Just think of what it's taken to get you where you are. Someone had to introduce you to sailing. Someone had to teach you how to sail. You have to live in a place where there is sailable water. You have to make or have enough money to own and take care of your boat. Your family has to enjoy sailing with you or at least be understanding of your need to sail. Maybe you need companionable crew to accompany you. And only when all that is in place do you get to experience the joy of sailing and the passion we all share. It's easy to take all of this for granted. But it's the time of year to remember, to be conscious of just how good we have it, and to say thanks. Who has really helped make sailing a reality for you? Who do want to express your thanks to for making this a great sailing year? Share your stories of gratitude and be sure to vote in the quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
- Status
I was 4
years old when my father, Robert (Bob) Guthridge, of Alexandria, Va. built his first boat. It was a 14 ft Chris Craft kit boat. All plywood with a 7.5 hp Elgin outboard. Over the next 40 years many boats came and went. The last was a 44' Pacemaker power boat. He was an instructor in the US Power Squadron and I had no choice but to learn Chapman's front to back. I took sailing lessons as a kid and to this day that's what I enjoy. Dad passed away last year at the age of 89 but still loved the Bay and always remembered all those years cruising and sailing fondly. I thank him for giving me that appreciation. David
years old when my father, Robert (Bob) Guthridge, of Alexandria, Va. built his first boat. It was a 14 ft Chris Craft kit boat. All plywood with a 7.5 hp Elgin outboard. Over the next 40 years many boats came and went. The last was a 44' Pacemaker power boat. He was an instructor in the US Power Squadron and I had no choice but to learn Chapman's front to back. I took sailing lessons as a kid and to this day that's what I enjoy. Dad passed away last year at the age of 89 but still loved the Bay and always remembered all those years cruising and sailing fondly. I thank him for giving me that appreciation. David
Father-in-law sparked the dream
I like to think that I have sailing in my blood. My great grand-father was a merchant sailor. His father was a master rigger on the banks of the Clyde in Scotland. My grand-father had two sons who followed in his footsteps, and I always had the sailing "bug." Because of demands of work and family, though, I wasn't able to live the dream until my youngest graduated from college. The very next day, I signed for my first "big" boat. My father-in-law also had a lust for sailing and it was he who taught me "the ropes" and re-kindled my passion. That was 10 years ago and I've never been happier than on the water. Bill on STARGAZER
I like to think that I have sailing in my blood. My great grand-father was a merchant sailor. His father was a master rigger on the banks of the Clyde in Scotland. My grand-father had two sons who followed in his footsteps, and I always had the sailing "bug." Because of demands of work and family, though, I wasn't able to live the dream until my youngest graduated from college. The very next day, I signed for my first "big" boat. My father-in-law also had a lust for sailing and it was he who taught me "the ropes" and re-kindled my passion. That was 10 years ago and I've never been happier than on the water. Bill on STARGAZER
Our Fisrt Sailing Season
Hello, In the summer of 2002, my wife gave me (and her) a gift of sailing lessons at the Annapolis Sailing School. That school really did the trick. We just loved sailing! That fall, we placed an order for a new Catalina 350. It was delivered in the winter, and we began our adventures in April of 2003. We fully understand that we were beginning on a big boat. We had some experience with powerboats and houseboats (32' and 38'), but we still knew we were in for a big learning curve. Therefore, we hired a private sailing instructor to help us. It worked out great. We worked on basic terminology and docking. Rules of the road and docking. MOB drills and docking. Sail trim and docking. Points of sail and docking. We even did some strong weather sailing (30 kts wind, rain, strong current) and docking. Basic navigation and docking. Reefing and docking. Anchoring and docking. Did I mention that we practiced docking? Our instructor worked with us over various stages of the season - spring, summer, fall on the Chesapeake Bay. Everything was going great, and we were having a ball! Then - my wife had surgery in July. Our sailing was put on hold for a month or so until she was ready to resume in early September. We practiced and practiced. I'm sure some of the folks at our marina had a good time watching us tacking, jibing, heaving to, and docking! But, we were having fun, and not trying to take on more than we could handle at each stage. Each day I would visit this website and see what others were talking about. This website is fantastic. Phil, Trevor, and whoever else works on it do a great job. They provide an easy format for the rest of us to share and learn. I'm convinced that we are farther along because of this very website - and the C350 listserve over at Sailnet. The owners of this site don't even get angry when people openly discuss buying boat equipment at other sites, when it can be purchased at the chandlery right on this website. In the future, I will definitely give this website's chandlery a fair chance at my boating business. We are already making plans for next year's sailing adventures. We want to do some overnighters and enjoy the nooks and crannies of the upper Chesapeake Bay. What a great place to sail! My winter homework assignment is to become more proficient in the acedemic parts of Coastal Navigation. The charts are already spread out all over the floor, nav tools nearby... our dog and I are ready! Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank each of you for your participation on this website. Our first sailing season has been wonderful. Partly due to the generosity of folks on this website that have shared their knowledge and experiences. We look forward to being able to give back even a small part of what you've given to us. By the by, our docking is coming along great!
