OWSA

Spotlight…Kristen

admin — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:21:33 +0000

Senior year of high school, March. It was college decision season, and I wasn’t excited. Sure, I could go to the family alma mater, and I was thinking either physical therapy or mechanical engineering. I liked knowing how things worked and I liked thinking about the interactions of humans with the tools around them to fulfill specific tasks. Unfortunately, neither topic truly had that “zing” that I thought a career quite should have, that thrill that made you smile inwardly when you thought about it, that made your heart positively sing when you said to someone, “I’m going to study Basket Weaving” or “I’m going to be a Professional Underwater Welder.”

Looking around my room, I noticed that my 6′ tall bookshelf was jam packed with books about boats. I enjoyed being on the water. My father had decided we needed a family boat when I was 2 years old, and we had spent every weekend we could day-sailing in Galveston Bay, near Houston, Texas. In truth, I thought I might just want to be a sailor, moving goods from port to port, but a part of me knew that wasn’t quite right either; I’m an introverted homebody and I would never be able to stomach being away for months at a time. There had to be something that involved boats and ships + engineering + people.

Enter: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Simply, it’s the study of the design and propulsion of ships. From the shape of the hull, to what makes it move, to all of the systems that go inside it. What happens in calm weather, what happens in snotty weather, what tools a vessel has to offload or care for her cargo, where the crew sleeps, where the ice cream is kept.

I sent a small college named Webb Institute a hail mary of an application, filled out during my Morality class, and within days I was called in for an interview. They had one major, and one major only, 80 students, and only a dozen of them girls. So if I decided I didn’t like Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering after all, I was going to have to switch colleges. Along the way, I was signing up for working internships at shipyards, at sea, and design firms. I graduated with a year of experience, 4 months of it at sea on large vessels.

I met Russell while I was at Webb. Two years behind me in school, Russell Mead was a nice, red-headed geek of a guy, usually wearing some red plaid lumberjack shirt. He was very shy, or at least around the dozen girls on campus. But he was determined, a hands-on guy who seemed to know how to build or fix anything. He never sat still. If he was in the middle of some project, he wouldn’t stop to come to meals, or he’d lug part of it with him to work on while he ate. He was dependable, reliable, and scrappy. If you were going to be stuck on a deserted island with intentions of getting back to civilization, he was the guy to have with you. (If you had no intentions of returning to the civilized world, he was still the guy to have around.)

After Webb, I ended up in Louisiana, working at a small design firm focused on barges and workboats. Russell switched schools to University of New Orleans to finish his degree at the same time. Since we knew each other, we started spending time together, poking around Lake Pontchartrain, looking for boating opportunities. We found him a part-time job at a local boatyard, and we built and played on dinghies in our spare time. He made his intentions clear along the way, but I wasn’t sold–I was certain I was looking for something more akin to a Frank Sinatra than Mr. Fixit/Lumberjack Joe. It took Hurricane Katrina to slam some sense into me. After spending four days waiting, not hearing from him, wondering if he was ok, if any of the lives we have forged in Louisiana was left, I had to face that it wasn’t two lives we were leading, but one. Amidst salvaging and repairing boats and learning to be a live-aboard, our relationship grew.

During the Summer of 2007, Life was Good. Stable. Normal. I’d finished a Masters in Naval Architecture. We both had nice respectable paying jobs with two puppies, Chloe and Captain. Our boats were getting restored. Bills were getting paid. Things were peachy. Then, I saw an ad for Cascade Yachts–lock, stock, and barrel–up for sale. It was in Portland, not far from Warrenton, Oregon, where Russell was raised. Building and repairing boats was a dream we shared, but had never thought a chance to follow it would ever come up. Cascades had a long history and a fantastic reputation, and to be involved with such a brand was such an opportunity. We jumped on it. Soon, we were engaged, loading his Hans Christian 38′ onto a boat hauler, trailering our smaller boats behind our trucks to Oregon, arriving 4 years ago. In May of 2009, we finally married on the deck of S/V Elissa, in Galveston, Texas.

Fast forward to today. I’m still a naval architect, working in Portland at a barge and rail car manufacturer. Russell has moved Cascade Yachts to the Warrenton/Astoria area, where family and friends are all helping get the brand off the ground despite a dubious economy. We see each other on the weekends, usually while working on customers’ boats, anything from commercial fishing vessels to dinghies. Our current projects include renewals, restorations, and new builds. Ensuring that Cascade grows its reputation for quality and that our customers are happy has been a priority. It means a lot of long hours, but it’s a reward, both personally and professionally, to see boats we’ve worked on being enjoyed. Besides, doing something you love is never really work, is it?

