News from St. Augustine

[Concordia...41]

I thought I better post this now so as to not be confused with an April Fool’s prank.

In as much of a nutshell as I can make it:

Saturday I decided to haul SARAH and put her back in covered storage. Long term. Not the same place, as the 3,000 square foot warehouse we had before was nice and convenient, but quite pricey. Hopefully I can find something else – a third the size and probably outside of the city limits – in the $500 per month range. That’s currently what I pay for dockage and the monthly diving service, so to keep her someplace protected from the elements for the same price seems justifiable and quite logical.

The main reason(s) for this is that I am just not using the boat. Yeah, I know that happens to a lot of us, but I am not using the boat and I cannot allow her to just sit and gradually succumb to the elements.

We – and I say we because so many of you were involved – did so much work and after the triumphant launch in October 2007 and the gradual upgrades and whatnot through 2008, in 2009 she basically just sat. We had several good times, great sails, and one notable first place finish :D, but by my calculation, SARAH left the dock less than 10 times last year. L L

Now it’s almost April and she hasn’t left the slip since December 12th, which was the Regatta of Lights. Prior to that, it was October’s Out and Back Race.

I started to put her back in storage once, but got talked out of it. This time I am adamant. The house needs work, my yard is an embarrassment, I have a tragedy of major proportions going on at my office, and I’m chairing a charity event in May in addition to my duties running the sailing program at the YC through November. Those and a host of other things will inevitably keep me from working on SARAH.

If I can't keep up with the most minor things, I can't let her sit for another year.

I cannot let the new sails – even through the sail cover – get sunbaked. I cannot let her just sit there with only an occasional visit by me to check the bilge pumps. I cannot let the unsolved deck leaks continue to allow mold, mildew and likely ongoing damage. I cannot let her new engine just sit there and gum up. I cannot let the paint peel and all the new running rigging just succumb to the elements. I cannot let all of our hard work go to waste. I can’t let her just sit there and rot.

It might be a year or it might be five years before I have the time and financial resources to finish her, but I can’t just let her sit and watch all the ground gained be lost. The cost of the haulout, crane to unstep the mast and trucking = +/- $1k. To me, that’s a minor investment and the very minimum I can / should do to protect the boat. As the commercial says, “for everything else there’s MasterCard.”

So…

Part II aka The Rest of the Story:

As many of you know I have someone who, in the last few years, has been a big part of my life, and whom I have come to rely on for help with SARAH.

Saturday we were talking things through – logistics, time line, costs, potential storage locations, which crane operator to use, when to call the trucking company, protecting the engine, etc. - and at some point he said, “Before you do all that, you need to try to sell her.”

To my credit, I ignored that statement completely.

But as we continued to talk, I realized his point(s), that right now her engine and instruments are new, the canvas and sails have one season on them, 80 % of the work is done, she’s in the water, and before I haul her out and store her indefinitely I need to list SARAH for sale, are valid.

I called Brodie (Concordia) yesterday morning, and I met with the local broker that I will be using yesterday afternoon. I have some work to do before they can even photograph the boat, so the listing will likely hit YachtWorld next week. At that time I will delete this post so as to not violate any of the terms of the Forum.

Believe me, it is wrenching. After the broker and I parted ways yesterday I sat in the truck and cried. Then I only made it a couple of blocks before I got involved in a phone call from a gentleman who saw me leaving the yard and called to say SARAH's cockpit cushions were ready.

I'd done some work for him and in return he'd made cockpit cushions for SARAH for the Blessing of the Fleet, but I didn't even have time to get the boat ready to go, and we never got off the dock Sunday. His response to the news that I was going to list SARAH was, “NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo” which brought on another round of tears and sniffles.

Apparently typing does too. :(:(

I wanted everyone here to know the story. She’ll be listed next week and likely hauled and put in storage in a month or two if there's no interest.

- M

[The Bigfella]

Wow - I'm stunned, but I understand.

[mmd]

Hi, Margo.

Though I haven't posted to many of the threads concerning Sarah, I have followed along faithfully. And I remember very well (and have pictures to prove it) my visit to her in the warehouse when you were rebuilding her. I do regret that I was not able to be of more assistance - well, any assistance, really - to you in your efforts.

I think that I can understand that the hold that this boat has on you goes beyond the mere (??!!) affection that a boatowner has for their boat. Sarah was a project begun as a partnership and finished as a solo project, but with the spirit of the partnership ever present. Giving up the boat must feel a bit like giving away a connection to your partner. It must be wrenching, and I offer my sympathy to you for it.

