A Little Less Landlocked

The purchase has been completed.  Insurance has been secured.  We are now the new owners of a 1983 Hunter 34 sailboat.  This was a interesting process.

If you ask my wife what my favorite pastime is, she will say it is looking at sailboats.  I spend a great deal of time on Craigslist, Sailing Texas and Sailboat Listings looking for the right boat for our family.  Having owned various sailboats in the past, there is a long list of things that the next sailboat must have for our sailing needs. Some of these needs are for me and some for my wife and some for the kids.  Either way it means countless hours looking at boats on the internet.  It is a misconception thinking that any boat would be the perfect fit for  our needs or have all the gear that we would be interested in.   Really, all you are looking for is the boat that has the things that are highest on your priority list and the other things you can add or change later.

So that is what I found.  A Hunter 34 was for sale on Craigslist.  It was priced well below actual value.  So, the first thing to cross your mind is, "What is wrong with this boat?".  Then to make matters worse, a local broker listed the same boat on Craigslist for almost 10k more than the asking price on the previous Craigslist ad.  My RED flags were going crazy.  I contacted the seller.  I find out that he is not local and that he is needed in sell the boat that he just purchased in June.  (Another Red Flag)   He said that the broker made the second Craigslist ad without his knowledge.  (Green Flag... but I still contacted the Broker to verify this story.)  So end the end, the owner posted the boat with a low price to create a bidding war between interested parties.

After checking on the fact that the owner was representing the boat in the actual condition and without any problems or liens, then we were free to try to out bid other buyers.  The day we first seen the boat, there was already an offer in hand.  After several offers back and forth, we out lasted the others and the boat was ours.   A quick sea trial and the papers were signed.

The Dreams of a Landlocked Sailor are a little less landlocked.  The boat is berthed on Lake Michigan in Michigan City, Indiana.  Lake Michigan is connected to most waterways of the world.  Time for this sailor to think outside the lake.

Sell Your Boat to Me.

It is two hours before I have to get up to drive another two hours to Michigan City to take a look at a boat that is for sale.  The excitement always gets to me and I have a hard time sleeping.  You might say, "But, It's just a boat." However, to me it is freedom, relaxation and time I get to spend with my family. 

There are a few other things that I am excited for as well.  This boat has stand up headroom.  Something that you miss in a 23 footer with only 4 and a half foot clearance.  Next, I am tired for lugging the old port-a-pot to shore to dump. (It's a crappy job, but someone has to do it and with all girls in the household that fall on me.  I did not even get to vote.)  This boat has a storage tank and can be pumped out at the marina. The Hunter 34 has wheel steering that my wife and I learned to sail with. I am glad to have had a boat with tiller steering in the past to help me get a better connection with the wind and water, because with a tiller, it does FEEL different.  In the past, the girls wanted to being friends sailing with us. Now, there would be plenty of room. The 34 sleeps 7.  So, as she sits in the water and I await seeing her, she meets my criteria for the next boat.

All that stuff is fine and dandy, but a waste if left day and night at the dock.  I have a plan. Actually, it is a five year plan.  First, complete the purchase of the Hunter and secure storage for winter and a slip for next summer. Over the next three summers, take a months vacation to explore Door County, Traverse Bay, and Mackinac. In the forth year, we will take two months to take the boat through the St. Lawerence seaway, down the ICW to berth the boat in Florida for year five. The last year of my five year plan will see us take several trips from Florida to the Bahamas. This will help build our confidence to cruising and off shore passages. I look forward to getting to know this boat. I am sure we can learn from each other. 

So, in the end, I just need the current owner to sell ME his boat. I know we are not the only ones interested in her. I just know we are the best fit for her.  What about after the five year plan is up?  I am thinking, further south....

Palm Tree Therapy II

The west wind is bringing the salty smell of the ocean over the sand and mixing with the cool music of the islands.  Terra Cotta roofs reflect the warm Caribbean sun.  People are laughing and talking, but you don't really every hear any of the words spoken.  It's palm tree paradise.

There is no cell coverage and no wi-fi.  There is just palm tree coverage.  Tall towers of palm trees offering the perfect amount of sun and shade at the exact same time.  As the wind passes the leaves, you can actually hear them whispering to you.  "Welcome to the islands", they are saying.