Sincerely, Jack and Sylvia s/v Friendship C350, #80
Hello, In the summer of 2002, my wife gave me (and her) a gift of sailing lessons at the Annapolis Sailing School. That school really did the trick. We just loved sailing! That fall, we placed an order for a new Catalina 350. It was delivered in the winter, and we began our adventures in April of 2003. We fully understand that we were beginning on a big boat. We had some experience with powerboats and houseboats (32' and 38'), but we still knew we were in for a big learning curve. Therefore, we hired a private sailing instructor to help us. It worked out great. We worked on basic terminology and docking. Rules of the road and docking. MOB drills and docking. Sail trim and docking. Points of sail and docking. We even did some strong weather sailing (30 kts wind, rain, strong current) and docking. Basic navigation and docking. Reefing and docking. Anchoring and docking. Did I mention that we practiced docking? Our instructor worked with us over various stages of the season - spring, summer, fall on the Chesapeake Bay. Everything was going great, and we were having a ball! Then - my wife had surgery in July. Our sailing was put on hold for a month or so until she was ready to resume in early September. We practiced and practiced. I'm sure some of the folks at our marina had a good time watching us tacking, jibing, heaving to, and docking! But, we were having fun, and not trying to take on more than we could handle at each stage. Each day I would visit this website and see what others were talking about. This website is fantastic. Phil, Trevor, and whoever else works on it do a great job. They provide an easy format for the rest of us to share and learn. I'm convinced that we are farther along because of this very website - and the C350 listserve over at Sailnet. The owners of this site don't even get angry when people openly discuss buying boat equipment at other sites, when it can be purchased at the chandlery right on this website. In the future, I will definitely give this website's chandlery a fair chance at my boating business. We are already making plans for next year's sailing adventures. We want to do some overnighters and enjoy the nooks and crannies of the upper Chesapeake Bay. What a great place to sail! My winter homework assignment is to become more proficient in the acedemic parts of Coastal Navigation. The charts are already spread out all over the floor, nav tools nearby... our dog and I are ready! Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank each of you for your participation on this website. Our first sailing season has been wonderful. Partly due to the generosity of folks on this website that have shared their knowledge and experiences. We look forward to being able to give back even a small part of what you've given to us. By the by, our docking is coming along great!
Sincerely, Jack and Sylvia s/v Friendship C350, #80great thread!
my thanks goes out to be able to live in the greatest country on earth and all the people who have fought and die to make it so. just as the ole Buffett tune goes; mother, mother ocean after all the years Ive tried wanted to sail upon your waters since I was 3ft tall God bless America!
my thanks goes out to be able to live in the greatest country on earth and all the people who have fought and die to make it so. just as the ole Buffett tune goes; mother, mother ocean after all the years Ive tried wanted to sail upon your waters since I was 3ft tall God bless America!