At the end of it all, I hope that you will come away from this - no matter what the decision or outcome - with the conviction that you have done the right thing for both you and Sarah, and will be able to walk away with no regrets, but only happy memories.

Good luck.

Michael

[willmarsh3]

This is obviously one of the tougher decisions to make.
I've watched you over the years put a lot of hard work into her. The sweat equity you've invested in her is really something to think about. I'd be really hurt if the Elver I built got destroyed even if I collected all the insurance on it because of the sweat equity.
But I think you might be doing the best thing in the long run to sell her. Boats are meant to be sailed as you know. You are doing the commendable thing. Some folks can't make up their mind and get stuck and the boat sits and rots. I've seen that happen to too many boats. I think the economy is coming back so you might be able to find a buyer quickly and get a good deal and move on to the next phase. Perhaps it will be another boat to restore.
Or cut something else out ouf your schedule so you can enjoy Sarah and continue the good times with friends aboard her.

I wish you good luck in your decision.

[Lew Barrett]

So do I (understand), and probably better than most. We don't own boats forever. I'm in a similar spot, as you know. Good luck Margo.

[Peter Kalshoven]

We still love you, Margo. (What's not to love?!?!)
Do what you think is best, and live, love, laugh.

[Hwyl]

Wedding bells?

[Concordia...41]

Wedding bells?

That would be a ginormous NO, but you made me laugh :D and I needed that.

And I don't really expect that she'll sell. I just wanted you all to hear it from me.

And I can't imagine someone sailing her away, with me hanging on to the transom and all ;)

- M

[Russ Manheimer]

Margo,

Sorry to hear the news but understand completely.

We're only stewards and when circumstances dictate that we can't fulfill our obligation for whatever reason then the next steward needs to take over. I hope I have the foresight and what I imagine takes a lot of emotional maturity to recognize that day with regards to Sjogin.

Sarah owes her continued existence to your and Dave’s efforts. I’m sure he'd understand. Geez, it's making me weepy as well.

Godspeed and good luck. You did a great thing and you can hold your head up high when the time comes to say good bye.

Warmest regards,

Russ

[Doug Wood]

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you (or Sarah) but I've followed your story. This is gut wrenching news, for sure, but I can understand your need to make the decision that you have. I wonder, though, if you considered the possibility of selling partnerships. Sometimes this can work well, sometimes not, but it could be a way to keep your special relationship with Sarah intact. Just thinking out loud.

I, for one, have been so impressed with your dedication to Sarah. It's a beautiful thing to see a boat like this brought back from the brink. Best of luck Margo.

[TimH]

Looked at an Ingrid 38 yesterday. Thinking of selling the Typhoon now that it is all fixed up.

My biggest worry about having a bigger boat I wont use it because its too much of a hassle to go out for little day sails.

[donald branscom]

You DO want to imagine someone sailing her away, and that IS taking care of the boat. You may get just what you dream.
So you want to dream of a person that buys your boat and takes care of it and loves it.

If you put that boat in dry storage that IS when the damage will start. I have seen that many times.

It is just like a child, you put all the work into it and now you want for it to go out in the world and be successful. It is still here.

You won't forget it, AND you will get to still see it from time to time.

[kenjamin]

Hi Margo,

Sorry to hear about your dilemma with Sarah. My girlfriend and I will probably take Xena for a spin around the bay this Saturday afternoon if you and yours would like to explore the possibilities that a much smaller wooden sailboat offers. Ya'll are welcome to come along. It might help take your mind off your troubles. PM me if your interested or just come by Lighthouse Park about 1:00 p.m.

Take care,
kenjamin

http://ford.physics.fsu.edu/XenaSails.jpg

[johngsandusky]

Margo, I know that's a tough decision, but the right one. Reading the first part of your post made me think: "Don't put her away, sell her." You might even consider leaving her on the market at least through the spring, or while she's in storage. It is a fine thing to pass on to someone to provide joy to all who see her sail.

[KAIROS]

Ditto what John said. storing a wood boat out of the water does not do it any good, in so many ways. A kind of neglect.

As it no doubt occurs to you sometimes, the experience you have already had with Sarah has been very valuable. That value will not diminish by selling her. And you were a great steward.

[Lew Barrett]

That's exactly right John. There comes a time when the best thing to do for all concerned is to pass them along.

When you have a large essentially unrecoverable investment into something like this, it can be an emotional moment to sell it and come to the end of the road, but the reality is that it is even better for the boat when the time comes.

