On the Hard: Errant winter storage at Willsboro Bay Marina, March 8, 2015
I keep feeling the hankering to visit my lonely vessel, so I drove up to Willsboro Bay Marina where Errant is still snug in winter storage.
Pleased to see that her winter cover remains intact despite the whipping winds, and the interior is totally dry. So many boats in the shipyard have flapping covers and loose straps/lines, but fortunately our slow, concentrated effort last fall learning how to install and secure the winter storage cover has paid off. We’re not 100% out of the woods yet – at least one more snowstorm in mid/late March (or even early April) is likely – so we’ll keep Da Capo/Errant weatherproof until at least Easter. Then the spring work begins!
I unzipped the cover and climbed inside to ensure that everything was shipshape. I expect to come back in a week or two with my bride to take some measurements for interior cushions and curtains that she is reupholstering before we launch.
Reminders to Self
The “to do” list is already swelling! Here are some reminders: check on sail repairs; check in regarding fiberglass/gelcoat repair schedule; remove v-birth door hardware to determine why door is binding; order new cockpit cushions; continue researching folding help; and look into re-rigging to ensure safe lines throughout.
On the Hard: Errant winter storage at Willsboro Bay Marina, March 8, 2015
Stopped by Willsboro Bay Marina today to check on Da Capo/Errant. So many whistling, flapping halyards!
The date is March 8, sort of spring, at least it seems like it should be spring. But the cold, humid wind and a lingering blanket of snow suggest that spring launch is still a good way off…
I was relieved to see that the winter storage cover has held up well, not a single tear or loose line. Frankly, I was a little surprised. I guess all of the hours trying to decipher the cryptic instructions paid off.
I didn’t climb aboard, but I will return in a couple of weeks if the temperature rises to inspect the interior and start a few projects like refitting the v-berth door and deep-cleaning the bowels so that I start the sailing season with a super clean vessel.
Hauling Da Capo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Another first this morning! Although I spent many summers in my teens and early twenties working at the Westport Marina, often assisting with hauling boats, I’ve never before witnessed my own vessel being lifted out of the water and trundled about a shipyard with a giant travel lift. I’ve never before had a sailboat hoisted into a cradle where it will spend the winter on the hard.
Now I have.
Mark on Errant at Willsboro Bay Marina early morning, October 3, 2014. Ready to haul for the winter!
Early Morning
After a fun sail, supper and late night bull session with Mark and Jim last night, Jim headed for home and Mark and I crashed aboard Errant. He slept in the aft berth and seemed to slumber solidly enough. I sleeping-bagged it in the v-berth, and I slept fitfully. Comfortable enough, but maybe just anxious about the haul, the possibility of finding surprises beneath the water line, or something.
Mark whipped up some bacon and eggs this morning, and then we idled over to the service dock.
Willsboro Bay Marina’s docks were quiet, but the service dock was already buzzing with staff ready to haul. From the get-go through the moment that Da Capo was secured in her cradle for the winter, I was impressed with how organized and efficient the shipyard team was. Paul, one of the owners and the head of service, was especially capable. I feel fortunate that my sailboat is being taken care of by this team.
The photos in the gallery below tell the story better than words, from sun up to keel down. Thanks, team WBM! I look forward to spending the next six months or so on the hard, tackling my list of deferred maintenance tasks.
Early morning at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014. Ready to haul for the winter!
Early morning at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014. Ready to haul for the winter!
Early morning at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014. Ready to haul for the winter!
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Hauling DaCapo at Willsboro Bay Marina on October 3, 2014
Jim at the HelmThursday’s sail north from Essex Marina to Willsboro Bay Marina with Jim and Mark was a great way to wrap up my first (extremely abbreviated) season sailing Da Capo/Errant. Smooth sailing with moderate to light winds and calm seas; bluebird skies and cool-to-warm temperatures; and the companionship of two close friends who are both intricately woven into my boating/sailing narrative.
Sail to Power to Sail
As I’ve mentioned previously, I grew up sailing. My father taught my brother, sister, and me to sail — first a Paceship 17 (P17), then an Alcort Sailfish, and later a Tiga sailboard — when I was a youngster. Probably between 8 and 14 years old I was strictly a sailor.
