Results of sea trial for Cape Dory 25 and Navik windvane...

marka · Post by **marka** » Jun 16th, '06, 11:38

Like so many others, I am so sorry you lost your boat.

However, to those of us who value truth and objectivity above all else, your ability to assess your own actions and objectively is truly an inspiration.

Ed Haley · Post by **Ed Haley** » Jun 16th, '06, 13:04

A boat is like a good friend
Who enters your life as a breath
And sometimes leaves as a storm.

But the spirit lingers, reminding, urging
That of all the places it sailed,
With you it will always remain.

So sad to hear of your loss and I wish you the fastest recovery in finding a new friend. Somewhere there's a boat who knows you're looking for her and she'll show up sooner rather than later. And then let the stories begin again!

Brandon · Post by **Brandon** » Jun 16th, '06, 19:20

I read your entry last night, not sure how to respond. But I wanted to. Wow. Caught by surprise, like the rest of us.

This is life. Isn't it? These adventures. Not always a particularly happy ending. But they can be if you make them. Congratulations to you on your assessment of the situation. I wish I could only be so honest in a time of emotional trials such as yours. I am sure Eventually I will find out. Until then, happy searching for a new love. She should be another Cape Dory indeed. Where else would you find such a supporting family?

Dan & Pat · Post by **Dan & Pat** » Jun 17th, '06, 14:39

Ed - your reply was so accurate. I can remember every boat I've ever owned. Not just the name, but the bow reg. numbers, length, power plant, and where she took me. And, I can honestly say that I've shed tears when giving one of my 'gals' up.

"But the spirit lingers, reminding, urging", great words! Would you, (could you) cite the source for me?

Dan

Warren Kaplan · Post by **Warren Kaplan** » Jun 18th, '06, 07:30

The sea gods are known to play cruel jokes on mear mortals. No doubt due to some inferiority complex THEY have. They chose you this time to display their warped sense of humor.

I expect to hear from you aboard another vessel sooner than even you expect. That...the gods owe to you!!

yves feder w1ux · Post by **yves feder w1ux** » Jun 18th, '06, 09:31

for the disaster and above all thanks to you for sharing the experience so vividly and being willing to let us know about lessons earned the very hard way...... sympathies and heartfelt best wishes to have you sailing again soon!
Yves

Jerry Hammernik · Post by **Jerry Hammernik** » Jun 18th, '06, 19:28

Didereaux,
I hadn't taken time to read the post because I'm not really looking for a wind vane. But I saw the responses growing and decided this was a thread I didn't want to miss. As I read your post I was interested to hear the plus and minuses of the project. And then the ending. I was stunned!

Like the rest of the board I'm glad you're OK (physically if not emotionally). How sad to lose the boat that was so much a partner for you. I come from the school that believes that boats are not inanimate objects, but have a personality and a "life" of their own. I am sure that Spring Gail was glad to be out in the element she was designed for, taking the risks and glorying in the voyage. I'm sure she preferred to meet her end on the sea and not decaying, neglected and unloved on the hard in the back corner of some boatyard.

Too many boats end that way. For sailors and their ships, the rocks are preferable to rot.

Remember her and the lessons she taught you and bring your gifts to another ship who needs a partner to go in harm's way and glory in the challenge. And continue to share your wit and wisdom with us.

Ed Haley · Post by **Ed Haley** » Jun 18th, '06, 20:46

Dan and Pat:
The words I wrote came to me after reading the account of Didereaux' loss of his boat.

"A boat is like a good friend
Who enters your life as a breath
And sometimes leaves as a storm.

But the spirit lingers, reminding, urging
That of all the places it sailed,
With you it will always remain. "

Thank you for your kind words.

[/b]

Dean Abramson · Post by **Dean Abramson** » Jun 19th, '06, 08:08

Didireaux,

After a weekend of working on my boat, I returned to find the news about your boat. I am stunned and saddened.

I am glad to see that your sense of humor is intact, and appreciate your taking the time to explain everything in such honest detail so that others can learn. We have all made bad decisions on the water, and it is only blind luck which has saved me on several occasions.

It is ironic that just yesterday, I removed the vane gear that came on my boat. It turns out that my new boat has been quite an exhausting project, and promises to be all of this season. I decided that since I had never used a vane before, that would be just one more thing to worry about in an unfamiliar boat. Maybe later in the season, maybe next season, I will start trying to learn about that. Distraction and fatigue are our enemies, and thanks to your courageous, honest post, I am feeling better about my somewhat agonized decision. Thank you.

Here's hoping that you are into another vessel soon. You are down, but I am sure far from out.

Dean

John B · Post by **John B** » Jun 19th, '06, 16:48

My condolences. I appreciate your story. I am presently planning a three day cruise on my CD25. Your story forced me to re-examine my itinerary/plans etc...a healthy wake up call.

What an incredible adventure you have so humbly experienced and survived!

Congrats.

John B

S/V Necessity · Post by **S/V Necessity** » Jun 19th, '06, 18:32

I guess thanks might seem unusual. But I will try and explain. I've been lurking about this board for several weeks and have finally put ernest money down on a CD (not the kind of CD my father's always reccomending). Your story, your analysis, and most importantly your honesty, is taken very seriously. And appreciated. Both I and Kay read your story and spent some time talking about it. Thanks for putting real situation into a real life perspective. We will both try and be more wary when approaching land.
We are very much saddened by your loss also. Both of us have been reading and enjoying your posts in the archives. We were shocked to read this one. Hope you find another boat very soon, hope it's a CD.

Neil Gordon · Post by **Neil Gordon** » Jun 19th, '06, 21:16

Mark Dierker wrote:We will both try and be more wary when approaching land.

Well put.

I was headed out with a friend several years ago. He nervously asked if we'd be out of sight of land. "Unfortunately, no," was my reply.

George Shaunfield · Post by **George Shaunfield** » Jun 20th, '06, 00:12

Didireaux,

I felt a great sadness as I read the end of your post. How incredible to lose one's boat. I am glad that you were safe. As painful and expensive as it may be, boats can be replaced. There is no replacement for you, and so in that regard there is much to be grateful for.

I, too, thank you for your willingness to assess the situation so honestly and share it with us. Your doing so may very well save one or more of us from a similar experience.

You are welcome to sail with me. I am planning another offshore trip in the fall.

George

Serge Zimberoff · Post by **Serge Zimberoff** » Jun 20th, '06, 11:06

Didereaux,

Neptune possesses superhuman strength and his Olympian metabolism gives him far greater than human endurance at all physical activities. Neptune is one of the strongest of the Olympian gods, and can lift (press) 70 tons. Among the Olympian gods, his level of strength is matched only by those of Pluto and Ares, and exceeded only by those of Zeus and Hercules.

He definitely had your best interests at heart and had absolutely no trouble in rescuing you! (Then again, he may abhor puns and it was your boat he was after?)

May the wind fill your sails again soon!

Serge

The Cape Dory Board

Results of sea trial for Cape Dory 25 and Navik windvane...

A lost friend

Not sure...

Ed's Reply...

incredibly sorry

Sad news

The souce is me

Condolences

Thank you.

Re: Thank you.

Shock and Sadness

Neptune not one to be messed with