July 15th, 2014
This was the day. Tuesday July 15th, 2014 was the day we decided to buy Seahorse. Of course, on that day Seahorse did not yet have a name. We only knew two things. One, we were done sailing on other peoples boats. And two, it was time to buy our world cruising sailboat. (Our second world cruising boat, but the story of the Blue Dragon is a story for another time.)
Jeff had just completed the BYC Port Huron to Mackinac Race the day before. This race starts in Port Huron Michigan and end on Mackinac Island 200 miles north. There are two courses, the long course, and the shorter shore course. The shore course is 208 miles, and the long course is 256 miles. The race norally starts on Saturday, and most of the fleet is in by Monday night. There might be a few stragglers still coming in on Tuesday, but usually just a few.
That is why the big party and awards presentation is scheduled for Tuesday at 1PM. This is where the future crew of Seahorse was during the big decision. The party is a long an extensive presentation of awards. There are over 20 classes for boats, and three winners in each category. The party is in a large treeless field under the blaring July Michigan sun.
Sami had found a children’s activity table, under a shade awning. She was quietly drawing pictures of sailboats. Jeff and I were under the nearest tree, calming watching her have fun.
Jeff had sailed the race on a friend’s boat and they did not end up in the top of the pack. So as we watch and listened to the announcement of the winners in the race, he was more intent on catching up on his emails that he missed during the race. Jeff was email notices from Just Catamarans. Just Catamarans is located in Hollywood Florida, and specializes in sailing Catamarans. He finds one from about a Leopard 48 that has just hit the market.
“Its been long enough” Jeff says.
“Long enough?” I ask.
“Since we had a boat.” He replies.
I quickly do a mental checklist of our savings and boat fund. “OK.” I answer. “What do you have in mind?”
He shows me the information on the Leopard 48. The boat for sale was made in 2013, it is less than a year old, and on the resale market.
Looks perfect, we agree. Before we left the party, Jeff has already purchased tickets to fly to Florida on Thursday.
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