wedding present
I have to thank my in-laws for deciding to purchase an '86 Capri 22 for my wife and I. I've always loved being on the water, but I got hooked on sailing while in college. Ever since, I had been toying with the idea of buying a boat, but the price of what I wanted was always just slightly out of reach, or other expenses popped up at the wrong time (moving, unexpected car repairs, you all know how life is). Not long before the wedding, my FIL decided that we weren't getting money as a present, he wanted to buy us something tangible. Knowing I like to sail, he suggested that he might buy us a boat. I thought he was joking, and said, Yeah sure, go ahead and buy us a boat! Two days later, he called again and told us to drive up to Baltimore to check out a nice Catalina that he found. It's the only boat we checked out in person, and we loved it immediately. Of course, special thanks must also go to a wife who was open-minded enough to accept that gift, when she had only ever been on a sailboat once before in her life. Thank god it turns out that she enjoys sailing, and doesn't get seasick!
I have to thank my in-laws for deciding to purchase an '86 Capri 22 for my wife and I. I've always loved being on the water, but I got hooked on sailing while in college. Ever since, I had been toying with the idea of buying a boat, but the price of what I wanted was always just slightly out of reach, or other expenses popped up at the wrong time (moving, unexpected car repairs, you all know how life is). Not long before the wedding, my FIL decided that we weren't getting money as a present, he wanted to buy us something tangible. Knowing I like to sail, he suggested that he might buy us a boat. I thought he was joking, and said, Yeah sure, go ahead and buy us a boat! Two days later, he called again and told us to drive up to Baltimore to check out a nice Catalina that he found. It's the only boat we checked out in person, and we loved it immediately. Of course, special thanks must also go to a wife who was open-minded enough to accept that gift, when she had only ever been on a sailboat once before in her life. Thank god it turns out that she enjoys sailing, and doesn't get seasick!
To My Dad and Uncles
I'm grateful to my Dad and uncles, who introduced me to boating and taught me how to sail when I was a child. They showed me how fun and adventurous it was, and it resonated with my love of the water! Starting with 8' prams on lakes in the Midwest, I have boated and sailed as my main recreation throughout the rest of my life, and am very grateful for their wonderful introduction--
I'm grateful to my Dad and uncles, who introduced me to boating and taught me how to sail when I was a child. They showed me how fun and adventurous it was, and it resonated with my love of the water! Starting with 8' prams on lakes in the Midwest, I have boated and sailed as my main recreation throughout the rest of my life, and am very grateful for their wonderful introduction--
Just picked it up on my own
About 30 years ago my wife and I bought a Luger kit boat which resembled a Sunfish. We learned very quickly what a "flying jibe" is. Our lake was small (150 acres) and full of peninsulas which quickly wised us up to anticipating wind shifts. So several sail and power boats later who do I thank, my wife, for letting me mess around in boats for the last 32 years
About 30 years ago my wife and I bought a Luger kit boat which resembled a Sunfish. We learned very quickly what a "flying jibe" is. Our lake was small (150 acres) and full of peninsulas which quickly wised us up to anticipating wind shifts. So several sail and power boats later who do I thank, my wife, for letting me mess around in boats for the last 32 years
Complicated answer for me
Great question but a complicated anwser for me. Many years ago, my uncle loaned me his Dyer Dink for the summer--I believe his motivation was for me to strip it down, re-cauk, and re-paint the boat for free. Much work as I remember it. But the summer of sailing out of Rye on Long Island Sound was pure pleasure. I hadn't the foggiest notion of how to sail but I learned. A few years later, married and drafted into the Army, I was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. We didn't have any money so we would go down to the Ali Wai basin and look at the Transpac sailing fleet of gold platers. All wood with paid crews, I dreamed, maybe someday. Finally out of the service, we returned home and me back to being a grade school teacher which means no money and no bank would loan anything to a teacher in those days with a salary of $3600 a year. But we bought a Sabot, a small sailing dinghy and sailed on the local lakes. My wife fell in love with sailing--the quietness, the control and the beauty of sailing. Finally we bought a wood 16 ft Comet (a small Star) that we found to be a foot shorter than it was advertised. Apparently, it had dry rot and someone cut off a foot at the stern. No matter, we