I'm Baaack!

[John Sand]

I've been away for a couple of weeks, sailing Wandering Star up from Georgia. We had some lovely days and nights, saw sea turtles and pelagic birds. visited quiet anchorages. We also had some severe weather, a squall that caused the anchor to drag, and a storm at sea that washed gear right off the boat. The boat and crew performed admirably.
We did visit some pubs too.
We now return to our regular schedule.

[Beer-lord]

John, you're a very likeable guy but if you keep this up, I'm going to stop liking you.
Glad the trip went well. I'm sure it was well deserved.

[RickBeer]

We hate you....

[John Sand]

You would have hated me on board after we sailed past Atlantic City Sunday afternoon, then got blasted Sunday night. The seas and spray made us cut helm watches to 1 hour at a time. Thankfully the heavy weather started to decrease during the night. The boat can take it, but it's hard on the crew. Rolling and pitching, it's hard to eat, or sleep, or get dry. You feel pretty good after you get through it though. The crew earned a day of liberty in NYC. They come sailing for the adventure and travel. Also beer and liquor, but not underway.

[RickBeer]

Understand completely. On Saturday we went for our demo drive, and there were gusts to 50 and waves 3+ feet - which on a lake is not normal. Most of the time there are no waves at all. For a 16' boat with a 70hp engine, was surprised how well it handle it. Went into a somewhat sheltered area but it wasn't even close to be able to "test" it. Signed anyway, pickup this weekend.

[John Sand]

Very cool, Rick.
Be careful on that go fast boat.
(Says the guy who just came in from sea on a 50 year old wood boat)

[RickBeer]

Yeah, real fast with a 70HP...

We are selling the 1961 lapstrake wood boat we had, hopefully it will be picked up this weekend.

[John Sand]

What is the lapstrake boat? ChrisCraft? Lyman? Thompson?

[RickBeer]

I wish.

Cruisers Inc. Model 302.

Just sent you a link.

[John Sand]

I like it.

[RickBeer]

Ha! Been for sale for almost 2 years. Started at $2k, finally sold it for $1,250. Motor hasn't been run in 25 years, steering wheel is soft, pulleys for steering are brittle, .... Hopefully it gets picked up Saturday.

[John Sand]

Well, I hope the new owner repairs it and uses it with pride. My OWB (Old Wood Boat) gets noticed everywhere, in spite of always needing more paint.
What is the new boat?