The therapy is happy trees and happy people.  Happy people are more attractive and no wonder we are attracted to the places where palm trees grow.  They just make us happy.  Tall Trees, cold drinks and strangers who are friends that we just have not met yet.  Welcome to the Palm Tree state of mind.

Half Time Report

Time presses on and half a year has passed.  So NOT close to being on the water, you would think that my foot was nailed to the ground. 

The warm spring caused the sailing itch to come early and burn longer. Now, summer is in full swing and it is time for some family travel. I hope that things will free up for us to complete a winter charter to the BVI for my 40th birthday.

Our boat has been for sale for a few months and there is hope of a sale just after July 4th. Then on to the prospects of searching out a new sailboat just in time to tuck her in for the winter and dream of her launch. So much to do in so little time. Half time is the time to buck up and learn from the first half. Now is the time to finalized the game plan and get to work. Time to sail on. 

Weekday Sailors.

Weekday sailors.... Where are they?  I have been in a beach view condo over looking the mouth of the Savannah River and Atlantic Ocean for a week now and there has only been two sailboats to cruise by.  One was a 30+ foot cruiser and the other a Hobie Mirage.  All other vessels have been commercial barges.

The weather on Tybee Island has been gorgeous for our spring break.  Perfect weather, Perfect wind, Perfect water, so where are the boats.  I thought for sure that there would be sailboats abound this week.  Alas, none to speak of to be found.  I have spent my days at the beach reading Cruising World and daydreaming of the day to cast off the lines and say goodbye to reality.  You would think that others would have the same idea and would be out sailing.  So I just sit and wonder what is on those container ships. (I think they are loaded with ink pins, koozies and watches).

All in all we are having a good time on Tybee.  The kids stay busy and I have WiFi.  Life is good.  We have seen dolphins each day.... JUST no sailboats.

Hurry-cane Season

No, that is no typo. It is an accurate description of the pace of land life. The "Hurry Up". The, "I have to go her and do that, so I can then go and do this other thing". Lately, there have been two speeds at our house, Hurry up and Faster. We seem to go 100 miles per hour.

Every week and every day. There is work, kids activities and school, social activities (mostly the kids social life, Mom and Dad don't have a life. Lol) and other engagements. In between is the dream of moving a bit slower, say 4 knots. Life is better at 4 knots. Everything slows down. Food tastes better and the beers are smoother. Excuse the expression, but, at 4 knots everyone is in the same boat and there is nowhere else to be. I call it, "Going nowhere fast". When on the boat, if the weather is not favorable, then you wait it out. It makes no since to go. Just slow down and wait it out, will not put you or your boat in jepardy. One must be able to create an open ended schedule to achieve the optimal relaxation.

 I must leave you with these fast and furious words. I write this post while waiting for the kids to finish cheerleading practice, only to then to go drop off one of their friends, do homework, cook dinner, throw in some laundry and kiss the wife, then do it all again tomorrow. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. Folks, it is time to start thinking different. Beware, there is a NOAA alert for the Hurry-cane season.

Who are we fooling. It's about the Rum.

What is the sailor's drink of choice?  Rum.  Does the sailor drink rum because they sail, or do they sail because they drink rum?  The age old question.  But, really.... Who are we fooling.  If a sailor can combine things that he loves the more enjoyable the experience, but be responsible.

I love to read sailing blogs about sailing.  I found a article written in 2006 that combines the love for sailing and the love for rum.  Two of my favorite things.  You can check it out the the Cruising World website here.  It is well written and witty.  I have read this many times and it makes me smile each time.  

What sailor would be worth his salt, if he were drinking any rum other than Sailor Jerry.  This rum is made in the Caribbean and is dedicated to the craftmanship of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins.  He was a man who lived by his own rules.  Norman once said, "Good work is not cheap and cheap work is not good".  I can vouch for his rum, it IS worth the price.  

At the end of every sail, sailors will always find a reason to celebrate.  The Sundowner is the evening event that brings all sailors in an anchorage together for that celebration.  Take your pick of Rum recipes that can be enjoyed at anchor and shared with your fellow sailor.

As for me tonight I have a problem with Sailor Jerry Rum.... I am out!

Sand, Sun, Sail... Repeat

Call me a fair weather sailor.  Call me a cruiser, not a racer.  There are many hard core sailors out there that put on their heavy weather gear and brave the harsh winds from the covered cockpit in December.  These people love it, just like the golfers that I know that play every day that there is no snow on the course.  As for me, if there is sand and sun, then I am ready for a sail.