sailed all over Lake Washiington and thought we were rich. It leaked and had cotton sails but we had fun. Fibreglass boats were beginning to make their mark although most sailors were saying they wouldn't go to sea in a glass boat. But the situation changed when the Labworth designed Cal 40 won the Trans Pac race to Hawaii. I thought that forty footer was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. I had pure lust for that boat. Boeing engineers, doctors and lawyers were buying that boat, but school teachers weren't. One of Lapworth's next designes was the Cal 20, a fibreglas boat for San Fransico Bay. They was being sold at the dealership for $3500 on Lake Union in Seattle. When I could, I would go down and sit on one of them at the dealer's and dream. It was a beautiful boat, white with bright red trim. It had an interior, no cooking, no head, no nothing, but it still was a beautiful boat in my eyes. Bob, the dealer, said, "$500 down and you can have the boat." Yeah, right. We were lucky to have $10 left over at the end of the month on my salary. Lynn was working at Boeing but it didn't pay well either. I walked in to Cadrenels one day and there was a sign,"special, price reduced. $3000." I still didn't have $500 dollars. But necessity is the mother of something or other. I talked to Bob and said what if he were to sell me the boat for the original $3500 but only got his sale price. I would use the difference in the price for my down payment. I was dumb enough not to know that car dealers had been doing this sort of thing for years. Bob agreed to the idea. "Go get the rest of the money." Again, I tried my bank. No luck--they really saw school teachers as a bad risk and for a boat! That was even worse. I went back to Bob Cadrenel and told him I just couldn't put the deal together. My head was down, I was a beat man. My wife was worried about me but she wasn't feeling much better. For a few moments there we thought we might have the boat of our dreams. Then Bob suggested we try a Boat Broker across the lake. I was not excited about the prospects -- I suspected his rates would resemble Mafia rates where I would have to give him my first born and six virgins. But my wife said, what have we to lose, we can always say no if we don't like the deal. We drove around the lake and found the broker who also sold insurance. No a good sign as far as I was concerned. John's office was over the water, looking at boats moored and docked nearby. A sort of fartherly figure, no receptionist, no secretary, he was everything. We sat down and Lynn presented him with the brochure that Bob had given me which I had dogged eared totally. Lynn also was prepared to gave him our last income tax report, but he declines it. "How much is your yearly salary? Now, Bob, is going to give you the boat for $3000 and you will use the difference for the down payment, right?" My wife and I looked at each other. John had already figured out what we were doing and seemed acceptable to it. He did some calculating and said the payments would be--I don't remember but they were way under what we thought they would be from the bank. Lynn asked about the interest rate and it was also way lower than the bank. I'm afraid Lynn and I sat there we our mouths open. John explained that banks didn't know boats, didn't understand boats, and basically didn't understand boaters. He explained that most people with boats would sell the house first, the kids next, the mother-in-law (didn't care which side of the family) before they would lose their boat. Besides, John went on, he was loaning money on a boat that he knew that he could sell easily if I were to default on it. He went on, "teachers are a good risk." I still don't know whether he picked me up off the floor or my wife did. She and I were both blown away with the ease, the curtesey and the understanding of John. He also had added on some insurance but told us to pay that part separately. And don't forget to tell Bob that the boat is already insured. It all took less than an hour and I think we drove back to Cadrenel Boat Landing, but to be truefull with you I just don't remember. I had my boat. I had my boat, I HAD MY BOAT! It didn't have a compass, or PDFs, even an outboard motor--we borrowed my mother-in-laws kicker motor for that since we didn't have to use her for collateral. It didn't have cooking facilities or storage. But we had a boat. And we learned to really sail aboard her--we named her Wind Flower. Not too creative, but my wife liked plants. I race her and we cruised. Boy, did we cruise. We added a head and used camping gear to cook--had to join REI for that. And we loved our boat. That was 43 years ago and I still remember buying that boat with emotion. It was the start of of a great hobby for both my wife and I. Thanks to Bob for putting up with me and John who made it all possible. Since Wind Flower we've had eight other boats, but Wind Flower, our first Cal 20, will always have a special place in my heart. Les
