I have started this blog as a journal of our next adventure. Bruce retired several years ago and I am trying to semi-retire. We both would like to have another sailboat as we have more time to go sailing now then we did when we were both working full-time.
We are getting close to finding our new sailboat. It has been a long hunt. First there was the money problem - not enough. That has been solved - almost. Now it is which vessel to purchase keeping in mind the budget.
Bruce and I have owned two sailboat together - will really four but I don't count two of them. Bruce has owned boats since he was a teenager, both power and sail. When we met he had a a little Herreshoff which we enjoyed for a couple of years. Then we purchased an Alberg 30. This vessel was Bruce's love and we enjoyed this vessel from 2001 to 2004. We took it to Marathon, FL Christmas of 2001 and sailed it in the Keys for the duration of our ownership. She was named Shannon's Kiss and Bruce cried when we sold her. Then we purchased a CSY 33, which was my love. Her name was Fils de Bast and we had her from 2004 to 2008. We also had her in the Keys and enjoyed our sails there. I cried when we sold her.
The other sailboats Bruce had after we sold the CSY was first a sailing Kayak and then Puff, a 17' daysailer.
As you can see we have different ideas on what is the perfect sailboat and that is causing the problem. I think we are probably like most couples.
We have looked at a Herreshoff, a 44 CSY, a Pretorian, PDQ 36 and a Hallberg-Rassy to name a few. There are others that we have discussed - Fantasia, Island Packet - But have not seen, to name the ones I can remember right now.
As you can see Bruce likes a classic boat that has a good pedigree and goes fast. I am looking for a sailboat that has two staterooms and preferably two heads. Don't get me wrong - I like a good looking vessel with a excellent reputation as well.
The first thing that Bruce looks at is the Hull, shrouds, and engine, the first think I look at is the layout. Did I tell you I used to be an interior designer? I guess that explains part of the problem. I'm interested to see what we settle on. I'll let you know when I do.