Our pay for treating the old girls is not only in the pleasure we got from using them, but in everything we learn along the way. (In Margo's case (as in mine.....and I hope you don't mind me making some assumptions, M) that even includes meeting people here on the forum
and elsewhere as we've pursued the passion. Crafting an old boat has made me a fuller, more interested (if not interesting) person, and that part stays with me when my boat is sold to the next owner.

For me it's time, and I suspect for Margo too. I would just like my boat to go to someone who will advance her and build on my better decisions, while correcting the stuff I may have overlooked or missed....or that I did well but needs another pass.

Congratulations on identifying that you need to move on to the next phase of your life Margo! I sometimes wish the world didn't require that
we make these difficult decisions, but it is one part of how we grow.
I get it completely, right down to the bitter-sweet.

[switters]

ouch, whatever passes I hope it is the best for you and Sarah.

[MiddleAgesMan]

If she doesn't sell you might want to check out long term storage away from the coast. I had a friend from my days in your town who took a job overseas. He found a place in Palatka where he could leave the boat safe on the hard for a few years. The cost was a fraction of what he was priced on or closer to the coast and she made the trip on her own bottom.

[Hughman]

All things pass. a hug for you, Margo.

[S/V Laura Ellen]

It has got to be a very hard decision. I hope it all turns out for the best.

[StevenBauer]

It sounds like you have thought this out well. Sad, but if it's best for Sarah then it's best for you. I hope she will find someone to take care of her as well as you have.


Steven

[JimD]

You have many friends here, Margo, with or without Sarah. :)

[Dan McCosh]

Sorry to hear this, but often I think one of the unspoken issues with wooden boats is that keeping them active is a big part of keeping them whole. I've seen several, including our own before we bought it, kind of melt away at the dock, sometimes sitting for a year or two or even longer. We've managed some major projects, but also tend to sail more, cruise more, and just hang out on the boat more than most owners. If nothing else, it keeps the bilge water fresh. I guess if you aren't in a position to keep it in use regularly, finding someone else who can is a way of letting go. Good luck.

[outofthenorm]

Margo, my heart goes out to you. 5 years ago, I realized that I wasn't sailing my Fiddler's Green often enough, and entropy was overwhelming her. I felt the same things you are feeling now - I couldn't let bad things happen to her. My decision was to put her in storage and use the little time I had available to go the full restoration route. It's been a long journey, but with luck I'll re-launch this year, and she will likely go up for sale right away.

It's hard, but it seems like the right thing to do. As Russ says, we're stewards, not owners.

- Norm

[John B]

I know what you're talking about... its difficult.

[htom]

Heart-wrenching, to say the least. I wish you and Sarah, both, all of the best of the world, please, and if you must separate, then I'll grab more tissues, and remember the happier times, hoping for still better to come. Thank you for sharing your story, and hers. (((hug)))

[Thad]

I know she has been very good to you, as you have been to her and all of us. Tough on boats not being used. Best and worst days of our lives these boats that become parts of us. It's terrific that you have had the experience of sailing SARAH and sharing her. Thanks.

[Bill Griffin]

Margo, like so many here, I've followed your saga. Though we have never met, your story has been a large heartwarming part of this forum. It is heartwrenching as you and others have said, to let Sarah go, but think of the joy she will provide to a new caretaker, mostly because of your dedication. I feel for you, and wish you good luck and fair winds.

[hokiefan]

My first reaction was Nooooooooo!!!!

Having met you and seen Sarah, I have a glimpse of how much you put into her and what she means to you. I also know that a boat like that needs to sail and be maintained. So if that doesn't work, she needs you to find the right person to do that for her. Because you need to see her sailed and maintained. However it works out, here's wishing the best.

Cheers,

Bobby

[Ron Joslin]

Hi Margo,

I have not forgotten about the photos I told you I would look into getting for you. I feel really, really bad about draging my feet on that. The photo you took of my wife and I on the dock with Sarah behind us is right here beside me on the desk. You may remember the back injury my wife had. That healed up ok but what we did not know then was that a tendon and a muscle "broke" in her right arm. That has been operated on and has healed prety well. This Jan we took a 7 day boat trip down to Jupiter Inlet. We talk about our visit with you and Sarah quite often. I am truly in awe of your tenatious and relentles efforts with the restoration. How you could take everything apart, get it all over to the warehouse, restore it all, fix the hull, reinstall and re do everything, take photos and keep us all here posted in real time was truly amazing. You have more energy than ten energizer bunnies!.
I know you will do what must be done but I hold on to some hope that you will get a second wind and set sail. If not, you can be proud of what you have done and learned.