I don't know if it is sailing with the kids or the wife, but heavy weather sailing does not appeal to me.  Sailing to me is not getting thrown about while preparing to tack.  I want to sail when the sun is out and it is warm.  Most importantly, I don't want to spill my beer.  At a blistering 4 MPH,  life just feels better.

I want to snug the boat up to the beach and let the kids swim.  I want to hop up a chain of islands, only if the wind is blowing in that direction.  We carry beach chairs and sun umbrellas on our boat for just the occasion of hoping off and enjoying ourselves lounging in the sun and sand.  If the weather does not corporate, then I am satisfied hanging out tied up to the dock.  Reading, listening to music are some of the things we enjoy if we can't sail and you might be close to a restaurant to boot.  Dock life is different than camping, just saying.

Just to be clear, there is nothing wrong with sailing in extreme conditions or playing golf when it is 100 below zero.  I am just saying that I just prefer a more common approach to outdoor activities.  Give me the Sand, Sun, Sail and Repeat.

It is a Sickness

Boat parts soaking in the bathtub.  Sails under the bed and in the closet.  One half finished sailboat in the garage and the latest copy of Cruising World magazine read three times, highlighted and pages dog-eared.  I have a case of the "Landlocked Sailor" blues.  They doctors have said that there is no medication that will help.

I have it bad.  Yes, I have sails in the closet and under the bed.  No I don't have boat parts in the tub, yet.  I do have a half finished sailboat in the garage that is always for sale and I can't wait for my issues of Sail and Cruising World to arrive in the mail.  I would say I am addicted.  A sailboat junky.  My wife calls it my porn. 
Where can I get my next fix?  Boat shows, docks and magazines only get you so far.  Actually sailing is the only cure.  Running with the wind is what sets me free.

My evenings are filled with searching Ebay and Craigslist for used sailboats for sale.  Again, I am addicted.  I don't even need a computer any longer.  I have an App for that.  My Android phone is Ebay and Craigslist friendly.  I have alerts set for Craigslist to alert me to new postings for sailboats.  On Ebay, I save listings for view before the auction ends to see if I can get a good price on a O'day 28.   As for now, I will remain stuck between two corn fields dreaming of sailing adventures.

Strictly Sail - A Sailors Review

Like birds migrating south for the winter, this Landlocked Sailor makes his way north, in the dead of winter, for a taste of spring.  What else would make a guy dream of summer more than looking at the newest boats and gear for the sailing season.  Family Pass tickets to the 2012 Strictly Sail Chicago is this midwest sailors call of spring.

I have attended Strictly Sail for the last 3 years.  Each year I have a specific reason for the journey to the Chicago Navy Pier in January.  Our first show was to sign up for sailing classes on learning how to sail.  We signed up with an outfit out of Michigan City called Michigan City Sailboat Charter.  We took a three day class and learned how to sail on a Hunter 33.  It was a great learning experience.  The second year, our goal was to gather information about purchasing a boat and doing a bare boat charter in the BVI.  Finally, we attended this years show to purchase gear for our sailboat, a Columbia 23T.  I find that there are three reasons to attend Strictly Sail.

Sailboats
Sailboats as far as the eye can see.  Racers.  Cruisers.  Dingys.  They ship in all of the above.  Acres of boat that are set up in various configurations.  Each of the major manufacturers bring their best wares to display.  These manufactures and their dealers, set up pods of boats that show goers can climb aboard.  This year a 86 foot racing sailboat took center stage and managed to block traffic on Lake Shore Drive.

Sailing Gear
For those that have already bought a sailboat while attending Strictly Sail, walking through the various vendor booths looking for gear to outfit that new sailboat can take up an entire day.  Hundreds of vendors were in attendance to provide goods and services to the sailing public.  This year, my observation was that manufactures were displaying very innovative products.  From electric motors to composting toilets, manufactures put their best foot forward.

Sailing Seminars
Seminars at Strictly Sail are geared to the novice or advanced sailor.  The topics range from diesel maintenance to offshore cruising.  The seminars are the most valuable asset of the show.  The years of experience is second to none.  To be in the same room with these folks is more than worth the ticket cost or the cost for the seminar.  Seminars are repeated at various times throughout the day and over the course of the show.