Great question but a complicated anwser for me. Many years ago, my uncle loaned me his Dyer Dink for the summer--I believe his motivation was for me to strip it down, re-cauk, and re-paint the boat for free. Much work as I remember it. But the summer of sailing out of Rye on Long Island Sound was pure pleasure. I hadn't the foggiest notion of how to sail but I learned. A few years later, married and drafted into the Army, I was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. We didn't have any money so we would go down to the Ali Wai basin and look at the Transpac sailing fleet of gold platers. All wood with paid crews, I dreamed, maybe someday. Finally out of the service, we returned home and me back to being a grade school teacher which means no money and no bank would loan anything to a teacher in those days with a salary of $3600 a year. But we bought a Sabot, a small sailing dinghy and sailed on the local lakes. My wife fell in love with sailing--the quietness, the control and the beauty of sailing. Finally we bought a wood 16 ft Comet (a small Star) that we found to be a foot shorter than it was advertised. Apparently, it had dry rot and someone cut off a foot at the stern. No matter, we sailed all over Lake Washiington and thought we were rich. It leaked and had cotton sails but we had fun. Fibreglass boats were beginning to make their mark although most sailors were saying they wouldn't go to sea in a glass boat. But the situation changed when the Labworth designed Cal 40 won the Trans Pac race to Hawaii. I thought that forty footer was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. I had pure lust for that boat. Boeing engineers, doctors and lawyers were buying that boat, but school teachers weren't. One of Lapworth's next designes was the Cal 20, a fibreglas boat for San Fransico Bay. They was being sold at the dealership for $3500 on Lake Union in Seattle. When I could, I would go down and sit on one of them at the dealer's and dream. It was a beautiful boat, white with bright red trim. It had an interior, no cooking, no head, no nothing, but it still was a beautiful boat in my eyes. Bob, the dealer, said, "$500 down and you can have the boat." Yeah, right. We were lucky to have $10 left over at the end of the month on my salary. Lynn was working at Boeing but it didn't pay well either. I walked in to Cadrenels one day and there was a sign,"special, price reduced. $3000." I still didn't have $500 dollars. But necessity is the mother of something or other. I talked to Bob and said what if he were to sell me the boat for the original $3500 but only got his sale price. I would use the difference in the price for my down payment. I was dumb enough not to know that car dealers had been doing this sort of thing for years. Bob agreed to the idea. "Go get the rest of the money." Again, I tried my bank. No luck--they really saw school teachers as a bad risk and for a boat! That was even worse. I went back to Bob Cadrenel and told him I just couldn't put the deal together. My head was down, I was a beat man. My wife was worried about me but she wasn't feeling much better. For a few moments there we thought we might have the boat of our dreams. Then Bob suggested we try a Boat Broker across the lake. I was not excited about the prospects -- I suspected his rates would resemble Mafia rates where I would have to give him my first born and six virgins. But my wife said, what have we to lose, we can always say no if we don't like the deal. We drove around the lake and found the broker who also sold insurance. No a good sign as far as I was concerned. John's office was over the water, looking at boats moored and docked nearby. A sort of fartherly figure, no receptionist, no secretary, he was everything. We sat down and Lynn presented him with the brochure that Bob had given me which I had dogged eared totally. Lynn also was prepared to gave him our last income tax report, but he declines it. "How much is your yearly salary? Now, Bob, is going to give you the boat for $3000 and you will use the difference for the down payment, right?" My wife and I looked at each other. John had already figured out what we were doing and seemed acceptable to it. He did some calculating and said the payments would be--I don't remember but they were way under what we thought they would be from the bank. Lynn asked about the interest rate and it was also way lower than the bank. I'm afraid Lynn and I sat there we our mouths open. John explained that banks didn't know boats, didn't understand boats, and basically didn't understand boaters. He explained that most people with boats would sell the house first, the kids next, the mother-in-law (didn't care which side of the family) before they would lose their boat. Besides, John went on, he was loaning money on a boat that he knew that he could sell easily if I were to default on it. He went on, "teachers are a good risk." I still don't know