28 Jan 2008
The Search Continues
Over the past few months I’ve been focused on my career, but GreenWanderer keeps coming back to me. Some things have become more clear while others seem to fade in importance.
My name finally appeared on the Top Ten waiting list for a 40 foot slip in Santa Cruz Harbor. This has been a long time coming, I originally put my on the list in 1977 and then again in 1985, but missed a year update each time and fell off the list. I have been continuously on the list since Jan. 1991 and was excited to finally see my name as they only publish the Top Ten.
It has sharpened my search for a larger sailboat. As I research and chat with various brokers, I realize that I have some conflicting objectives: a fun coastal cruiser, a safe bluewater cruiser and a comfortable live aboard. One boat can’t satisfy all 3 especially given my budget and the 40 foot limitation.
The idea of a coastal cruiser is becoming more attractive. Something that will allow me to practice for a few years, sailing up and down the coast or even to Hawaii, before taking the jump around the world. I also have realized that the selection for boats in the 5 – 20 year range is very limited and dominated by Catalina and Hunter due to boat surtaxes imposed by Regan that forced most manufacturers out of the business in the 80’s.
Given the great experience I’ve had with Calypso, a ‘79 Cal 2-27. I have been thinking about a Cal 39. I also have a watch setup on YachtWorld.com for 40 – 44 sailboats, but other than Beneteau’s, nothing has caught my eye. And since its a French boat, you don’t see many Beneteaus on the west coast and they tend to cost more.
Even though I’m in the 40 foot waiting list Top Ten in Santa Cruz, I still have a year or more to make some decisions. With the economy the way it is and positive re-enforcement at work, I’m happy to be patient, let my retirement build and practice sailing a larger boat before embarking on any longer term cruising.
Bon Voyage, Jay