Another Strictly Sail is in the books.  The vendors and manufactures have vacated their booths and made their way back to their hometowns and harbors.  I am sure they they need a little down time after an outstanding show.  As for myself, I was able to get the information that I was looking for this year about chartering and new head for the boat.  I will be doing one thing different next year.  I will be planning on attending the show for more than one day to give me plenty of time to interact with the vendors and attend all the seminars that I would like to attend.  Come and join the fun.

Not all the Islands are in the Caribbean

Last week, in my blog post Palm Tree Therapy, I made a comment that not all islands are in the Caribbean.  When I typed those words, I did not think that it would create a discussion at Strictly Sail this last Saturday.  Some of the nice folks at Unsalted Sailing and BayBreeze Yacht Charter were using my line while they were talking to attendees of the show.  This got me dreaming (thinking).... what are some of the islands that I would like to sail to that are NOT in the Caribbean.  Here is my island bucket list.

Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands are located in Lake Superior and consist of 22 different islands.  This is Unsalted sailing at its best.  Clear water and wilderness await my dream trip to Lake Superior.   You can spend days bopping from island to island exploring nature.

Beaver Island

www.cruisingthegreatloop.com/

One of my dreams is to sail to Beaver Island.  It is located in Norther Lake Michigan and has a unique history. It is know as the only Monarchy in the United States.  You will have to Google it.  The other reason that I want to go to Beaver Island is that I am I guy and just the name makes me laugh.  (Juvenile I know).

Ellis Island
My dream is not really to travel to or land on Ellis Island.  My dream of a landlocked sailor is to sail passed Ellis Island on my way to completing the Great Loop.  Nothing would make me more proud to be an American than to be able to sail past the Statue of Liberty.  How cool would that be?

Dry Tortugas
I find that not many people have heard of the Dry Tortugas.  Many are also not aware that the Dry Tortugas are actually in the United States and are one of our national parks.  Fort Jefferson is the protector of the Gulf of Mexico.  These seven islands are only accessible by boat, preferably sailboat.  Your jumping off point will be Key West.  Key West is also an island not in the Caribbean, but did not make my list.  I will sail there, but it would just be a by-product of making a run for the Dry Tortugas.

My final island, that is on my list of islands NOT in the Caribbean is....

The Bahamas
Yes, the Bahamas are part of the Caribbean Community, but technically they are not part of the Caribbean.  They have the climate, the culture and the look of the Caribbean without being located in the Caribbean.  The Bahamas are actually part of the island chain where Cuba is located.  I have actually been to the Bahamas several times.  We have traveled to the parts of the Bahamas that all tourists visit.  I really don't like      this part of the Bahamas.  I told my wife that the only way she is going to get me back to the Bahamas would be on my own sailboat after a Gulf Stream Crossing.  Hopping from island to uninhabited island floating in that green turquoise water would be the best.

These islands are the dreams of a landlocked sailor.  Those dreams drive him crazy.  Thinking and planning for the trip are just as fun as making the journey.  Not all islands are in the Caribbean, but these islands are in the heart and soul of this sailor.

Sailing as a By-product

I love to sail.  I love to be on the water.  There have been times when the act of sailing has been a by-product of the weekend.  Here are top four things that I would rather be doing on our sailboat.

Swinging on the hook.
Ok, for you non-sailors, this is the gentle swaying motion that the boat makes when it is being held in place by the anchor.  Setting the anchor is an art in itself.  But, once the hook is set, it is time to break out the food and drink.  Nothing fancy, just good food and your favorite adult beverage.  A few of these beverages and you are ready to watch the sunset.  While swinging on the hook is a great time to grab your favorite sailing magazine (I prefer Cruising World and Sail.  My wife prefers her novels).  Either are suitable pass times while on the hook.

Sleeping on the Water.
Sleeping on the boat for a long weekend, is like sleeping on a water bed except the entire bed moves,  not just the part you lay on.  It is quiet and soothing.  This is one of my favorite things.  As soon as the sun goes down, I can't keep my eyes open any longer.  All of the stress of work goes away. 

Watching the kids play.
When the kids are aboard, we have a set schedule.  Swim, dry-off, eat and repeat.  This schedule may be repeated up to four times a day, if not more.  They too love the boating/ cruising lifestyle.  Sometimes they don't understand why we have to sail.  (They do like to steer.)  Because the kids like to boat with us is one of the reasons why we are needing to upgrade to a larger sailing vessel.