I envied neighbors who had powerboats, mostly because it opened the possibility of waterskiing which I had learned to do. But my parents were keen on the environment, not motorboats. So when I got my first job as a dock boy at the Westport Marina (owned and operated by Jim and his family), I took advantage of every opportunity that I could to operate powerboats. Jim was my boss, but he was a benevolent boss and soon a friend. He opened up the wide world of powerboat opportunities, allowing me to take out the staff at the end of the work day for an end-of-shift ski. I jumped at every opportunity to join him (or his brother Larry) on rescues, zooming through often messy conditions in a Shamrock workboat that looked like a miniature tugboat. I shuttled boaters out to moorings, moved boats between slips, delivered boats to clients with waterfront docks elsewhere on Lake Champlain, and weaseled my way into just about any boating experience I could finagle.
In short, during my teens and early twenties I barely sailed at all!
Mark During Last Sail 2014But I found my way back to sailing in my mid twenties. I was living in Santa Fe, New Mexico (check out our current adobe oasis!) and windsurfing on the desert southwest’s tiny manmade lakes offered the perfect antidote to lake-longing. My girlfriend and I acquired a hodgepodge of secondhand gear and taught ourselves to chase high dessert storms.
In my early thirties my brother and I balanced summer ski boats with Hobie Cat 16 sailing. To this day I consider sailboarding and small, fast catamaran sailing to be just about the most exhilarating watersport out there!
But I’m missing a chapter in my boating narrative. In my twenties and thirties I began to dream of sailing and cruising in larger monohulls. Mostly it was daydreaming. Reading and rereading worn Nautical Quarterly volumes, flipping through sailing magazines, and wandering marinas. Some day…
As in my early power boating days I pursued any and every opportunity to get aboard a sailboat. Shortly after moving back to the United States after living in France for almost four years I began collaborating with Jim and Mark on an e-commerce project called ShipStore.com. Mark was living on a sailboat in Benecia, California and racing an asymmetrical dinghy on weekends. Cool!
I remember like it was yesterday the sun soaked day that Mark and I spent with our brides sailing, eating, brainstorming, daydreaming on his sailboat Wandering Rose. Ever since he’s encouraged my desire to sail and cruise (and possibly some day, even live aboard). And Mark was instrumental in helping me evaluate Da Capo/Errant.
So it seemed apropos that I should conclude my skinny season number one with both Jim and Mark. One opened up the world of power boating (effectively wooing me away from sailboats) and the other guided me back to my sailing roots. Narrative perfection!
Following a charmed afternoon of sailing, we dropped the sails and headed into Willsboro Bay. The good folks at Willsboro Bay Marina invited me to spend the night in the slip of Da Capo/Errant’s previous owner, ensuring that I would be ready bright and early to bring the boat to the service dock / travel lift for hauling.
We cracked open the rum and grilled a tasty supper on the boat. Lots of laughter and libations later, Jim headed home and Mark and I turned in for my first night of sleep on the new boat and the last night of boating for the season.
Good Satellite Radio Karma
Sometimes life rhymes. Or so it seems. And when it does, it’s especially fine to accompany it with an appropriate soundtrack.
As I drove to the marina at the outset of this journey look what came up in the playlist…
A perfect day for sailing! Warm and sunny, winds variable 0-15 knots, and — best of all — a chance to wile away the day on Lake Champlain with my father.
My dad taught me to sail 30-35 years ago (a story for another post). It seems appropriate that for my first day sailing Da Capo (soon to be Errant) without my friend Mark at my side, coaching and encouraging, I should have my father onboard to balance out the sailing team.
Thanks, Dad!
Winds were light but mostly steady making for easy, enjoyable sailing and plenty of time to swap sailing stories. My father didn’t grow up in a sailing family, but he learned to sail in his teens and twenties with friends. He shared a couple of fun adventures that I’ll recount anon if he offers his blessing.
From start to finish our sail was a delight. He sailed much of the time, and Da Capo performed predictably, reliably, and 100% enjoyably. Even docking, a hurtle I’m yet to perfect mentally or in execution, proceeded smoothly.
Willsboro Bay Marina with Errant (formerly Da Capo), a 2002 Catalina 310, in the middle.
Time to test-sail Da Capo, the Catalina 310 at the Willsboro Bay Marina that I’m considering purchasing. Fortunately my good friend Mark Engelhardt, a seasoned sailboat racer, cruiser, and liveaboard, joined me today for a trial run. Even more fortunate? He lives in Montpelier, Vermont and was willing to come north for an early morning ferry ride to Essex, a hardy Rosslyn breakfast (I tempted him with farm fresh scrambled eggs and bacon!) and a sail.
Conditions were perfect. Sunny. Cool. And a building breeze of about 12 knots greeted us when we arrived at the marina. The owner welcomed us warmly, and after brief introductions we throttled up and loosed the dock lines.
“Normally we have to motor out on the channel,” the owner said. “But today we can sail. Wind’s perfect.”