We’re hoping that the future holds living together in the same zip code, having a family, and eventually going cruising. While finding a house with a porch and a white picket fence isn’t exactly on our To-Do List, I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that finding a Marine Travel lift is!

To catch me, try kristen@cascadeyachtworks.com, and to find out more about Cascade Yachts, please visit http://www.cascadeyachts.com.

Spotlight … Ashley

admin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:04:07 +0000

Ashley Paterson

I grew up between the oceans and mountains on the North Shore of Vancouver, BC and my parents had a 27’ Catalina that they kept at Granville Island. Unfortunately, the only memory I have of it, which is my first memory, was when I was 2 years old. I was all bundled up in a coat and life jacket and took a tumble down the companionway stairs – breaking my arm. They sold the boat shortly after that.

Later, I moved to Vancouver Island to attend the Visual Arts program at the University of Victoria. After receiving my BFA, I traveled to France where I stayed for 6 years. In-between renovating apartments and restaurants, horseback riding, and selling crepes to skiers on the slopes, I spent all my free time skiing in the Alps. On visits to home on Vancouver Island, I enrolled in scuba classes. I remember my first scuba class – 10 men (mostly firefighters) and me. I was surprised at how few women were involved in scuba. Luckily, I was introduced to a couple of wonderful local diving ladies who took me under their wing and we dove, dove and dove. Obviously, bitten by the diving bug, I decided to make my visit home an extended stay and soon became a scuba instructor. I worked, breathed, and photographed underwater. The dive shop I worked in turned into a dive girl haven – managed, operated, and instructed by women. My 100 pound soaking wet presence must have put a kibosh on the macho-cold-water-diver-image because I logged more than 500 dives and then yielded to the call of “zee inky darkness” otherwise known as cave diving. A trip to the cenotes of the Yucatan, Mexico had me clinched. The cenotes (sink holes) are natural wonders that open the way to underground river systems and are decorated with stalactites and beautiful formations. I learned to dive with double tanks but I wanted a rebreather so I could spend hours exploring the cenotes…enter Ron Micjan…Rebreather Instructor and man of many talents.

After learning to dive with a rebreather off the shores of Catalina Island, I was lured into spending a summer with Ron in Ilwaco with visions of boating and sunning myself on the water. The coldest winter I ever experienced was that summer! I wore long johns everyday save a few weeks in September. We lived on a 33’ Carver. Ron operated a 26’ tow boat and we would zip out on calls to deliver fuel, dive on tangled props, or tow vessels back to the harbor. My immersion into boating was intense. We crossed the bar when we were needed, and not always when conditions were favorable – daytime, nighttime, ebb tide, flood-tide, and even when the bar was closed to recreational traffic with 12’ breaking seas. However, one thing was certain – I loved living on a boat and working in
the marine industry.

In 2008, Ron and I moved the boat to Hayden Island. We bought 2 tow boats and started Columbia River Marine Assistance. Columbia River Marine Assistance is like AAA for boats. We spend a lot of our time helping other boaters, diving under boats to disentangle lines from props, soft ungrounding boats that get stuck on sandbars, towing boats back to docks, jump starts, and delivering fuel…etc. For those interested, we post photos and share what we are doing on Facebook (www.Facebook/BoatTow). Our work can be hard, we’re on call 24/7, but it is rewarding. We love what we do, and we meet a lot of mariners who are happy to see us.

I first came to OWSA in the early spring of 2010. My dock neighbor and close friend, Kathy (who just left for Mexico and beyond with her partner, Dan, aboard their 78’ ferro-cement ketch!), invited me. I left my first OWSA meeting pumped! The energy and enthusiasm at the OWSA meeting was unlike anything I had experienced before. I became a member pronto! Although, I have spent a lot of time on boats, I was not familiar with all the ‘things’ on a sailboat. I signed up for the Spinnaker, Cool Maneuvers and Racing classes. My learning curve was steep. I also helped out with the Pilot Basics Sailing Short Course and am very excited to be coordinating the 2012 class. There are so many opportunities in OWSA to spread your wings, get involved and learn. Ron and I still live-aboard and we love it. We especially delight in the short commute to work! Most of my days are spent buffing, washing and detailing. I enjoy being on the docks and meeting other mariners (especially the really cool ones). Most of my clients have boats on Hayden Island, so if Ron needs me to come along and deckhand for a call, I’m never far away.

