The Begining
09 December 2008 | St. Catharines
Derek
When I first saw "Ocean Dove" about 2 years ago she was called "Lady M III" and sat on the hard. I was looking at another boat at the time. My ideal boat (I thought) was a 35'ish sailboat with a three-cabin layout, a tall order. "Lady M" sat near by and was about 7 feet to long.
While surfing the net I saw a well-priced Whitby 42 (not Lady M) I called Doug Stephenson www.yachtsls.com the broker. He told me of Whitby 42 close to me he had listed for more money "Lady M". I told Doug I would pass too big, too much money.
In the spring Doug listing for "lady M" had a major price drop. I called Doug "now I am interested" Doug is a very knowledgeable man and specialty about Whitby's. Doug filled me in on the history of "Lady M".
My first impression of "Lady M" was "a Diamond in the Rough". She had spent most of her life in saltwater, most of her systems needed to be upgraded or replaced. I had my camera and clicked away at all the problem areas to view later.
As I walked forward along the deck I noticed that a mourning dove had built a nest on the bowsprit, I left it undisturbed and continued on my photo shoot.
The next day I brought the Admiral "Darlene" aboard to have a look. The Admiral gave me the thumbs up sign (I have the photo to prove it) with some small conditions "New stove, new cushions". I called Doug, put down a deposit, set about surveying the hull, sails, engine.
June 4/08 "Lady M III" became ours and the work began.
After a great deal of thought we decided to honor the dove I saw the first time I was aboard "Lady M"
We renamed her "Ocean Dove".