Trip Up The Coast
The long search for and acquisition of CAT TALES is a story in itself, maybe two stories. Further, the reasons for the search are another story again, much like the stories behind any personal goals, and even the search for meaning in most lives. But I'll save the reader from further banal philosophical drivel (at least for now - check back sometime).
With the help of a broker, I had found and paid for a six year old Tobago 35; and without ever setting eyes on it, had organized a "go-fetch" expedition to bring it back from its home - doing hard time in the charter trade in Martinique - to a new home in the often rotten and freezing weather of New Brunswick, Canada. A dirty trick to the boat, and the realization of a long time dream for Dawn and I.
The boat was in La Marin, Martinique. It was supposed to be going into the water after being weeks in dry-dock having some things fixed that had been uncovered by the surveyor. I had decided to take great risks and assume it could be sailed for home shortly after my arrival. With great optimism, I had even acquired a stencil of the new name. "Cat Tales" had been agreed upon after two other suggestions: "KnotSmart" and "FogDucker"; had been vetoed by Dawn. I also had spent significant time and funds to get temporary Canadian registration for the boat.
My chosen crew, in random order:
John Fallon: John is a retired, 64 year old, long-time friend of mine. He brings with him such assets as understanding electronics, Ham license, experience in the Caribbean aboard a co-owned C&C 48, some knowledge of the French language, and the useful knowledge that comes from a lifetime of experience.
Doug Chown: Although relatively new to sailing, Doug had some experience in deliveries. I had helped he and his wife Jeanne bring a Catalina 30 home to Saint John from Rhode Island two years earlier. Although he has tremendous handyman-style knowledge, I am most interested in his knowledge of engines and mechanical systems.
Grant Sinclair: Grant and I also have shared a boat delivery. We helped Fraser Forsythe move a C&C 41 from below Cape Lookout to Boston, using the "outside" track. Grant and I have been friends since he worked summers for me in a sailboard business some 15 years earlier. Grant's offshore experience is also great, with numerous other deliveries, and with sailing his own boat out of St. Andrews.
Me: I have lots of experience with boats. But in truth, my offshore experience is really limited. The two deliveries mentioned above are probably the most significant. Further, my knowledge of electronics and motors is mostly academic; the result of a life spent in schools and training rather than doing. After dozens of Hobies, the odd sailboard, and a Stiletto 27; this would be the first boat that has real engines, needs a mooring and fenders, and can't be rolled up the beach above the ice and flood lines at the end of the season. I will be relying a lot on my crew.
"Shore Crew": These people can become rather important. They are the people who you worry about, who worry about you, who solve shore problems to allow you to be away, and who provide you with the shore communication to keep it all together. We all had our family at home, and they all provided support. There was also a crowd of special people at the other end of the Ham radio connection. Old friends of John's, most of these belonged to the Ham Radio group "Missisauga Maritime Net". One old gentleman in particular was VE3 SQD, or Squid, communicating from a tall apartment building in Toronto. Ron contacted our family members daily by e-mail and kept communication going the entire time. When not calling for him, we knew him as Ron Dubros.
I have conned this crowd into joining me, and have bought the tickets. Let's see how it works out.
Click on the Journal Entries below to read the diary I kept while on route!
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Getting Started |
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Beaufort and up "The Ditch" |
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Cape Cod to Saint John |
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Home |