The owner was at the helm, and for the first time I began to feel a little jittery. Butterflies? Was I ready for this? He backed out of the slip and headed out onto Willsboro Bay.
We ran up the main, unfurled the 135% genoa, and cut the engine. As the diesel died and the luffing sails filled, I was struck by the quiet. The gentle vibration of the engine was replaced by the slosh of water and the subtle sense of straining as the wind leaned into the sails and rigging, and the hull sliced through the waves. The vessel felt solid as she healed subtly away from the wind.
Breezy with Butterflies
The owner remained at the helm, describing the the boat’s character, and gesticulating to illustrate his points. He was relaxed and content. Confident. Hands lightly on the wheel, smiling.
I was feeling excited and nervous all at once. Wind power exhilarates AND calms me. But that childlike enthusiasm was only one part of what I was feeling. I was also catapulting forward quickly toward boat ownership. I’ve dreamed of this for decades. But was I ready?
“Are you ready?” he asked me.
I was. And I wasn’t. Suddenly the enormity of this step, this responsibility, this learning curve washed over me. I was excited. And nervous.
“Sure,” I lied. “You bet!”
I replaced the owner behind the helm and stood, feet shoulder width apart, suddenly more conscious of the wind’s power and the texture of the water rushing beneath the hull, pulling gently at the rudder.
A gust loaded up the main and I overcorrected, rounding up and causing the boat to wallow. I colored, resolved to be less jumpy, to trust the boat.
And then the wind buffeted us again. And I rounded up again. Steady. Gust. Fall off. Wallow.
Mark asked the owner if the boat gets squirrelly in heavy wind. It’s not bad, the owner explained in a circuitous way, more comfortable in French than in English. He explained that Catalina recommends reefing the main above 17 or 18 knots. He usually waits until 20 knots or so, he said smiling. I glanced at the gauges and saw that we were pretty consistently in the high teens, and the gusts were pushing us above 20 knots.
Another gust and I overcorrected again. My palms were sweaty. I was clenching the wheel tightly. I loosened my grip, widened my stance, breathed in and out slowly. Mark and the owner encouraged me to trust the vessel, to let it push through the gusts without rounding up. And I began to. Slowly. And she held her course, plugged through the light chop, accelerated.
Maiden Voyage
“Have you ever sailed before?” the owner asked.
I was taken aback, though I tried not to betray it. I explained that I’d grown up sailing. As a young boy I learned to sail my family’s daysailer with my father, a Paceship 17 (P17), and then sailed an Alcort Sailfish during my middle and high school years. I’ve owned a fleet of windsurfers and a pair of Hobie Cat 16s. And any time I’ve had the chance to try out other sailboats I’ve grabbed the rudder or wheel.
But the truth is that I’ve done very little keel boat sailing. I’ve daysailed on friends’s boats, and I’ve chartered captained sailboats in France and Turkey. But sailing and owning a keel boat was going to be a totally new adventure for me. And it was turning out that my instincts and my muscle memory would need some work!
I began to feel more comfortable. I was resisting the reflex to round up each time a gust knocked into us, and my confidence was growing. I felt more confident, and I began to relax. The boat is heavy and handles predictably. The wind and my own responses were unpredictable, but I was getting the hang of it.
Mark swapped out with me so that I could handle the lines and he could run the vessel through some tests. And before I knew it we’d been out on the water for over an hour and needed to wrap up. Mark was satisfied that the boat was sound and handled well. I was relieved to have achieved a modest degree of comfort and confidence at the helm. And Da Capo’s owner was pleased that we liked his boat. It was time to head back to the marina…
Owner showing Da Capo during visit on August 24, 2014
Up early this morning, excited and antsy. I’ve studied the photographs of Da Capo so much that I feel like I’m already familiar with the boat, as if visiting, boarding and poking around will be more like déjà vu than a first encounter.
Owner showing Da Capo during visit on August 24, 2014
Willsboro Bay Marina
We drove to the Willsboro Bay Marina and parked. The seller had given me his slip number and directions from the parking lot, but I’d already stopped by the marina several times during bike rides to “spy” on Da Capo (as if gazing at her from different angles would help me discern whether or not she’s the right sailboat for us.) I knew exactly where she was berthed, and now I could finally climb aboard.
We walked across the lawn between The Upper Deck restaurant and the dock where Da Capo is berthed. I pointed out the sailboat to my bride as we strolled down the dock busy with boat owners cleaning and polishing their sailboats.