Eather way we send you Best Wishes.
It was a pleasure to meet you and Sarah. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Ron Joslin

[Stiletto]

You have my sympathy for having to make a difficult decision, and you have my congratulations for having the strength to make it.

[Ross M]

I think for many of us the old saw is true: the process is more important than the product.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing us how it is properly done.

Ross

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Margo, Sarah is a story of stewardship, and of a relationship, and of friendships formed, skills built, and even a mortal story, one which has ends, middles, and beginnings. Sarah is safe now, and you and Dave, and so many others are responsible for that. We all wish Sarah well, and we wish you well.:)

Ecclesiastes 3
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

[Fitz]

Ah hell woman!! You SAVED her with your own two hands. You have done enough. You gotta do, what you gotta do.

It will work out for both of you.

[Raka025]

Sail her to Padanaram, she'll sell better there! Once you get there, you might as well just sail up the coast of Maine. Once in Maine, Nova Scotia is just a hop across the bay. Newfoundland, Iceland, Greenland and over to the home waters of A&R will be the big circle and than it will be time to cut the cord, in the Mediterranean at a lovely little bar in France. Fly home.

Or, you could go to my blog and see what happens when you stick a boat in storage with the best of intentions! I know you wouldn't do that? Besides, you got me into this! :eek:

I like the find some partners idea. It could be a win/win.

Lastly, if you love someone/thing, sometimes it is best to let them go.

[wdnbt]

Margo,
As Russ said, we’re only stewards….. It takes great courage to decide what’s best for Sarah even if it means to pass her on to the next steward. The incredible work and dedication that you and Dave gave to Sarah resulted in giving her a new life. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us on the Forum. You’ve done Sarah proud!
All the best,
Rick

[Lucky Luke]

Dear Margo,
We do not know each other but very superficially through this forum, and I, too, have followed the rejoices... and pains you went through for quite some years now....
I could not but admire you, dear Margo, or more accurately: love you - in the most friendly way, I mean!;)
Now, just reading you, one first thing to which I wanted to react was when you said you will delete your thread once Sarah may be "on the market". I don't think you need to: you are a special friend of the forum and I am sure all will give you "special rights". If you are determined to whether part away from SARAH or to find a good partner, or anything for which this thread here may be of any help, just keep it here as long as needed. Our Maaaster, Scot the grand, has made it a "sticky": isn't that a sign of your welcome?
....and this way: we shall keep reading news from you and your beloved boat:)

Besides that, I understand your pain in thinking of selling her (not it, please people here:mad:!!!!), as she has been such a part of your life. I just hope that, would this happen, she will be in good hands.
Luc

[paladin]

Margo....I've been sorta dragging my feet after I first saw this......
Sweet Thing and I were in Thailand for the summer before I came here for the new job. I took Tana Mari back and went through a complete refurbishing, sanding, painting, removed all stuff and replaced hoses...everything conceivable, like a brand new boat. Then I sailed to Odessa and stayed there for three weeks before heading here (by plane). Tana Mari was really too big but I spent a year with a half dozen folks building her. She was my final boat. Then I had the car accident, and then lost Sweet Thing, and went through precisely what you're going through now. I could no longer care for her. She was in pristine condition, and she had received many compliments in nearly every port. I had to let her go before she started to deteriorate. There were folks that wanted her, but it took ME six months to let her go. She was a part of me, and Sweet Thing, and I miss them both.
Be careful, find her a loving home.

[JimConlin]

I understand completely, Margo. Life goes on.
Brodie might have an opinion whether the market would be better up in this direction.

Jim

[George Ray]

Hope you find that when one door closes another one opens ....

[Rich VanValkenburg]

I understand this completely. Around here (Port Huron) there will be two or more 30 squares not seeing water this year, some maybe never again. The economy is taking it's toll here. We only had Sonja out maybe 8 times last year but part of that was my war with the outboard and no money for a new one. I've had the registration for her for 34 years and I know it'll be tough when I have to make that same decision.

But I know you'll have more than one day when you'll look out there and think, "damn, I wish I still had a boat".

[Mrleft8]

:(.....

[J. Dillon]

Margo, I read the above notice that you posted. I can sympathize with the emotion you are feeling. You are wise to recognize your situation and act on it so decisively. But there is another side to it all. You are now free in a sense to look for another boat more in tune with your life style. A smaller craft that you can easily single hand and keep up all on your own with no expensive yard bills.