Ron and I were married last year and the adventure continues…For more information visit Columbia River Marine Assistance at www.crma-pdx.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BoatTow.

Light Rail Construction Impacts Sailing on the Willamette River

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:29:03 +0000

Please see the below announcement and map regarding the Light Rail construction on the Willamette River. Click on the picture to read the announcements or view the map. Right Click and choose ‘Save As’ or ‘Save Target As’ to save a copy to your computer.

TriMet SErvice Announcement

TriMet Construction Map

October Cruise to Government Island

herowebadmin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:55:09 +0000

OWSA Sailors, families and friends are welcome to join in on a cruise to Government Island departing, Friday, October 21st and returning Sunday, October 23rd. Participate in a pumpking carving contest, socializing, games, fun, live entertainment, Campfire and S’mores. If you would like to have a scavenger hunt or take part in an Orienteering-like course let us know (see below for contact information). For those who like to run, let us know if you would like to take part in a Hash House Harriers style run through the forest! We’re open to ideas!

Sailing Details:
All boats need to organize their own crews and passengers.
We will sail rain or shine as long as conditions are safe.
Arrive late or leave early.

Meeting place:
First dock East of I-205 bridge – on the South side of the main Columbia River channel, North side of Government Island.

Description of amenities, satellite view and location:
http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Portland-Metro/Outdoor-Recreation/Fishing/Fishing/Government-Island-Recreational-Area.aspx
or at http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_250.php

Plans for the weekend:
Friday:
Arrive any time. You are on your own for dinner. Social gathering as you like.

Saturday:
Sail or enjoy the day exploring the island. You are on your own for breakfast and lunch.

Saturday Evening:
Gather for activities and potluck on the dock. Please bring your own plates, serviette, forks, cups, serving utensils and beverages to share. See chart below for what to bring to the potluck.

Last names beginning with:
A-L: Dessert
G-M: Main Dish
I-Z: Salads & Sides

Saturday Evening Activities and Entertainment:
Carve Your Pumpkin Contest / Display - There will be prizes for ugliest, cutest, scariest, biggest, smallest, etc.

Campfire on the beach…bring marshmallows, sticks and fixin’s for S’mores.

Bring your guitars, flutes, etc. Recite a poem… “Ode to My Pumpkin” or “50 Ways to Lose Your Pumpkin”, or whatever you would like to share. If music and poetry are not your style, you could decorate your boat with festive lights or dress in a fun costume.

Sunday:
You are on your own for breakfast and lunch. If more people are here for Sunday, we can have a scavenger hunt or the fun run through the forest. Linger around or sail home as you like.

Tips on Things to Bring:
3 very large Ziplock bags to hold laundry, trash, recycling. We must “Leave no Trace” and pack out everything we bring.
Flashlight/headlamp
Camping Gear
Small folding table for pumpkins, dishes, etc.
Camping Canopies to set up on the dock for shelter.
Deck chairs

We encourage everyone to think like true cruisers, be self-contained and self-sufficient while remembering to look out for your companions. We (Carol and Lexi) would love to hear your suggestions! If you would like to go, please e-mail your name, phone number, and boat you are cruising on to Carol or Lexi at the below addresses.

Happy Sailing,

Lexi Z
lexistarz@gmail.com

Carol B
isabel4@aracnet.com

From the Editor…

OWSA Journal — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:34:25 +0000

First and foremost, I would like to thank Rose Kowalski for all her hard work transforming the OWSA Newsletter to the new blog format.

My name is Melissa Nelson, and I am the new OWSA Newsletter Editor. I hope to be able to uphold the quality and dedication of the Editors who have preceded me as I transition into this position. Furthermore, it is my goal to make the newsletter an active archive of the events and happenings of OWSA, therefore, please feel free to send in article submissions, topic suggestions and ideas for the newsletter.

I am excited to be part of a unique group of women who are dedicated to helping each other learn and grow in the art of sailing.

I look forward to meeting you,

Melissa Nelson

A little bit about me…

OWSA…I learned about OWSA two years ago while in graduate school. Unfortunately, the demands of both school and work left little time to pursue my interests. In July 2011, my schedule opened up and I was able to join OWSA. In addition to assuming the Newsletter responsibilities, I have participated in the Wednesday night sails, the Race Committee Boat, and the Fireside meeting.