Eating
What does eating have to do with sailing?  Well nothing really.  We just like to eat and drink while sailing on our sailboat.  Eating is preparing ahead of time and heating on the boat.  We generally don't cook on board. We cook at home and bring food on board that can easy be heated up quickly.  One of the best weekends that I had on the boat was in late fall and I was the only one that was willing to face the chilly October air.  On my way to the sailboat, I stopped by Domino's and picked up a large pepperoni pizza.  I ate it for dinner that night, then for breakfast and lunch the next day.  It was great.  The cold weather kept the beer cold too.

I would be happy to do these things over the course of a weekend.  If we can get some sailing in as well, then that is just the iceing on the cake.  Funny how things work out that way.  Who would have thought that a boat was just to sleep, eat and play on and that sailing is just a by-product.

The Law of Diminishing Returns

Law of Diminishing Returns

I am sure you have experienced this law.  It goes like this.  You are excited about purchasing an item.  You use that item as much as you can each day or week.  After a while, other things get in the way or you just lose interest.  The law has worked against you.  You will find the best boat deal when the sellers returns have been diminished.  Then, my friend, it is a buyers market.

Let me tell you a story of a fish tank that my wife and I owned.  We won a 55 gallon fish tank from a Petsmart raffle.  We put hours into setting it up, filling it with water and adding fish.  We really enjoyed watching the fish swim around and eat.  But, fish that eat also poop.  After several weeks, it was my job to clean the fish tank.  Over the years that we had the tank, every time I had to clean the thing my level of enjoyment dropped a notch.  We had hundreds of dollars tied up in the tank, but when it hit that moment, (when the pain in the ass factor exceeded the enjoyment) I would pay you to just take it.

The same can be experienced in the sailboat market.  The story goes that one buys the sailboat with the idea of sailing off into the sunset, only to have the maintenance and storage costs of the boat catch up with them. They don't want to sell the boat, but they have to (the wife said so).  They will happily sell the boat to the person who will love and cherish the boat and fulfill their dreams of taking her over the horizons.  Then at that moment, it is a buyers market and you are using this law of returns in you favor.  I have said before, that there is no consistent pricing in the used sailboat marketplace.  I am dreaming of a larger boat and am looking for one that is right with this law.

Palm Tree Therapy

A sunny disposition will get you so far, then you need palm trees.  Wherever palm trees grow, time slows down and worries fade away.  It is just not the same here in the Midwest around an oak tree or pine.  Palm trees provide for free what your therapist charges huge sums for a similar feeling without the scenery.

Today, here in the Midwest, it is a mild January day.  High of 42 degrees and no snow or rain.  Really, not a bad day at all.  But, I can't stop thinking about "Being somewhere between the Islands and the Artic".   Rod Call, owner of Snoloha, knows this feeling all to well.  Rod's company helps to stimulate "Palm Tree Therapy" with his line of lifestyle gear from Snoloha that puts you in an island adventure state of mind. 

This week is Strictly Sail Chicago.  As we cross off the days on the calendar,  Strictly Sail Chicago is the Midwest sailors call for the start of spring.  Our sailboats have been in storage for a couple of months now and we are starting to think about our boat todo list.  Strictly Sail is the wake up call to start planning upgrades, charters and gear.  This year I will be talking to boat brokers to help me find my next boat to fit the needs of our growing cruising needs. 

Not all islands are in the Caribbean.  Stop by the Unsalted Sailing Booth 160 at Strictly Sail and ask Rod about Salt-free Island Sailing and check out some gear to keep you in the sailing mood.  In the meantime, I might not be in a "Palm Tree Therapy" location, but I am in the "Palm Tree Therapy" state of mind.

Palm Tree Therapy II

$1000 Sailboats

Everyday I scour the internet looking for a suitable sailboat that meets my needs and the needs of my family.  Sometimes you don't see anything new being listed.  Sometimes there is plenty of listings to look through.  The one thing I can say for sure is that there is no consistent pricing in the used sailboat marketplace. 