You might say a new beginning to get just the right boat that fits Margo to a T.

Good luck in your search.;):D

JD

[Q.Foster]

NO NO NO NO NO!!

You can't leave the Concordia!

NO NO NO NO!!

You are the leader and inspiration for the rest of the Concordia family. You run the Concordia Newsletter, keep all those fussy owners up-to-date on what the other yawls are doing. You are the one who makes Concordia owners remember that owning an old wooden classic varnish farm can and should be fun.

The picture of you with arms wide open on the bow of Sarah, at her launching, is just beautiful. I don't think anyone can see that picture and NOT smile, sharing your pride. (Someone help me by bringing up that photo PLEASE... see
http://www.concordiaboats.com/yawl.php?id=27

Please Margo, don't listen to these curmudgeons. Let Sarah wait quietly in a cool shed until you are ready for the next adventure. It might be sooner than you think...

Either way, you inspire more people than you know.

Queene
Concordia #66 Misty

[gimmellsmom]

Margo,
I'm sorry to hear of your situation. Reading your posts and tales of Sarah has been an inspiration to myself, and I'm sure other females on the forum.
Good luck.
Michelle

[Nanoose]

Agreed.

And all those that have and love boats understand. We too are grappling with passing our love along to the next steward. We have kept her up, and love her so, but just didn't use her enough last year.

I am so sorry, Margo.....and my heart breaks with yours.

[Nanoose]

Idea...one was co-ownership.

Here's another: live aboard! You'll sure get your use out of her....you'll always be with her! You won't have to worry about keeping up the house and yard, 'cause you'll keep up Sarah. Maybe it's not Sarah that needs to go but the house! If there's not time for both.....just a thought.....

[coelacanth2]

Awfully tough, no matte how you work it. All my best, anyway it works.

[Raka025]

Hi Margo - How big is your yard and is there zoning restrictions for family members to camp out? A nicely fitted boat shop in the yard would keep her close to your heart and if done correctly could be converted to additional living space when and if you decide to take to the open ocean when retired? Storing her covered really isn't a terrible idea. I think #9 would look a whole lot different if she had had a hard cover instead of rely on a boatwright that had no vested interest in her to keep her covered. Anyways, I am sure you know the story. Perhaps having the free storage for 16 years contributed to this ones slow demise?

[rufustr]

Please accept my best wishes for any decision you make Margo.

:cool::cool:

[cap'nRod]

Sell the house, move onto the boat. Be a liveaboard. It's something that I should have done years ago. You don't have to 'sail' the boat to look after her. You simply have to be a part of her life, and living aboard certainly qualifies as that. Besides, there is no more restful sleep that being gently rocked to sleep by a boat. (Houses are so passe, anyways :))

[Nanoose]

Ya know....I'm still not convinced this isn't an April fool's thing. All things considered....

[cap'nRod]

Regardless, I can say this....if I had sunk that much of myself into a boat, the house would have been sold long ago in order to keep the boat around.

[redbopeep]

Such a hard decision. Whatever you do, we wish you all the best.

[StevenBauer]

The picture of you with arms wide open on the bow of Sarah, at her launching, is just beautiful. I don't think anyone can see that picture and NOT smile, sharing your pride. (Someone help me by bringing up that photo PLEASE... see


Queene
Concordia #66 Misty

This one?

http://www.concordiaboats.com/images/yawls/027/large_027_006_480x640.jpg

I think the one from the first sail is even better:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/noname7.jpg?t=1270246764


Steven

[sailboy3]

Ya know....I'm still not convinced this isn't an April fool's thing. All things considered....

Read the first line of this thread.

[ishmael]

Dear Margo,

This is such a emotional topic. While I haven't followed the saga from the start, I've followed quite a bit of it. My memory of spending the afternoon in Bangor with you and Dave, the passion for Sarah I sensed from both of you, is indelible.

All I can say has already been said by others, but do what's best for Sarah...and for you.

My only comparable experience was with a family boat, a 26 ft. inboard skiff. My family had a falling apart, and a last loose end after a family cottage we'd summered at for three generations had sold was the boat. This was my grandfather's last boat, and over the years I'd done a lot of work on her, from two complete refinishes, to fairly extensive carpentry, to mechanical work. We tried to sell the boat, but the market was soft. We finally found a man who was very enthusiastic about the type, but didn't have the money. We ended up giving him the boat. Mind you, the boat wasn't nearly as valuable as yours, so I'm not suggesting that as a solution for you. But it was the best for BARJ...and for us.