Sailing Experiences… When I was about 10 years old, my older cousins, Jon and Jay, both brought their boats to family camp at the Prineville Reservoir. Jay loved the speed of things, and had a red and white ski boat that ripped the daring and somewhat crazy men and boys out of the water. Jon, however, loved the play between water and wind on the Hobie Cat. That summer, I drank a lot of the reservoir water while learning to water ski but fell in love with sailing. I continued sailing with family and friends on the Columbia throughout my childhood. Recently, I have been sailing with my family in the San Juan Islands and Canada. Sailing as an adult rekindled my childhood love of being on the water. I have a lot to learn…and intend on completing the ASA certifications.

Work and Education…I work full-time at a local health care (hospital) system and use my Accounting and Finance skills to convert the financial information and applications for newly acquired facilities to the main ERP application used across the health system. I hold an undergraduate degree in Accounting and Information Systems from Queens College in Flushing, New York and a Masters in Management and Organizational Leadership from Warner Pacific in Portland. I also have over 10 years’ experience in desk-top publishing, which includes some web design and newsletter editing.

Family, Home and Volunteering… I have been married for 6 years and have a Golden Retriever puppy and two cats. I am the Executive Director of Downtown Compassion and use my project management skills to organize the free Medical, Dental and Social Services Clinic. Other volunteering activities include providing HAM Radio emergency communications for events such as The Providence Bridge Pedal, Race for the Cure, The Portland Marathon and the Harvest Century.

Cruising with OWSA – Save the Dates!

OWSA Journal — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:39:04 +0000

– UPCOMING CRUISES –

July 8-10 cruise to Coon Island
August 25-28 to St Helen’s
October 21-23 to Sandy Beach (bring a pumpkin!)

Why do we sail? There must be as many answers as there are sailors; more, really, because we each tend to have multiple answers to that question. For some, cruising on the river is the final goal; for others, it is just a step to something bigger. Your dream might be chartering a boat in the Bahamas, or summering in the San Juan’s, or even to live the cruising life aboard your own boat. Many of us dream of sailing off into the sunset, and some of us actually do.

For me, being on the water means peace; it brings joy to my soul, and I always feel rejuvenated. And what draws me back, again and again, is the excitement and challenge! There is no “right” choice about where and how we fulfill our sailing dreams.

If you are dreaming of cruising this summer, OWSA has some wonderful weekend cruises coming up — and everyone’s invited! OWSA cruises offer a chance to share, learn and socialize with others who also love sailing. Last year, we enjoyed a midsummer weekend cruise, then the “Pajama Cruise” in September (to quote our hostess, “It was a real hoot!”), and a fabulous “Fowlies Cruise” in November.

Warm food, good friends! - photo courtesy of Gail Taylor

Oh, and we’re not restricted to just the cruises listed above.

And if you have ideas for a different destination (Olympia? the San Juan Islands? other places on the Columbia?) – please let me know! And, if you are interested in hosting any of these cruises, your ideas and help will be very welcome.

Thanks! See you at the cruise!

Teri Moore
OWSA Cruising Chair
cruising@owsa.net

Late, by Myself

OWSA Journal — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:06:30 +0000

- photo by Becky Belding

Late, by myself, in the boat of myself, no light and no land anywhere, cloud cover thick.
 I try to stay just above the surface, yet I’m already under and living within the ocean.
                                      -Rumi

Wednesday Night Sails Begin Again

pdxcollins — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 11:15:32 +0000

by Beth Collins

It’s here – Wednesday Night Sail!

WNS Collage - Becky Belding

For some of you, it will be your first time on a sailboat and the start of a new passion. I remember my first Wednesday Night Sail (WNS), on Ya Sure, out of Tomahawk Bay, with Susan Holtdorf. Three years later, Sue and I are fast friends participating in the BOAT Program and sailing together often on OWSA’s own Cal20, Cal Girls.

Since its start in 1995, OWSA’s program has placed hundreds of women on sailboats for an evening of learning, socializing and cruising fun. It started out as “Wednesday Night Cruising,” to provide alternatives for our many racing events. Patricia Christy managed this loosely organized program at the time. Everyone would show up in the parking lot at Tomahawk Bay Marina and hope there was a boat available; Patricia never knew how many boats would be available or how many members to expect. (Later, Jan Woodward setup the email notification system.)

Thanks to the leadership and vision of Nicole Sirois, Wednesday Night Sail (WNS) is now well-organized and well-attended. Last year, Nicole instituted the First Mates program, providing WNS skippers with a skilled “first mate” to help ensure the safety and comfort of all aboard.

