Blogger has sort of become my personal journal. I use it to share what's happening in my life with family and friends (and the public - you're free to watch), but also to sort out my thoughts on these happenings as well. (Just click on my "about me" section to see my travels to China, my relationship to a group of monks in NY state, or even a thought pilgrimage I shared with some great kids long ago.) My blogs also serve as a combination photo & memory album. Anyway, this boat thing seems to be big enough now to warrant it's own space.
How did this happen? It started out with our move to our current home. We live in a condo that overlooks Keyport Harbor and the Keyport Yacht Club's mooring field. During the spring of 2013, we watched as the activity increased and became fascinated by watching the people out on their boats. In June we decided to go on a Sunset Sail on the "Kathleen D" (a nearby charter boat). Vicky started a conversation with Captain George (the man sailing the boat) and the next thing you know we are taking ASA's Sailing 101 course (intro to sailing).
From there we spent a pleasant few weekends sailing a rental Seward 22' on the nearby Navesink River (even taking out some friends for a day), and then we took ASA 103 (coastal cruising). Both courses were taught on Captain George's 34' Bristol, with Captain Andrew teaching the 2nd course. Somewhere along the way we took a sunset and fireworks cruise on the Kathleen D and we were hooked. In late August, I purchased a 1996 West Wight Potter 19' and we had some interesting times on it out on the Raritan Bay the last few good weekends in 2013.
But the short boat was way too live in the bay where the it is much more exposed to wind. So over the winter we started talking about getting something bigger. It's weird how that happens... first a side comment or two... months pass between thinking about it in the early stages, then some more comments. Soon "what should we add to our boat?" discussions become "we should have a bigger boat" discussions. Over the last couple of weeks it got intense as we spent time researching various boats and dealers, finally deciding on a new Catalina 315 from a nice family dealership in south NJ.
Why a new boat? Why now? It's hard to say. Life has been quite a turmoil for me the past 5 years... dying parents, divorce, job uncertainties and the like have been mixed in with the tremendous rush of finding a new relationship and other major changes like major moves. We have navigated through this in life and both of us have landed well... not perfect, but quite well. God has richly blessed us. Both of us also realize that while we're not old... the years are ticking and we're not getting any younger. Now seems a good time.
One funny thing I realized this morning that we first set foot on a Catalina 315 one week after our first sailing excursion (back in June 2013). I was on a business trip to Chicago and we took a taxi down to their "In Water Boat Show". It was literally the first boat we stepped on! (photos from June 2013 in Chicago)
(photos from June 2013 in Chicago)
So the boat is ordered, the financing approved, and I'll fill in some details while we wait for delivery in April or May.
Hey Vickey and George, been hanging around the computer enjoying your boating adventure log.
ReplyDeleteRequest, I've been thinking of the same boat. Would you, could you post a picture of the holding tank, it's location and the plumbing to thru hulls? And, how many batteries do you have on your boat?
Regards, Larry , from Texas
Hey, Vickey and George, Just hanging around the computer enjoying your boating adventure. I've been thinking of a 315 and I wanted to ask if you could post a picture of the holding tank, it's location and the thru hull plumbing on the inside?
ReplyDeleteAlso, how many batteries do you have on your boat?
Regards, Larry
Thanks Larry... here you go.
ReplyDeletehttp://sailingwithgeorgeandvicky.blogspot.com/2015/09/dealing-with-all-sht.html
Oh, we have 2 batteries...
ReplyDelete