Difficult, sad, time. You're a strong woman, so you'll get through it. Don't forget all the blessings Sarah brought you.

Jack

[Nanoose]

Read the first line of this thread.

Yes, sailboy, I know...I read every word of Margo's post more than once, I was so shocked and saddened. :( It's just watching her pour her life into Sarah for the past few years....I'm having trouble making sense of it all.

Do I understand? Absolutely! Perhaps a big part of me is just simply hoping it's about April fools day and not reality, is all. It's a wishing this could be anything but true, is all.

Margo will do the right thing - she's one of the good and smart ones. I have the highest respect for her. My heart is just breaking for her is all. As one whom has had/has boats they love, I just feel deeply for her...and it is simply out of my own denial that I made that comment.

[Concordia...41]

First and foremost - THANK YOU ALL!

I've said it before and I mean it - Dave and I could not have done what we did without the support, interaction and friendships made on the WBF.

Not only have I could not have done what I did with SARAH after Dave's death without the Forum, I wouldn't have wanted to. You were my personal help desk, my inspiration, and - at times - my life line. And I will spend the rest of my days "paying it forward."

I will also spend the rest of my days in awe of the fact that I was admitted to the rare echelon of Concordia owners and grateful for the opportunities and doors that were opened. From the very beginning when, right after we purchased SARAH, we got a nice e-mail from a Benjamin Mendlowitz, and I read it to Dave, realized the name seemed familiar, and realized Holy Crap! That's the guy that does the Wooden Boat Calendars. :eek: There were a lot of Holy Crap moments. A lot.

But yes, I am listing SARAH. The more I've thought about it, the more I realize that it is the right thing for someone else to finish her. For someone else to enjoy her. And for her to go out and run and play and not just sit at the dock.

Selling the house and living aboard just isn't an option. Twenty years ago - maybe. Maybe if life had taken me down a different road. But it didn't, and I'm here on this road. And this road has me in this house with a big red dog, a little gray and white cat, and enough shoes to fill up the v-berth. :rolleyes: So living aboard. Nah. :(

But no regrets. I don't believe in them. :)

And not only is she being listed, I was on the phone with the broker today because we've both been busy and haven't actually connected, and (I'd sent a link to this thread so they could see the amazing and wonderful international following SARAH and I have) he tells me he hadn't read the thread but he heard there's 'something on the Internet about her decks leak.' :rolleyes:

Yeah. That's what someone ought to take away from this is the one sentence about not wanting her to sit out and let leaks do damage...

He's a good guy though, and I was conscious as I did the post that I didn't want this to seem like a laundry list of problems. Folks can take from it what they will, and if I can't even talk / type about it without crying, I'm going to need some really serious medication when the day comes and she leaves the dock without me. :(

Thank you. Thank you all. The post really was just to let you all know because I didn't want it hit YachtWorld without you knowing the rest of the story.

- Margo & Sarah

[paladin]

Gimmee the weenies name and I'll send him an e-mail.......(the broker)

[Lucky Luke]

........he tells me he hadn't read the thread but he heard there's 'something on the Internet about her decks leak.'........He's a good guy though

Waouh! Did not bother to read this thread which has got over a thousand hits already from people not really directly concerned, but, while he should be directly concerned only "heard something...etc...etc...":eek:

Sounds like amazing efficiency!

[Lucky Luke]

.....I cannot allow her to just sit and gradually succumb to the elements......
..... I cannot let the unsolved deck leaks continue to allow mold, mildew and likely ongoing damage.....I can’t let her just sit there and rot


Little problem, dear Margo, is that it seems it is you who talked about her "deck leaks", in such a way that one can understand that there are currently some "unsolved deck leaks"....;)

[Concordia...41]

LL - that was my point that what came back was my comment ;)

No worries. Other than the end result :(, it's all good.

- M

[WX]

A hard choice Margo, but sometimes reality dictates decisions not to our liking.
A bit trite but my Mum used to say, one door shuts another always opens.

[Concordia...41]

Well I got to spend some time with her today. Most of the day was spent scrubbing the decks and topsides, wiping down the interior, and carting off all the accumulated clutter.

She's hurt and angry - rightfully - that I've let her sit for so long. It was back before the Regatta of Lights in December that I wooded and varnished the toerail. And other than to check the bilge pump from time to time, I haven't lifted a finger to work on her. :( She deserves better than that, and I don't blame her for being hurt. :(

I haven't talked to her about the "other" but she knows. She knew already and then she heard me talking with the broker. :(

I'll sit down with her and explain. Just like the night I went down and told her that Dave wouldn't be coming back, I need to let her known what's happening and what she can expect. She's not going to like it at first, but she'll be fine. And when she has a new person to pour their love into her, she'll feel so much better...