Owner speaking with my bride during Da Capo during visit on August 24, 2014
“Bonjour!” I greeted a man roughly my height and stature who had just finished hosing down the deck of Da Capo. We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. I introduced my wife, and he introduced his wife or girlfriend. He was warm and endearing; she even more so.
I snapped some photographs of the exterior, noting some minor cosmetic gelcoat damage on the transom. And then I headed into the cockpit to poke around while Susan remained on the dock with Griffin our Labrador Retriever.
The cockpit and interior or Da Capo were exactly as photographed. No surprises. Even the ceiling height/clearance felt “familiar” from the photographs that I had spent so much time studying. The v-berth felt more ample that I expected, and the aft berth felt more or less as I’d anticipated: slightly claustrophobic due to the low ceiling. Although a portal into the cockpit can offers light and fresh air, and at night a hatch in the starboard cockpit seating can be raised to increase the natural light and airflow in to the aft berth. Despite the low ceiling, the length and width were ample.
I felt comfortable… I was able to stand bolt upright in the middle of the salon… [and] I felt comfortable enough standing and moving the v-berth too.
The salon was pleasantly bright and airy, and the galley was compact but efficient. I took no photographs at all inside the boat. The owner had well documented everything, so I focused instead on asking questions and opening/closing, lifting, snooping. If there were surprises I couldn’t find them. And I felt comfortable. I had been concerned about ceiling heigh, about feeling cramped, about needing to stoop. This is certainly the case in parts of the cabin, but I was able to stand bolt upright in the middle of the salon without a problem. And I felt comfortable enough standing and moving the v-berth too.
The head was small, but I’d known this in advance. It was clean and well maintained with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The shower and toilet section would be a drippy mess if we ever showered aboard, but at least part of the head—the space with the sink—would remain dry.
I will attach the remaining photographs (exterior + dinghy) in a gallery below, but long story short, the boat was immaculate, well proportioned and appealing.
We thanked the owner and—after chatting about boating on Lake Champlain, the pleasures of Essex and Montreal, the new Dufour the owner hopes to buy next, etc.—I promised to be in touch soon, and we departed.
As we walked back to the car I asked my bride for her reaction. She liked Da Capo, felt comfortable inside, and thought everything looked well maintained. She was positive though not effusive. She asked me what I thought, slightly warily, as if she was aware that I might be shifting away from “research with a goal to purchase a sailboat next summer” and toward a more accelerated timeline. Make an offer now?
This is the question that was in my head. But I demurred aside from expressing relief that there had been no surprises. I explained that I needed to mull it over. And I did. I was anxious to avoid getting swept up in the emotions and yearning and cartwheeling forward until I’d worked everything through.
On the one hand, I was smitten. I felt at home on the boat, thrilled with the condition, eager to sail it away. On the other, I knew that the price needed to come down, and I wasn’t really ready to own a sailboat until next summer. I hadn’t made any effort to line up dockage or winter storage, and summer was almost over. We had an autumn trip to France and Italy scheduled, so our boating season would be abbreviated. This wasn’t the ideal time to purchase. I needed to think. A lot!
Owner speaking with my bride during Da Capo during visit on August 24, 2014
Owner speaking with my bride during Da Capo during visit on August 24, 2014
Da Capo’s bow/hull photographed during visit on August 24, 2014
Owner showing Da Capo during visit on August 24, 2014
Aging but usable Zodiac dinghy (Da Capo visit on August 24, 2014)
Minor transom gelcoat damage detected during Da Capo visit on August 24, 2014
Minor transom gelcoat damage detected during Da Capo visit on August 24, 2014
Minor transom gelcoat damage detected during Da Capo visit on August 24, 2014
Willsboro Bay Marina with Da Capo, a 2002 Catalina 310, in the middle.
I fell asleep last night thinking about Da Capo, and I awoke this morning thinking about Da Capo. Jitters, but mostly excited, curious, want-to-know-more jitters.
Before going to bed I had reread Da Capo’s listing for the umpteenth time and flipped through the photographs again, sleuthing for hints of problems but found only signs of fastidious maintenance. I reread reviews and re-trolled forums, hunting for a neon flashing “Caveat emptor!”
Shortly after 9:30 AM I emailed the seller.
Many thanks for your quick and thorough response. My schedule’s tricky this week, but I’m going to see if there’s a possibility that my wife could join me on Friday afternoon. Most likely Sunday will be our best chance. I’ll update you as soon as I have an answer.