whether he picked me up off the floor or my wife did. She and I were both blown away with the ease, the curtesey and the understanding of John. He also had added on some insurance but told us to pay that part separately. And don't forget to tell Bob that the boat is already insured. It all took less than an hour and I think we drove back to Cadrenel Boat Landing, but to be truefull with you I just don't remember. I had my boat. I had my boat, I HAD MY BOAT! It didn't have a compass, or PDFs, even an outboard motor--we borrowed my mother-in-laws kicker motor for that since we didn't have to use her for collateral. It didn't have cooking facilities or storage. But we had a boat. And we learned to really sail aboard her--we named her Wind Flower. Not too creative, but my wife liked plants. I race her and we cruised. Boy, did we cruise. We added a head and used camping gear to cook--had to join REI for that. And we loved our boat. That was 43 years ago and I still remember buying that boat with emotion. It was the start of of a great hobby for both my wife and I. Thanks to Bob for putting up with me and John who made it all possible. Since Wind Flower we've had eight other boats, but Wind Flower, our first Cal 20, will always have a special place in my heart. Les
Hardy boys
Born and reared in Tennessee reading the Hardy boys was my first memory of sailing. Then the boy who sailed alone around the world in National geographic. Now my wife who enjoys sailing as much or more than I do. We are so thankful for this past weekend in Mobile bay. Absolutely perfect sailing!!!!! Well maybe if the wind had come up a little sooner on Sunday. About 10:45 no wind glassy surface, 11:00 good sailing 2:00 had to head back home to Bham... the worst part of the weekend. We weren't the only ones appreciating the weather. There must've been 50 boats out on the bay.
Born and reared in Tennessee reading the Hardy boys was my first memory of sailing. Then the boy who sailed alone around the world in National geographic. Now my wife who enjoys sailing as much or more than I do. We are so thankful for this past weekend in Mobile bay. Absolutely perfect sailing!!!!! Well maybe if the wind had come up a little sooner on Sunday. About 10:45 no wind glassy surface, 11:00 good sailing 2:00 had to head back home to Bham... the worst part of the weekend. We weren't the only ones appreciating the weather. There must've been 50 boats out on the bay.
I thank God
Two things got my Father and I started. The first was the puzzle of sailing - how the wind flows over a sail, and the water over the hull, centerboard, and rudder. How all of that interacts with the weight distribution, and tension on the tiller, and the control lines. Then there is the continual puzzle of the weather he sends, and how it reacts with the water underneath us. We just wanted to get out there and see if we could solve the puzzle God set for us - in real time, with our little home-made Moth, our bodies, and our minds. Second was the beauty of nature around us. The chance to be outdoors, under the sky, and focused on our surroundings. For the two of us spending most of our days in the office, factory, or classroom, we needed and rejoiced in our time immersed in God's creation. Those are still the principal attractions for me, my Dad, the Admiral, and the other family and friends who join us. Cruising the Great Lakes adds scope to God's puzzle, and grandeur to his creation (there is nothing quite like a sunset, or the northern lights over water from horizon to horizon.) I also thank God for the wealth and opportunity to enjoy all of this. In my travels, I have seen so many people for whom the time and money that support our sailing seems far beyond their grasp. Thankfully, David & Joanne Lady Lillie
Two things got my Father and I started. The first was the puzzle of sailing - how the wind flows over a sail, and the water over the hull, centerboard, and rudder. How all of that interacts with the weight distribution, and tension on the tiller, and the control lines. Then there is the continual puzzle of the weather he sends, and how it reacts with the water underneath us. We just wanted to get out there and see if we could solve the puzzle God set for us - in real time, with our little home-made Moth, our bodies, and our minds. Second was the beauty of nature around us. The chance to be outdoors, under the sky, and focused on our surroundings. For the two of us spending most of our days in the office, factory, or classroom, we needed and rejoiced in our time immersed in God's creation. Those are still the principal attractions for me, my Dad, the Admiral, and the other family and friends who join us. Cruising the Great Lakes adds scope to God's puzzle, and grandeur to his creation (there is nothing quite like a sunset, or the northern lights over water from horizon to horizon.) I also thank God for the wealth and opportunity to enjoy all of this. In my travels, I have seen so many people for whom the time and money that support our sailing seems far beyond their grasp. Thankfully, David & Joanne Lady Lillie