New WNS Chair, Robin Smith, fast off the line with an early start May 18, has a great year planned. As usual, we have a fresh group of women sailors participating, so be sure and give them our warm OWSA “welcome aboard.” We all know the challenges of our Portland traffic between 5 and 6 pm, so plan accordingly to avoid holding up your boat’s departure. With such a wet, chilly and gray spring, we are all looking forward to clear skies, steady breezes and great sailing. See you on the Columbia!

Note: All current OWSA members receive an email invitation to participate in Wednesday Night Sails. If you did not get a WNS invitation, go to our website (www.owsa.net) and complete your membership renewal for this year!

Letters

OWSA Journal — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:07:05 +0000

STILL CONNECTED

Dear Editor,

I was the first Commodore of OWSA, and a charter member of the group. I moved to Port Ludlow some years ago, but I follow OWSA activities with great interest and I am continually pleased to know that the organization has grown in numbers as well as stature over the last 16 years. It was an important part of my leisure activities when I lived in Portland and has a very special place in my heart.

I have continued in my sailing adventures and now cruise a Catalina 400 as well as race an Etchell 22 with my husband. As a matter of course, I fly the OWSA burgee at the top of my burgee halyard above the burgee belonging to the Yacht Club of which I am now a member. This indicates to those who ask – that OWSA is at the top of my list in importance for sailing organizations.

Keep up the good work down there.

Sherry Robinson
Commodore 1995 and Education Co-Chair

—————————————————–

KUDOS FOR ALAN BERGEN

To the Editor,

At my first OWSA meeting, last April, I was impressed with the love of sailing the group exuded and shared. I was keen to get back into racing (my husband and I relocated here from Canada, where I raced on a women’s team), and was thrilled when I was invited to crew with Alan Bergen on Thirsty in early June. Alan is a gracious skipper; he invites and encourages newcomers to learn how to sail and race. He even took my husband, Rob, out on a few races, too.

Last summer, Rob and I reconnected with some old friends from Canada, and their teenage kids. Hearing that they all loved to sail, I gave Alan a call and asked if he could take us out for a cruise on Thirsty for an hour or so. He immediately welcomed the idea and a date was set. We gathered at RCYC — all eight of us. It was a beautiful evening with a brisk wind. We reefed the main to ensure everyone’s comfort level, and sailed for almost two hours. Everyone had a fabulous time.

I’m sure many OWSA members have sailed with Alan – he’s been doing Wednesday Night Sail for a long time. We hope you will join us in thanking Alan for his generous hospitality, for his patience, and for sharing his passion for sailing. He is one of the people who make OWSA such a cool organization!

Sandra (member, 2010- ) and Rob Liedl

Letters to the Editor are welcome any time. Please send your letters to: newsletter@owsa.net

Twelve Steps to Buying Your First Sailboat – by One Crazed, First-Time Boat Owner (Debra Glasser)

OWSA Journal — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:10:52 +0000

Author’s Disclaimer: This is a completely personal (and far from authoritative) guide to buying a sailboat, from a proud owner (for almost a year) of her first sailboat: Newport 30 Liberté.

Interspersed between the dry, linear (but important) steps in this process are wet, personal vignettes intended to illustrate and make this process fun — which is why we want to buy a sailboat in the first place.

STEP 1: Join OWSA
This step was far from trivial on my journey from “wannabe” to owner. I joined OWSA just over a year ago, with the dream that perhaps, someday, I could have a sailboat of my own. I met dozens of women with sailboats, plenty of whom owned them without a husband or male partner.

Joining OWSA was the turning point for me, after which I had no doubt that I would proceed with this absolutely (in?)sane and rewarding undertaking.

STEP 2: Lust, Love and Passion

Is it crazy? Of course! It’s also absolutely wonderful, exciting, empowering and enlivening. You just need to decide if it’s the right thing for you.

Case Study: First Love
I was on my Big Sister’s (Linda Wanitschek’s) boat, C&C 28 Bailiwick, during last year’s Sail for the Cure.

Carol Baker, another crew member, was in the process of buying her first boat. She pointed out ‘her’ boat, a Catalina 25 named Winona. It was her love object; you could see it all over her. She was gone — hopelessly in love.

Carol was only wavering about the price being more than she had hoped to spend (join The Club*). Sure enough, when I saw her at the next OWSA meeting, she radiated the glow of a new boat owner (boat owners know what I mean).

*An exclusive club for owners and lovers of sailboats; an elite group of passionate adventurers [think Columbus...or Karen Anderson].

Warning: If you truly want to join this Club, ignore everything you hear from the naysayers (i.e. never-to-be-boat-owners).

