Wow... You are probably the most friendly and nice guy I've interacted with in a long time. THIS is why I miss good old New England.
No worries about the programming competition... I'm securing some work here in the NYC area that I hope to take up with me. I'll probably be developing from the boat. Also, our timing is official - we're going to go there next fall. Please keep in touch, since I think we have a lot in common. I'd be happy to help out with any boat stuff you have going on that might be a 2 man job.
Thanks again for all of the help.