Today I found a 1984 Cal 27.  List price $1000.  First question:  What is wrong with it.  Second question: What is wrong with it.  The question beckons, why would such a large sailing boat be listed for such a dirt cheap price.  The listing got the best of me and I called.  I was told that the boat has been in storage for 5 years.  Storage is a natural enemy of any sailboat.  The longer they sit, the more the elements (sun and water) destroy the boat.  It can be even worse if the boat is not covered or that there are opening in the boat that have allowed water to penetrate.  Next, I was informed that all the sails, lines, and interior cushions have all been stored indoors at the marina and that they are in fine condition.  Still after 15 minutes talking to the owner, I still have no better idea of the condition of the boat than when I first started.  My personal rule of thumb is not to spend time going to look at a boat if the owner is not willing to e-mail you pictures.  The only exception to this rule is, after talking to the owner, that you come to the conclusion that attaching pictures to an e-mail is a real challenge for them.... like breathing.


To any extent, my interest has been peaked.  I am looking at my calendar now trying to figure out a time to go and see this boat.  My expectations are low.... very low.  I would rather be surprised, than disappointed.  I will be writing a whole blog post on what people actually put in their listings when they are trying to sell a boat.  It will be interesting.  I will keep you posted.  

1984 Hunter 27

I learned how to sail on a Hunter sailboat.  I still have an affection for them. They are well built and the folks at Hunter Marine have always lead the pack on innovation. 

I found this 1984 Hunter 27 on Craigslist.  Located in Holland, Mi for $9800.  You can find the listing here. 
This is a serious contender for my next sailboat.  This boat has been fitted with a furling head sail.  This allows you to deploy as much or as little sail as needed.  I also like the wheel steering and inboard motor on this boat. 

This boat is capable or lake crossings, island cruising and sailing the intercostal.  To top it off, at this price, it is a great midsized boat that is sure to hold its value. 

Strictly Sail Chicago

I just got my 2012 tickets to Strictly Sail Chicago.  I find it funny to head to Chicago in the middle of January to look at sailboats that would be used in spring or summer.  I like to think of the Chicago show as the start of spring.

This is our third year going to Strictly Sail.  The first year my wife and I went, we signed up to learn how to sail.  Then the second year we went to just look at boats and dream.  This year we are going to visit with boat brokers and talk about used boats and we are looking to charter in the BVI later this year with Footloose Charters. 

Strictly Sail has everything you would want.  They offer seminars on sailing,crossing oceans and product demonstrations.  They ship in nice new boats that are on display for you to walk through.  There is even food and wine.  No matter what your reason for attending Strictly Sail, you are sure to have a good time.

Any opportunity to shop for a boat.

I think that every trip should be traveled in such a fashion so that one can visit/look at a sailboat that is for sale.  I had the pleasure of creating such an opportunity last week while visiting Naples, Florida.  I knew I would be around marinas while in Florida.  I knew I would be able to "look" at some sailboats.  I did not know that I would actually be looking at a boat that meets my criteria for my next boat. 

While flipping through Southwinds Magazine, I found a O'day 28 tucked away in the back classifieds under "late listings".   At first glance it met several of my criteria: Wheel steering, 6 feet of headroom, enclosed head, roller furling, and at a fair price.  The fact it was in sunny Naples was just a bonus.  Time for a road trip.

I was in Florida with fellow Rotary Members from Danville, Indiana.  Monday morning, some of them were flying home.  I volunteered to take them to the airport.  This put me 45 minutes closer to the O'day.  After dropping them off I was only a hour and a half away.  I was on my way to Cortez, FL.

The boat was listed by Cortez Yacht Sales.  Upon arrival I met George, and we were off to see the boat.  We drove to some condos on the canal and met up with the German owner.  He was opening up the boat as we arrived.  "May I?", I asked.  In perfect English the German invited me aboard and excused himself allowing me time to get to know the boat. 

George rambled on about the features of the boat, while I was busy sticking my head in the bilge and everywhere else it would fit.  After about a half hour, I was thanking George for his time and I was back in the truck with a two hour drive to contemplate the purchase.  Could I get the boat up to Kentucky Lake in 7 days?  Could I find a slip on short notice in Naples?  Was it going to cost me an arm and a leg?  It was all the way in Florid too.

After two hours, I was hungry and tired.  Those Rotarians sure can party and the short night was catching up to me.  I decided that at the end of the month I was planning on attending Strictly Sail Chicago and I would wait to see what the local boat brokers have to offer.

So it is on to another adventure on the 28th.  The whole family will be attending Strictly Sail.  We will be looking at boats and dreaming of the places we will go.