DELTA BELLE was salvaged and towed to the yard. The surveyor called her a "constructive loss" and the insurance company offered to sell her back to me. But as tantalizing as that offer was, I couldn't see myself living in a motorhome (I actually identified one to buy) while I used my less than adequate skills to rebuild a boat when I'd rather be sailing.
I flew to New Orleans as planned and salvaged the personal stuff and the things I had stored and drove back to CA.
In the meantime I had found a Westy up in New England. The plan was to drive up there from NOLA and take delivery, move aboard after survey, and find my way back to FL via the ICW. Best laid plans however..etc. etc. Just as I was about to slip a deposit check in the mail the broker called to say seller had better offer and could I match it. Nope!!
So looking around on the internet once home I found a boat that spoke to me. I hope you know the feeling.
It's awful, tenacious, pleasant, pony under the Christmas tree, heart speeding and terrifying. The price was right. But somehow it was not what I ever thought would captivate my sailing fantasies.
It's a center cockpit, aft cabin sloop. And, it's a Chris Craft. Not a Colin Archer "I'll take on the North Sea at her worst in my oilies and sou'wester" world cruiser, but a family coastal cruise Chris Craft. Massive center cockpit. A hard dodger. Who'd a thunk it? But it works for me on all sorts of levels.
Lots of upsides about being in SFO...in the Bay which is practically a 4-season cruising ground adjacent to the Sacramento River Delta and its miles of sloughs and marshes. Adjacent too, to the Pacific!! Mexico, the San Juans and beyond. And the access is such that I can get back home with less hassle.
So when I last saw DELTA BELLE she was in a slip at Northshore Marine under the capable watch of Gerald who owns the yard, and his fine staff. I don't know her fate other than she's for sale, and that were I younger and more talented, I'd certainly buy her back.
The Boat US insurance folks did an fantastic job...some nice hand holding at the outset, and then efficient, business like attending to getting the settlement to me.
The Westy in New England?? Owner's direct buyer didn't come through so once aboard new boat I got a call from the broker asking if I were still interested. Nope!!
Also found a really great Westy in Oxnard, CA...gorgeous hand crafted interior, skylight and unique built in kerosene reservoir, an Aries vane, two dinks, etc etc. But the boat in San Francisco just seemed "righter.