No matter what, hold on to that dogged determination. Be Captain of Your Ship…Admiral of Your Life and Passions. Turn a deaf ear to their litany of discouraging reasons why not; listen only to your heart…and other boat owners.

Case Study: Serial Monogamy
There are two kinds of people who sell their boats: those who are still are infected with the love bug and are looking for their next boat. My new crew member, Barbara, is this kind: longingly wandering the docks at Swantown.

The other kind grieves, like Ed Buck, the man who sold his boat to me. In his case, age and his wife’s ill health had ended his sailing life. As we pulled my boat away from his slip in Everett, there were tears in my eyes and, though I could not see him, I knew there were in his as well.

STEP 3: Ask Yourself (and answer) Hard Questions

Why do you want to own a boat vs. sail on OPB’s (other people’s boats), or have a membership in Island Sailing Club, or rent from Portland Sailing Center?
What do you want to do with the boat (now and in the future)?Cruise? Race ? Both?

If Cruising: daysail only? overnight? where?

River
Coastal
Blue water
Lake
Will you want to trailer the boat? Or leave it in a moorage? Or both?

I wanted a comfortable, beautiful, and sturdy-sailing floating home, well-suited for coastal waterways; I dreamed of cruising as I did in my twenties in New England (see OWSA Newsletter ‘Memories Reviving Passion’ May 2010).

STEP 4: Read
As far as I know, there is no Consumer Reports Sailboat Buying Guide, so read books that aren’t quite that direct. I recommend Royce’s Sailing Illustrated, andInspecting the Aging Sailboat by Don Casey. Also read sailing periodicals, such as Good Old Boat* and Sail. For you highly technical folks, check out Practical Sailor.

No doubt, there are others I did not discover.

Use the Internet. Google boats you like and look for Reviews as well as owner clubs and forums. www.texassailing.com is a great place to look at pictures of boats; they are organized by maker, size, For Sale and Sold. It can be helpful for getting ballpark figures on boat values. Become a highly informed shopper; you are about to make a huge and wonderful investment of time, energy and money.

*A friend gifted me with a subscription to Good Old Boat magazine, which I read cover to cover. Each issue reviews one old boat and compares it to similar boats, which is fantastically educational for a boat buyer.

STEP 5: Find a Boat-buying Buddy
This is particularly helpful for keeping you on track, even when you get discouraged. She can be helpful by reminding you that you are not crazy, or at least not the only crazy woman out there.

Thanks to OWSA, I found a partner in my boat-buying obsession: Michelle Williamson. Amazingly, she and I were looking for exactly the same type and size of vessel. We first met for coffee and brainstormed, sharing books and websites, ideas and enthusiasm.

Sometimes, we looked at the same boat and compared notes. She traveled twice to Canada to look; rejecting those candidates, she saved me the trip. I took a few trips to northern Washington and saved her the travel, etc.

That is, until I found my Liberté. Having fifteen more years of life than Michelle, I knew when it was my time to take the leap. After a very diligent search, Michelle decided to forego buying immediately, and chose the sailing options mentioned earlier. For now.

STEP 6: Sail a Lot, and On Many Different Boats
Sailboats are very complicated, and there are many things to think about in picking one. Experience how they sail. Use a buyer’s eye. Listen with a buyer’s ears.

Ask the owners why they chose that boat, what they like and don’t like. Figure out what “look” you like: the lines of the boat, the rigging, the shape of her — bow and aft, how far her deck is off the water. Develop a sense of what you like and don’t like.

Start paying attention to boat details:

Where is the traveller?
Is the backstay split for better stability?
Is the mast keel- or deck-stepped, and what are the advantages of each?
Do the windows open? How is the ventilation?
Is the companionway entrance and opening navigable and safe for sailing?
How is the walkability on deck, in the cabin?
Is the engine inboard or out? Diesel or gasoline?
Is there a swim platform?
Wheel or tiller?
What is the cookstove fuel? Number of burners? Gimballed? Oven?
How is the boat rigged?
What is the sail inventory?
Is the jib on a furler?
Is there a dodger or other canvas to protect you from the elements when cruising?
Is the vessel minimally decked out (i.e. designed for speed)?
How do you like the look of the boat? Her lines? Height above water? Cabin design? How does she feel to sit and walk on, to sail?
What is the space like in the cockpit? Comfortable? Take a hand at steering and handling.

These are just a few examples of what to pay attention to, about what you like, want and can/can’t live without.

