is well known for having a serious condition of superstitions. They were confirmed with the sinking of the Sidney E. Smith, Jr. in 1972, which had just 2 months earlier been renamed from the J. L. Reiss. He did not feel right about renaming the Richard and retesting his fortune, but did not want her to sail with 13 letters. Thus all "Js" were painted out of her name on the boat and her safety equipment. Years later, her name was officially changed to Richard Reiss. Ken Niemi
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