Really I taught my self mostly
About 5 years ago I was at a small wooden boat/kayak get together. I saw several small 8 foot dingies available to try out. I just got in one sailed away from the dock, tacked around some, got back to the dock with out any problem and was hooked. I do have my wife to thank for out New Catalina 250K - she didn't like any of the used ones we looked at - how luck can I get - she wanted the new boat and like sailing ( cooks good also)
About 5 years ago I was at a small wooden boat/kayak get together. I saw several small 8 foot dingies available to try out. I just got in one sailed away from the dock, tacked around some, got back to the dock with out any problem and was hooked. I do have my wife to thank for out New Catalina 250K - she didn't like any of the used ones we looked at - how luck can I get - she wanted the new boat and like sailing ( cooks good also)
THANK YOU FRED
Way back in 1965 a friend called and begged me to go on a blind date with her husband's Fraternity brother. Not wishing to "waste" a Saturday night, I asked about going out during the day. The "blind date" replied that he had to take the covers off of his sailboat. I said that would be fine and we did just that. That was April 16, 1965. By June 7, 1965, we had sanded, varnished, painted the sailboat and become engaged. We married November 24, 1965 right after hauling the boat for the Winter. Fred introduced me to the joys of sailing. Today marks our 38th anniversary. We have been enjoying sailing together since 1965. Two of our three children are also into boating. Our latest boat, a 1991 Hunter Legend 37.5 aptly named TAX$EA in honor of the fact that we are both Certified Public Accountants, has enabled us to enjoy this season in spite of the less than perfect weather. She's sturdy, stable, and comfortable for cruising. We have been to Newport, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod and many ports inbetween.
Way back in 1965 a friend called and begged me to go on a blind date with her husband's Fraternity brother. Not wishing to "waste" a Saturday night, I asked about going out during the day. The "blind date" replied that he had to take the covers off of his sailboat. I said that would be fine and we did just that. That was April 16, 1965. By June 7, 1965, we had sanded, varnished, painted the sailboat and become engaged. We married November 24, 1965 right after hauling the boat for the Winter. Fred introduced me to the joys of sailing. Today marks our 38th anniversary. We have been enjoying sailing together since 1965. Two of our three children are also into boating. Our latest boat, a 1991 Hunter Legend 37.5 aptly named TAX$EA in honor of the fact that we are both Certified Public Accountants, has enabled us to enjoy this season in spite of the less than perfect weather. She's sturdy, stable, and comfortable for cruising. We have been to Newport, Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod and many ports inbetween.
Not sure......
who to thank, but I am very thankful. Nobody in my family ever owned or sailed a boat before but for some reason from the time I can remember, it's all I wanted. Sailing off to distant lands in your "floating home", harnessing the elements, being self-contained & relying only on yourself, to be so small yet experiencing forces and being a part of something so massive was the fuel for my sailing fire. It's truly awe inspiring and humbling. I have learned a lot over the years from just about everybody I have come in contact with around sailing and I thank them all. Nowadays, with a 43' Beneteau and a fiance who shares my fire, it's no longer a kids dream, it's a grown up kids reality.
who to thank, but I am very thankful. Nobody in my family ever owned or sailed a boat before but for some reason from the time I can remember, it's all I wanted. Sailing off to distant lands in your "floating home", harnessing the elements, being self-contained & relying only on yourself, to be so small yet experiencing forces and being a part of something so massive was the fuel for my sailing fire. It's truly awe inspiring and humbling. I have learned a lot over the years from just about everybody I have come in contact with around sailing and I thank them all. Nowadays, with a 43' Beneteau and a fiance who shares my fire, it's no longer a kids dream, it's a grown up kids reality.
hats off to Les
what a great story. I too, taught myself to sail out of a book in Destin harbor. had to learn fast to keep from being killed by all the fishermen coming in and out. they didnt have much use for a rookie sailor on a small beach cat.
what a great story. I too, taught myself to sail out of a book in Destin harbor. had to learn fast to keep from being killed by all the fishermen coming in and out. they didnt have much use for a rookie sailor on a small beach cat.