Did I take my advice? Not really. I cruised on a Columbia 28 thirty years ago, daysailed a Cal 20 last summer, sailed on the Cal 25’s at the Portland Sailing Center in my basic keelboat class, on a Capri 22 at Island Sailing Club, and an exquisite Catalina 30 on The Linda Bean Cruise. This was not exactly a huge exposure to cruising boat options before taking the plunge.

STEP 7: Ask Questions of Other Sailors
Do not feel stupid; all questions are valid and important. Take a deep breath and listen up; bring a notebook. The person you asked probably loves the chance to tell you what they think about buying a boat in general, what you should do, etc — be ready for a download.

Sailors love to talk about their boats and share their knowledge, especially the men. (I take full credit for the sexual bias, but, really, they are much more into the minutia of boats, aren’t they?)

Talk to current and former owners. Ask them how they decided on their boat, how they learned about it, where they found it. Ask why they sold their boats, or upgraded or decided to stop owning.

STEP 8: Walk the Docks
Look at as many boats as you can, anytime and anywhere, even if you are not sure you’ll like them. Passion Yachts holds “open docks” once a month; this is a great opportunity to get up close and intimate with boats for sale. It will also give you an opportunity to connect with a boat dealer when you are ready.

Ask OWSA members to show you their boats. My Big Sister took a few of us on a dock-walk at RCYC after a meeting last spring. After I decided that buying was my path, I quietly mentioned it at the next OWSA meeting. Former Commodore Judi Davis was sitting next to me, and said she had just decided to sell Ruby, her Pearson 28. My tour of Ruby and test sail got me off the starting line in the buying process.

Don’t be shy; boat owners love to walk docks, look at boats, and talk about boats. It is both fun and useful.

STEP 9: More Detailed Considerations

You’ll be making a lot of lists: what you like, what you want, what is absolutely necessary, what would be nice if you can afford it, and what would be too extravagant. Become aware of what you don’t want or need, as well as what you do. Think about:

Size
Maker/designer
Age: new? or good, older boat?
Cost

Set a price range and remember that once you get the boat there will be expenses, beyond your wildest dreams (think moorage, maintenance, repairs, equipment…). I got my boat last summer and this year’s list includes: decent binoculars, chat plotter (I’ve already been lost in the South Sound once), a pile of up-to-date charts of where I plan to cruise, handheld waterproof GPS and VHF, hiring a diver to clean the bottom and check the zincs…for a start.

Condition. If you are handy and have more skill and time than money, you may like to buy a fixer-upper. You might have someone in your life who can’t wait to get his/her paws into such a mechanical/electrical hobby-project. Others might be able to afford a boat in decent or perfect shape; you will pay more upfront, but hopefully, have less work.

Look at a few boats above your price range, but not too many, or you will get spoiled and not like what you see in your price range. Also, accept that you may fall in love and spend more than you planned; it’s all part of the ‘love of a boat’ dance.

Think sympathetically of me and Carol B!

I was in the latter group and even so, I still had a transmission failure that needed a rebuild within the first six months. They don’t call them BOATs (Break Out Another Thousand) for nothing. I share these details not to deter you, but to keep these real issues in your budgetary considerations.

A starter boat or ‘the definitive boat’?

I had many a person try to talk me out of starting with my 30’ cruising boat, and I have ZERO REGRETS that I ignored them and listened to my heart. But for others, starting with a smaller, less formidable project, such as a Cal 20, might be just the thing.

Sail inventory: do you want a spinnaker? a roller-furling jib, or not?
Rigging: is it set up to single-hand? rigged for racing?
Cabin features:

How many beds?
Head(s)?
Nav Station?
How many to seat for dinner or wine?
Heat? What kind?

Consider how you will use the boat and how many crew will you want and need, like galley layout and amenities. I really wanted a propane stove with an oven, and don’t regret that I got one; I use it all the time. Good food on a cruise is more than a luxury; it can make a glorious day on the water all the more special. Think gourmet. Think crew who like to cook.

Tiller or wheel?
Electronics: Depth sounder, wind speed indicator, GPS/chart plotter, VHF radio, radar, speedometer, battery charger, solar, sound system, Wi-Fi antennae (these are just a few that I know about).

These are all expensive items, but they will add value to the vessel. Do you want and ‘need’ them? Can you add them later?

STEP 10: Start Shopping
The Hunt:

Craigslist. Use the usual precautions for using this source. Check out Portland, Seattle, Oregon Coast and points further north if you are willing to travel there. I did. You can find sailors AND sailboats on Craig’s List, just ask me! I found them both there, including the boat I finally bought.