In the meantime, I have a couple of questions that will help me out. First of all, is the sale price in USD or Canadian dollars? Is the cradle in the photographs owned by you and is it included in the sale price? I’m unfamiliar with issues related to boats registered abroad, and you mentioned in your listing that the boat “is register Canadian in bound.” Can you please explain what that means and what impact it would have on me if I purchased the boat? Can you please tell me whether you consider the boat well suited for single-handed / solo sailing on Lake Champlain?
Sorry to bog you down with questions!
Da Capo’s owner/seller, Daniel Boutin
The email swooshed off into the interwebs and I tried to shift my focus to my work (with only marginal success.) I checked my email about every five minutes, each time startled at my lack or restraint. Just wait…
And then at 10:08 AM an email arrived from Da Capo’s owner/seller with inline friendly (exuberant!) responses to my questions ( in bold in the email below.)
Many thanks for your quick and thorough response. My schedule’s tricky this week, but I’m going to see if there’s a possibility that my wife could join me on Friday afternoon. Most likely Sunday will be our best chance, but I’ll update you as soon as I have an answer.
Good, will wait for your confirmation!
In the mean time, I have a couple of questions that will help me out. First of all, is the sale price in USD or Canadian dollars?
USD, which is good for you at this time.
Da Capo is really easy to sail in solo. I did it often.
Is the cradle in the photographs owned by you and is it included in the sale price?
The cradle and the winter cover come with it! As well as the dinghy and the outboard engine (Yamaha, 4 strokes, 2.5 hp).
I’m unfamiliar with issues related to boats registered abroad, and you mentioned in your listing that the boat “is register Canadian in bound.” Can you please explain what that means and what impact it would have on me if I purchased the boat?
This does not apply to you, only canadian buyers. You will have to pay your regular purchase taxes. Inbound means that this boat has not be imported in Canada. I can’t navigate in Canada unless I pay the duty fees at the border.
Can you please tell me whether you consider the boat well suited for single-handed / solo sailing on Lake Champlain?
She’s really easy to sail in solo. I did it often. The cockpit and the galley is very huge for this size of boat. You’ll see ! Every seasons I pass my entire vacation on it (3-4 weeks). I leave the marina on day 1 and come back 3-4 weeks after. It the perfect boat for 2 or small family. And really comfortable for 4 adults for a long week-end.
Sorry to bog you down with questions!
You don’t bog me, I’m glad to answer to your questions. Feel free to ask as needed! I also paid for a survey earlier this spring as requested by my insurance company. I can show it to you and translate it if you want when you’ll come. It’s written in french.
Have a nice day !
Good news it would seem, though the seller’s overzealous manner is making me slightly leery. Why is he so eager to peddle the boat? Is it really that he wants to sell in order to purchase a boat he’s afraid of losing? Or is there something more? Healthy skepticism or a red flag?!?!
Schedule a Visit
Several email volleys later we’ve planned to meet at the marina this Sunday. My bride will join me. Now, back to work!
This afternoon I made the decision to find out more about about Da Capo, the 2002 Catalina 310 listed for sale locally (Willsboro Bay Marina) on sailboatlistings.com.
At 4:44 PM I sent this message to the seller:
Beautiful boat. If it’s still for sale, would you please email me any known mechanical/structural/systems problems? Also any deferred maintenance issues that I should be aware of. I’m wondering if the boat would be available for a visit? I am in Essex, NY, and I would appreciate a chance to come and take a look with my wife. Thanks in advance.
This boat is in perfect condition and I will be glad to give you a visit!
Less than two hours later I received this response:
Yes, my boat still for sale. This boat is in perfect condition and I will be glad to give you a visit! I’m from Montreal and will arrive at Willsboro friday afternoon. Can you come around 4 or 5 pm Friday ? Or Sunday afternoon ? I’m really in a rush to sell her, I have an eye on another boat which is the only one like it on the market. I really want it!
Hmmm… The seller’s prompt response initially excited me, then — once I read the email — concerned me. Too urgent? Red flag waving.
I decide to sleep on it before responding. Prudence…
This quick info post—a list of Catalina 310 specs—is a quick update to my avalanche of posts about Da Capo, a 2002 Catalina 310 sloop offered for sale at Willsboro Bay Marina, just a short bike ride away from my home, my desk, my computer,… where I am supposed to be working right now, not obsessing over a sailboat!
Not sure why I think that data crunching is helpful right now, but I’m getting a little obsessed. These numbers look sooo right, so practical, so smart for me at this point. Big enough to comfortably accommodate us on Lake Champlain, but not so large as to be a hassle. Beamy, so not super sleek and elegant, but practical. Comfortable. Accommodating. Plenty of mass and lots of keel to balance the generous sail area.
