As requested, a short ending to this tale.

We went over to see her - tickets etc had already been paid for !

Basically, she was scrapped. The damage was considered to be to sever to try and repair, and the quotes we received were ....well, lets just say...ludicrous !

Whether we will ever raise enough money to try again, what with the exchange rate and that the international boat prices are going up....I don't know.
Right now tho, we are focused on trying to recoup the lost retirement kitty.

In the meantime, we have 'downscaled' our sail boat/s - substantially !
The rugrat sails a Dabchick, and sometimes an RS Terra. The good wife sails a Laser, and I try get around on a GP14.

As for the dream, all that remains are memories.
Even in her sorry state, you could see her beauty. You could feel her strength. She had soul !
Walking away was difficult (and still is) !

It was ..... an interesting ride.