Thanks for listening to my rambles.

- M

[bamamick]

I have done a couple of these heart-wrenching things on this (very public) forum, and the people here have always said the right thing when you needed it most. I don't know what I can add except that I too understand just a tiny bit of what it takes to give up something you love with all your heart. Only time will heal that wound, and not completely at that, but the scar it leaves will serve to remind you of what your stewardship meant to both yourself and the boat.

You will always carry a piece of each other, forever. No matter how far you travel from one another.

I wish you peace, my friend.

Mickey Lake

[Richard Jones]

I went through the same thing years ago. Spent four years building a pilot sloop, three years sailing her and then just leaving her on a mooring, growing barnacles while I worked 12 hours a day/six days a week supporting the growing family. Finally sold her to someone who would really use and enjoy her.
Good luck with whatever decision you make. With this economic market, you probably have plenty of time to change your mind.

[Lucky Luke]

She's hurt and angry - rightfully......



Oh! This feeling of betrayal...:(!!!!

When I "parted" from Morwenna, having looked at a distance the "deal" bieng made, not wanting to come close to these....@$%& strangers, having finally walked down to her, her proud bows overlooking me (she was on the dry), I just could not dare even touching her. Oh! this feeling of infamy, of betrayal, of being suddenly not even worthy of her anymore.....

I am not specially of the poetic kind, but that was a very real feeling!

Then I finally - took me while! - dared touching her bow, and yes: I talked to her, had a long explanation, it slowly all settled down...

OK: she was thirty tons and something of wood, bronze and lead, and these materials do not speak! I was actually talking to myself, sort of putting things back in perspective for my own mind and my own sake! Nevertheless: I really talked to her....!....:o

[htom]

Well, it is grieving, in a way. A child grows up, you do your best for her, and then she goes out into the world with new people. She's not yours, anymore, except that she always will be, in your heart. It was always going to happen, and you knew it would happen if you survived, but it tears at the heart and tears the eye.

[Canoeyawl]

Well, it’s just a thought… Sometimes we just don’t have enough time, but can justify the expense of maintenance.

While she is waiting you could consider hiring a part time “Captain” to keep her ready and waiting for you to sail. I’ll bet it would be a smaller expense compared to hauling out and storage. (And, better for the boat!)

Then, Just a phone call – “Hey Capt’n – I’m taking Sarah out Sunday at noon, could you have her rigged and ready? Thanks”
"Oh - and yes, there will be three guests, Red wine and sandwiches will be fine..." LOL

[paladin]

DO NOT RENT HER OUT!:mad:

[Concordia...41]

DO NOT RENT HER OUT!:mad:

No worries there. Post #72 was wrong on so many levels, I thought it best to ignore. :(

[Nanoose]

.... Post #72 was wrong on so many levels, I thought it best to ignore. :(

Yup...as I said earlier....Margo is a very wise woman. ;)

[paladin]

I did it ONCE.......and was so sorry...from supposedly nice folks who would care for her as she was accustomed......If I had been able at the time they would be inspecting her keel from 100 feet down while standing on the bottom with the aid of 200 fathoms of 3/8ths inch chain.

[halflin]

Hey Margo, on holiday this week so -at last- I've got time to reply, I found myself in a similar situation before; our family boat was seeing less & less of me, due to all those other things you have to do when bringing up kids, our girls were racing swimmers & every weekend was either a training w/e or a race w/e all year.
I grew to love the smell of chlorine in the morning ,as the pool opened & all these keen youngsters would start their warm up swim to the raucous noise of the latest pop tunes.
Then we squeezed in a few sails during the school holidays - both girls learned the ropes & became competent at crewing & subsequently helming the boat,then along came exams, university, trips away abroad ,on their own , and ( oh boy!) every fathers nightmare Boys! So without my readily available crew & my own sore knees, I came to the conclusion that our boat had to go.
I simply typed up an ad. stuck it on our sailing club board & before you could say "concordia" the 'phone was ringing. I was ,in the end, pleased to sell what had been a treasured possession to a young Dad, who turned up for a look with his young family & I knew they were all going to learn to sail "our boat" , look after her & appreciate the whims of tide &weather and have fun! So my advice is, don't be sad lassie, but choose carefully who shall own the boat next, and who knows you might even be asked along now & again to crew & help show them the ropes also.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Well I got to spend some time with her today. Most of the day was spent scrubbing the decks and topsides, wiping down the interior, and carting off all the accumulated clutter.

