Launch Day

[eheck]

Finally, tomorrow, we are ready to launch our 1990 ComPac 19!!  Thanks to all who directly and indirectly helped get us on an even keel as we hit a milestone in the final stage of our boating evolution.    25 years ago we started with a small power boat and water skies on the Chesapeake and then moved up to a mid-range power boat for overnight crusing.  Outgrowing that after 10 years, we sold the smokers and glided into the wonderful world of Kayaking, where we've enjoyed paddling the ponds, rivers and bays of the Mid-Atlantic. Somewher in that time frame, I volunteered to help restore the Tall Ship Gazela (http://www.gazela.org/ships/gazela/gazela.htm) and I heard the sailing seirene's call.   Having settled under some sail on a couple vacations, we finally decided to set a cource towards sailing and this past summer we started our ASA certifications.

The departure day, from power and paddle to rigging and sail arrived with a call from the local lake office saying our 4 year wait for a slip was over.  I hung up the phone, turned to my wife and said "Looks like we need to get a sailboat".    After some research, we decided on a ComPac 19 but somehow narrowed it to one on the West Coast.   Being on the East Coast, and avid paddlers, we knew the Rockies would present navigational challenges in a sailboat, so we arrainged for the seller to ship it East :-)  She arrived, a little worst for the wear, a couple weeks ago and we've been getting her ready for her first East Coast dip tomorrow!

Completing another one of life's little circles, we'll be sailing on Lake Nockamixon, which is where we were engaged, while canoeing, 25 years ago.   Also, as I'm sure you've experienced, we were undecided on what to name our new addition.   We wanted something sailey, but couldn't come up with a name, until we saw her for the first time.  The previous owner painted a nice 5 inch stripe, in red, on each side.   Upon looking at that, we both said "Red Stripe"!  Having honeymooded in Jamacia 25 years ago, we thought that was a doubly good name, since this weekend we also celebrate our 25th annervisary!   That is if we survive our first solo sail together :-)    Will post some pictures and an update after the weekend, but here's a picture prior to leaving the West Coast.  Again, thanks to everyone who's posts have been so helpful!

[kickingbug1]

i hope the two of you get half the enjoyment that my wife and i have gotten from our 16 "audrey j"

[Bob23]

E:
   She's a beauty! Enjoy your second honeymoon together! Love the red stripe. Where on the East coast are you presently located?
Bob23 in the South on NJ

[Gil Weiss]

Hi Eric,

Good to have met you yesterday and sail alongside Red Stripe. Nice boat! The fleet get together and dinner was fun too.

See you on the water soon . . . Gil

[Bob23]

Please forgive the apparent hijack but, Hey Gil! I thought there was someone missing here. Good to hear from you.
Bob23

[Craig Weis]

Gil, Gil, Gil where the heck have you been hiding? Keep posting

Craig skip Weis.

[newt]

I will second Skip. Glad to have you back.

[Gil Weiss]

Wow . . . I didn't expect such a nice response to my recent posts. Thanks guys!

We never really went away as we "lurked" out there reading various posts from time to time. We have our ComPac 19 in the best shape ever (this is our third year sailing Suo Gan) and we really enjoy the boat. We have gotten more involved with the really good sailing club at our lake during the past few years.

Regards to all, Gil