Yacht World is an Internet boat dealer’s site. You can search the type of boat you want, and even do a nationwide search. (I recommend staying in the Northwest. However, any boat can be delivered…for a price.)

Boat Dealers. There are two agencies in Portland: River City Sailing (www.rivercitysailing.com) and Passion Yachts (www.passion-yachts.com). They are both reputable. In my experience, the boat dealers are not as knowledgeable about the boats as an owner/seller. That said, no search would be complete without checking out your local boat sellers.

www.sail.pdx.net is a local networking site for sailing. Boats for sale come up here occasionally. I looked at a fantastic C & C that my Big Sister found on this site. It was a great boat, but it wasn’t ”my” boat. I discovered that seeing a good boat, and knowing it is not for you, is an important stepping stone in getting to your boat.

Walk docks all over town and look for ‘For Sale’ signs; ask people on the docks if they know of any boats for sale. Look for abandoned boats and inquire about them at the marina office. I often see abandoned boats advertised on the gates at my marina in Olympia. They are fixers at the right price. Think boat foreclosures.

Narrow down your search:

What boats and makers appeal to you? Once you know these, start focusing your hunt.
Meet owners of those boats locally; go and see their boats.

This emotional Pisces author fell in love with the first Newport she saw in Astoria (also advertised on Craig’s List). I couldn’t sleep, thought about how to proceed for a few days, and had the boat sold out from under me before I could even make an offer. After that, I was lovesick for Newports.

Fortunately, OWSA members Julie Schumann and Alison Mazon both own Newport 30’s. They were kind enough to let me tour their boats, and Julie invited me to join her on a Wednesday Night Sail. Those experiences cinched my naïve certainty about what I wanted, and fortune led me to find my own Newport in the Northwest. Being so dogged may not always work in your timeframe. I recommend flexibility, and I suggest you “do what I say, not what I did.”

The truth is, you will do what you will do, and it will be one of the most exciting things you ever did.

Listen to your gut. Like buying a house, making a friend, picking a partner… you hear an inner YES. Does the idea of owning this boat make you feel at ease, harmonious, in alignment, and excited enough to lose sleep?

Or, do you hear niggling doubts, questions, or see red flags? What are they? Are you not sure? In that case, take more time, listen to yourself and wait until you are sure. Do not buy a boat until then. When it’s right, you will know, even in your trepidation.

Woo-Hoo! You found It! Now what??

Even though your heart will break if you lose out in the end, it is important (very important) to engage your head as well as your emotions. In other words, now that your gut thinks it is running the show, use your head!

STEP 11: Commitment
Make a Pros and Cons List. I’m a big fan of the Pros and Cons lists. They are especially useful when you get close to making an offer. Make a comparison chart if you are considering more than one boat.

Price items the boat needs. You may be very surprised at what things cost (I was).

Case Study: After the Honeymoon
I saw two Newports in my hunt: one in Bellingham that was mechanically sound, but had lost its luster; and one in Everett that sparkled, but had a much higher price.
Bellingham’s boat had a dodger that was ripping; the cabin cushions were sad and worn, the sails were old. In order to make a useful Pros and Cons comparison list, I had to try to imagine the replacement cost of those items. I was off by a factor of 5-10!

In my naïveté, I guessed that replacing Bellingham’s dodger and raising its frame would cost about $500. A few local phone calls later I learned that $2,500 would be a more accurate price! It was the same story with the other items.

Everett’s boat had near-perfect canvas: dodger, bimini and a full cockpit enclosure, new sails that were white and stiff, and a furler. Her price reflected these items, but not nearly at their full replacement cost. My Pros and Cons List really helped me decide…on the boat in Everett.

Get a survey. Before you undertake an investment of this size, do not let anyone talk you out of a careful inspection (called a survey, for marine vessels) by a licensed surveyor. The information you gain will help you decide:

if you want to buy this boat and, if so,
what price would be reasonable — once you know the boat’s strengths and weaknesses.

In any event, you will need a survey to buy insurance for the vessel once you own her.

STEP 12: Make An Offer
By now, you should have at least some idea what a reasonable price is for the boat you are in love with.

Go for it.

Congratulations, you did it. Welcome to The Club!!!

Acknowledgements:
For the knowledge I acquired that helped me buy my first boat, and write this article, abundant thanks to:

Gerard P. Dunn,skipper of Windsong Columbia 28 (Boston Harbor,1977)
OWSA the organization, and so many members, mentioned and unmentioned
Jay Kiddle, my sailor contact and adviser in Astoria, and
Linda Wanitschek, my first Big Sister in OWSA 2010-11