For What it is worth, our First C-27

[deisher6]

In the early 1980's it looked like our family would be stationed on the east coast for a couple of years, either at Camp LeJeune or Cherry point.  I was anxious to sail our own boat rather than special services'.  We saw a C-16, admired the classic looks, and bought it.  It was a great boat and we had much fun trailer sailing on New River with our two young daughters.  

After a deployment to Okinawa that a third daughter, we traded the C-16 in for a used C-23.  Again had a great time sailing it out of the Air Station docks on New River and surrounding waters.  

During 1985 we received orders to Cherry Point and looked for a boat with a little more head room.  Wound up with a new Jaguar 22 (or 23).  It was docked at Hancock Creek on the Neuse.  I lived aboard it until we received quarters.  I developed a slight stoop from almost enough headroom.  The Jaguar was an English boat with a flat bottom and a mega lb. dagger board.  It was a performance boat ideal in many ways for shallow waters.  It had a SeaGull long shaft that didn't like me, and after living on it for several weeks it lacked some comforts.  So in for a penny in for several pounds, we saw an new 1986 C-27 and it was love at first sight. (The Sailboat Company was always glad to see us!).

We named the C-27 Windrunner and sailed from Wilmington  to Washington, taking it back to New River when reassigned back to LeJeune.  We logged in our outings, all 208 of them.  We celebrated holidays, birthdays and spent many happy days aboard. Our daughters seem to recall some other than ideal days too, their memories are probably better than mine.  We sold Windrunner when I retired in 1990 after a memorable 45 day cruise while on terminal leave.





Docked at the Town dock in Oriental last Sunday, had Beverly and Daisy, the Admiral and our Weimaraner,  drove over for a walk and diner.  We walked towards Whittaker Creek and its marinas.  We were both pleasantly surprised to recognize our old boat.



The stained glass compass rose in the drop board was made by Beverly.  Recalled too the grab handle on the hatch.  That is now on the list to for our boat.  The Wind Dancer looked to be in pretty good shape, seeing her brought back many, many memories.  We hope that others have enjoyed her as much as our family.  

This Christmas all of our daughters, now in their 30's, came to visit us for the first time in our new home.  We all went out on the current Windrunner for several sails.   Two daughters had the came comment when they first looked below, "I remember it being much bigger!"

regards charlie

[wes]

24 years later! Charlie, that's a great story. Did you think of offering to buy her back? That would make the story even better.

Wes

[deisher6]

Hey Wes:
I do not know if it is for sale or getting hauled for maintenance...  Two C-27's!!!!!  I thought that the owner might drop me a line.
regards charlie