Big Ocean Small Boat

From Bengt:

Happy New Year!

Jon and Kelly, your article from the NA’s have gotten a lot good press: http://j30.us/blog/?p=529#more-529.

Off into the Sunset…

Actually, it was a little gray on Sunday when Ken—Shanti’s new owner—and his friend Deborah picked her up at the dock, reviewed how the GPS and the head worked, and sailed off into the bay.

Best of luck and fair winds (but not too fair, she likes a good breeze…)

Just back from sailing as foredeck at the 2009 j/30 North American championships in Westport Connecticut. For the second year in a row, we took 1st in the championship. This year we sailed the 5 race series in varied (mostly light) conditions to a (2), 1, 1, 2, 1 record. Which makes us 2-time North American champions, apparently…

We also won the best amatuer crew trophy, which is always a nice addition when there are pros on the course in other boats.

Of course the credit goes to Bengt, the owner-driver who prepped the boat (holy cow untouchable upwind speed), got the crew together (6-out-of-7 owner/skippers aboard), and drove a flawless race (4-for-5 nailing the starts).

What a great crew.

Everyone here is talking about shrinkwrapping their boats for the winter—making me very happy about our 12 month California sailing calendar!

Team Fuzzy Wuzzy

FW Tactical Computer

Tactics, Helm, Trim 2

Who let the O911 sailors into this club?!

Yes, Shanti is still for sale.

Since I’m super busy with work and family (the exact reasons I’m selling) and because I really love the boat and have been enjoying an occasional sail and the theraputic values of ongoing boat work, I’ve been very apathetic about any sort of salesmanship or listing effort, basically relying on word of mouth (and people stumbling across this blog).

Eventually, the boat and a new owner will come together. Happily for them, they will also get the benefit of the brand new North Direct #3 (100%) NorDac furling cruising jib I bought and installed this summer…

Took Charlotte out for her first sail at 3 months 1 day old. Front pack plus inflatable vest for mom, nervousness and north bay flat water cruising for skipper dad. Help from Uncle Aron and friends Bob and winemaker Aaron. Pictures to (maybe) follow.

Took Shanti out for a motor to Angel Island, where she served as a “home base” for kids and adults who wanted out of the sun during our company picnic. Chas and Carlin from Bend and JerryO helped pack food for 20 into a 30 foot boat and with the delivery and return.

Angel Island picnic tip: The “first come first serve” spots are way better than the reserved spots. Arrive on the first ferry (or by private boat) and I can’t imagine you will ever, ever have a hard time grabbing a good site.

Some pictures of Shanti at rest. The fact that she looks a lot smaller than reality in the “from the cockpit” view is  balanced by how spacious and comfortable she looks in the interior shots.

Looking good!

Looking fast!

Cockpit and instruments

NEW! View from companionway

NEW! Nav table, panel, stereo, VHF, SSB, GPS

Cabin, from v-berth

NEW! Salon Table deployed

NEW! Galley

NEW! Head

NEW! Hanging Locker

NEW! Forepeak and V-Berth

With work and family, she just doesn’t get sailed enough. It stinks to leave a boat like this tied up.

She’s something special: A whole load of 2010 PacCup/TransPac dreams could easily fit aboard.

More.

Removed Shanti’s diesel tank in order to clean it and replace the emergency fuel cut-off valve. Been meaning to do it forever. In the end, it took 2 hours of bruised knuckles and diesel-y mess.

Raced in the j/105 February midwinter regatta with Racer X. Had some great Peruvian food in the city afterward with Phillip and Nicole.