I loved my Westsail 32. As well as my 1934 Ralph Winslow Yawl. And the gaff rigged Danish double ended life boat conversion. All great boats that furthered me along in my relationship with sailing.
The Westsail is a fine boat. Plenty of character, rugged, and palatial down below for its length. With 20 knots of wind on the quarter, main and staysail drawing, the boat has a wonderful motion as it surges along. The design and the lifestyle that the Westsail company was promoting (Go cruising! See the world!) caught my attention in the 1970's. It was an idea that held fast for 20 years through the ownership of several other boats. I finally purchased a Westsail 32 in 1997.
But then, 5 years or so ago, a notion of a new boat began to take hold. One that is bigger, faster, not as Spartan. Extra room for occasional guests. Better set up for more gear. Still had to be heart-grabbingly beautiful to my eyes.
Did I say that the new notion was to buy a new boat? What I should have said was a notion to look at potential boats. For 5 years. I looked at a lot of boats. Constantly on Yacht World (yachtworld.com) comparing and contrasting. Printing out the specifications of boats that I was particularly interested in. Researching designs, following forum discussions. Walking the docks. Talking to people. It became a full time job. And I was very happy to continue on like that and was never really at the point of jumping in and making an offer. I was not without a boat at this time; actually the old Westsail never looked better. Simple, very manageable, paid for. It was a very enjoyable time. Dreaming.
I found myself focused on a number of boat designs in my search. Nordic 44, Norseman 447, Mason 43, Mason 44, Pacific Seacraft 40, Passport 40, Baba 40, Tayana 42, a couple older Swans, Valiant 40, and Valiant 42. A couple Ted Brewer designs in steel. Waterline Yachts from British Columbia. There were many brokers who were very patient with me, answering my questions. A tip of the hat specifically to Judy Nasmith at Swiftsure Yachts in Seattle (swiftsureyachts.com) who showed me a number of local boats. I felt like she understood what I wanted and she was fun to work with.
After reaching a resolution regarding the cost, the Valiant 42 was my final choice. And then I looked at Valiant 42s for 1½ years. Carolyn and I looked at quite a few. Each was a little different, but I knew that if I were ever to buy another boat, it would most likely be a Valiant 42. Anyone thinking about one should consider Bernie and Kate at Rogue Wave (roguewaveyachtsales.com) as a huge resource with their depth of knowledge, vast experience, and boundless enthusiasm. A trip to Annapolis with my daughter to have Bernie show us the Valiant 42 Apogee was pivotal. It was the boat. I hesitated. And someone else bought it. I was left with regret. (Note: Rogue Wave's listings tend to sell quickly.)
A new listing came up for a Valiant 42 in Ventura, CA: Jenny Wren. I called up the listing broker with some questions that were not addressed in the specifications. Jon Jorgensen (chandleryyachtsalescom) was more than helpful in finding out the answers to my questions, sending additional photos, and keeping me on task for the next year while I considered this boat. What was I waiting for? I felt like my daughter, Melissa, was beginning to lose confidence. (Come on, Dad!) It became clear that this was the boat that I'd been looking for. The culmination of a long process was found in this well equipped, well loved and cared for Valiant 42. So I did it. And never looked back.
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| Survey day. Note David's false appearance of calm. |
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