Uncle George
I was 6-years-old, living in West Palm Beach, Florida. My Uncle George, a great bear of a man who taught me everything I knew about sailing to that point, entered me in a race with other younsters on Lake Worth. Our craft were wooden prams that were undersailed and impossible to turn over. I placed last (and got a trophy for it) but more importantly it was that experience that planted and watered the seed in me that grew into a full-blown tree called "love of sailing". My Uncle George died a couple years ago but I'll always remember him for opening up that wonderful world to me. He was a highly sought after crew member for the big, fast, expensive racing boats that sailed in races like from Miami to Bermuda. He was huge, so he could wrestle the heavy lines and big winches, and his knowledge of racing was enormous. When I'm on my boat now under a full head of steam, lee rail buried in the water, sun in my face, cold beer in my hand, filled with the joy of what I'm doing, I feel Uncle George looking down at me and smiling.
I was 6-years-old, living in West Palm Beach, Florida. My Uncle George, a great bear of a man who taught me everything I knew about sailing to that point, entered me in a race with other younsters on Lake Worth. Our craft were wooden prams that were undersailed and impossible to turn over. I placed last (and got a trophy for it) but more importantly it was that experience that planted and watered the seed in me that grew into a full-blown tree called "love of sailing". My Uncle George died a couple years ago but I'll always remember him for opening up that wonderful world to me. He was a highly sought after crew member for the big, fast, expensive racing boats that sailed in races like from Miami to Bermuda. He was huge, so he could wrestle the heavy lines and big winches, and his knowledge of racing was enormous. When I'm on my boat now under a full head of steam, lee rail buried in the water, sun in my face, cold beer in my hand, filled with the joy of what I'm doing, I feel Uncle George looking down at me and smiling.
My Husband
I spent many, many years dreaming of having a sailboat... My husband embraced my dream with enthusiasm and we now have our third, and best by far, sailboat. Thanks, Eric, my co-pilot and best friend.
I spent many, many years dreaming of having a sailboat... My husband embraced my dream with enthusiasm and we now have our third, and best by far, sailboat. Thanks, Eric, my co-pilot and best friend.
Thanks for the dream dad
My father taught both my older brother and I to sail I think the age of five and have been sailing ever since (now 44). He taught us how to race PHRP, then internationally to Ensenada and the Newport Beach around Guadalupe Island race. He sold the family's last boat about 8 years ago. Which is ok with me because I bougth my "real" first boat about 14 years ago. And have been living aboard full time for over nine years, the last almost 4 years on my Catalina 36. You should of seen the smile on my fathers face when he first layed eyes on my c-36, (to truly apprciate this you would have had to seen what my Columbia 26 looked like). He hepled with the delivery cruise via Catalina from Los Alimitos to Ventura. On that trip he started to teach my girlfriend how to navigate, which she is still learning. Well he's gone, now passed away this January of a heart attach, so I know he is once again sailing fair weather. Dad you did well. David Ps. Named the boat after my mother whose inheritance helped fund the purchase. "S/V Sweet Lorraine"
My father taught both my older brother and I to sail I think the age of five and have been sailing ever since (now 44). He taught us how to race PHRP, then internationally to Ensenada and the Newport Beach around Guadalupe Island race. He sold the family's last boat about 8 years ago. Which is ok with me because I bougth my "real" first boat about 14 years ago. And have been living aboard full time for over nine years, the last almost 4 years on my Catalina 36. You should of seen the smile on my fathers face when he first layed eyes on my c-36, (to truly apprciate this you would have had to seen what my Columbia 26 looked like). He hepled with the delivery cruise via Catalina from Los Alimitos to Ventura. On that trip he started to teach my girlfriend how to navigate, which she is still learning. Well he's gone, now passed away this January of a heart attach, so I know he is once again sailing fair weather. Dad you did well. David Ps. Named the boat after my mother whose inheritance helped fund the purchase. "S/V Sweet Lorraine"
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