Sailboat

I bought a sailboat.

I've sailed small boats most of my life.  But, during these last six months of light-living, I've spent night-times reading every book I could about the design, construction, and maintenance of larger, fiberglass, lead-keel sailboats.

I took the money I had saved renting out my condo, and last week, with my old friends Ross Gerber, and Dan Monico, I bought a 27 foot Canadian-made boat called a C&C.  It was made 1987 and owned by a 66 year old tool & die maker who took excellent care of it.  He actually teared up a little while he was showing Ross and I how to rig the boat, and run the diesel engine.  I plan to invite him out sailing with us.

The boat is rigged with crisp, white, racing sails.  The teak-lined cabin is small, but modestly includes four bunks, a propane stove, and a private head.  We have yet to settle on a name.

A crane hauled the 4700 pound boat into the water in Winthrop Harbor, on the Wisconsin border.  On Sunday, we three climbed aboard, hoisted the sails and pointed towards Chicago.  The wind was favorable - we averaged about 6 knots.  The journey south took us nine hours.






Now home in downtown Chicago, the sailboat lives at my mooring in Monroe Harbor.  I've already spent a few nights aboard.  It is cool, but comfortable, and serene.  This morning I made a cup of tea and stood in the companionway looking at the sunrise on the city skyline.  Then, I rowed ashore and walked to work through Millenium Park.  All is well.

the view from our mooring

A special thanks to my folks for their support with this year-long project, and to my friends and co-workers for the words of encouragement.