The sailing season here on The Chesapeake bay is over or almost so. Maybe if the weather gods look favorably upon us we can squeeze a couple afternoons sailing over the next few weeks. Aeolus has stayed in the water most winters without incident, so she will remain there this winter as well.
But that doesn't mean my dreams are stifled. No, I am looking hard for a new boat. I have settled my mind to get something in the 26'-30' range with strong leanings to a Catalina 27 (Jaguar 27 in UK). It is a production boat and the prices are very reasonable and there will be plenty of spares, not a situation I am familiar with a Seafarer who had a short run and has been out of business longer than they were in business. I have looked at several Catalina 27 boats and varying degrees of condition from barely floating to well cared for. Obviously want the best boat for the money and I am not looking to take over someone else's problems. I would prefer to find a boat with an outboard just to have a simplified maintenance. Engines are a big issue on The Chesapeake, my slip in Galesville MD in just a couple minutes away from sails up most days and a 27' boat would be no different. Galesville must have gotten its name from the wind that blows there often so while an auxiliary is needed it is not a big deal. The outboard looks to be the simplest solution, when it doesn't run; you haul it to the repair shop. If the bill is too steep buy a new one. Life is too short to wrestle with mechanical; problems.
Anyway I have been looking at boats within several hundred miles from my home port. Even as far North ar Connecticut (Long Island Sound) I think is a reasonable sail in good weather next spring. I am a patient guy and I am willing to wait ffor fair weather to sail her down if the right boat at the right price happens to hail from that far away. Of course, I am looking at many possibilities here on The Bay as well. In 3-5 months I will have made a decision and be off on a new adventure. It will be an exciting time.
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