It gives me great pleasure (and more than a tinge of sadness) to announce that
SOMEDAY HAS BEEN SOLD!
She was my constant companion for six wonderful years, but the time had come to hand her over to someone who could give her more quality time.
I bought her in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2000. That was the very reason I was there: to find a good boat, live aboard her, get some sea miles under my keel, then sail the Atlantic single-handed.
Which is precisely what I proceeded to do, although things took a little longer than I thought. Five years, instead of the three I was originally thinking.
Not that this was five years of hardship. Not by a long stretch. South Carolina has a very agreeable climate, and during my time there I met a very special and beautiful woman (who I ended up marrying). Morning on the beach, tanning, swimming, maybe a beer. Afternoons we’d often head out for sail in the harbour, definitely a beer. Once back to the dock, I’d congratulate myself on my docking, then get the BBQ going as Sharon would marinate the shrimp. Drinks and dinner in the cockpit, watching the river and the goings on at the marina. Then to the stateroom, about which I’ll say no more.
We had a pretty good life there when Sharon was visiting.
When she was back in Scotland or Peru or wherever else, I’d work on the boat, go for solo sails, and drink too much at the local bar.
I did work hard on this boat – she certainly needed it when I got her. But finally, in July 2005 she was ready, and so was I. I set off solo from Charleston, South Carolina, and seven weeks later, arrived in Troon, Scotland. It was an incredible trip, with lots of ups and downs. Storms, equipment failure, sea-sickness. Excitement, exhilaration, serenity, satisfaction.
The weather here is certainly a large factor in my decision to sell her. I’ll drive a motorcycle in any weather, but I prefer sailing in tropical conditions. But I also have less time: since arriving here two years ago I’ve gotten married, bought a house, and sired a son. I’m not complaining, mind you. Our house has a view of the harbour, my wife is lovely and generous (and my best friend), and my little boy is a joy. I guess I’m just no longer interested in maintaining a 37-foot blue-water yacht.
She’ll need work and money to bring her back to pre-Atlantic condition, but that’s what boats are for. To work at and to sink money into. Many sailors I’ve met spend many more hours cleaning and working on their boats than actually sailing them.
The proud new owners are a nice couple from Hartlepool. They certainly know their stuff, and seem to have a passion for strong classic boats. Many thanks to Western Horizon Yachts who did an excellent job on both her on-line presentation and on getting the word around to the boating community.
I’ll miss Someday. She’s a beautiful, strong boat, full of character. She carried me safely through many thousands of treacherous miles. Someday we’ll get another.
(also see related post Coming Soon).
I’d like to extend both my congratulations and my condolences on the sale of Someday.
Chickin salad!
water goes up and the water goes down my friend. Someday is now yesterday. May she sail on and on and…..
Sorry to hear about Someday. And also, congratulations I suppose.
Someday was my first big sailing experience as well – 5 days in open water, more or less – on the way to Bermuda, or was it the Bahamas. It was definitely one of the B’s. I’ll never forget it. Dolphins skimming in the bow wake, night watches, alone in the cockpit at dawn in open ocean, water like glass a colour of blue I’ll likely never see again.
Pretty memorable stuff.