She's hurt and angry - rightfully - that I've let her sit for so long. It was back before the Regatta of Lights in December that I wooded and varnished the toerail. And other than to check the bilge pump from time to time, I haven't lifted a finger to work on her. :( She deserves better than that, and I don't blame her for being hurt. :(

I haven't talked to her about the "other" but she knows. She knew already and then she heard me talking with the broker. :(

I'll sit down with her and explain. Just like the night I went down and told her that Dave wouldn't be coming back, I need to let her known what's happening and what she can expect. She's not going to like it at first, but she'll be fine. And when she has a new person to pour their love into her, she'll feel so much better...

Thanks for listening to my rambles.

- M


****. That made me cry.... but I never doubt that you know what you're doing. Even if its hard.

[chasbartlett]

Chuck and I were sitting having coffee and reading the forum and he commented on this post. He said "That's really, really got to hurt right now, just the thought and realization." I have never been attached to a boat in that manner, having a small one only as much as having a bicycle or motorbike, but I know how Chuck took care of his boat and spent time on every little scratch. Best wishes, Ms. Margo.

[huisjen]

You've done good, Margo.

Dan

[Saltiguy]

It's a boat. I understand your attachment. I've been the owner/restorer and seller of some pretty exotic stuff - irreplacable exotic cars for instance that I personally and literally restored piece by piece from the ground up. A few "show-piece" boats too.
In the final analysis, I was DELIGHTED to get the money and move on to another adventure.
Remember - it's a boat.

[kenjamin]

It's more than a boat, it's a relationship. That to a woman can mean a lot more than it can to a man. What kind of brings a smile to my face is that over fifty guys took the time to sympathize and relate to her dilemma.

Good luck with your next boat and fair winds, Margo!

[George.]

"It's a boat"

Unlike exotic cars, apartments, airplanes, toys, whatever, boats have names. Like people do. There is a reason.

Margo, I know exactly how you feel right now. This is one of the hardest decisions in life. May it be over soon, for both of us.

George

[Flitch]

For me, my boat is not "just a boat". She's what I think of when I relax, where I go when I can't find myself and what I do when I have the time... She's a place where I answer to no one but myself and if she sank or burned, I'd miss her as much (if not more) than most of the people I know. I wouldn't sell her for love or money (Although I do understand Margo. We all have to row our own boats. Best wishes wherever the wind takes you).

[George Schuld]

Margo,

PM sent. Sad news!

George

[jack grebe]

I am soo sorry to hear this. I have yet to see her in the water,
but remember your excitement @ the warehouse when Donna
and I were there shortly before launching.

I remember that photo.............the one that was in the paper,
of you raising your hands in triumph on the bow........


Damn it, now I'm crying.................


I do hope you will still grace us with your presence here.

[Steve Lansdowne]

Whatever the outcome, you've had a big hand in giving her a new lease on life, and in the process you've made many more friends on the forum than you can ever imagine. I'm one of them. As with those postings of Norm Messinger from years past, I've greatly enjoyed reading your various posts as you've celebrated both the joys and struggles of this restoration. Thanks so much for sharing...

[River Sailor]

I know this has been so heart-wrenching, Margo.

All the best to both you and Sarah.

[al ailsworth]

You don't know me, but I have followed you and your boat with interest. I know the feeling, as I too have parted with a special project in the past. I wish you the best in your decision and in the future of Sarah.

[Mrleft8]

This one?

http://www.concordiaboats.com/images/yawls/027/large_027_006_480x640.jpg

I think the one from the first sail is even better:
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r241/bauerdad/noname7.jpg?t=1270246764


Steven

I think the one of the cannon going off just a little bit early is even better! :D

[Harbormaster]

When many folks get to the point of selling their boat you can see that they've lost all interest in her, uncovered, things not really put away, engine not winterized, etc. They've moved on, or away, they aren't interested in what's best for the old girl, they are trying to wash their hands of the whole affair.

Your heart is still with her, and I suspect her heart is still with you. What ever you do, it will be the right thing.

[SV Papillon]

You never really own a wood boat, at least some. You are a steward taking care of it for a portion of it's life. The fact that it will outlive most of it's owners is a testament to their effort and care. When the time is right the reigns should be passed, so another can contribute, enjoy and continue the process. You can't give up something you never had. The memories and pride of workmanship in extending the life of a worthy vessel is your's forever.

Jake