I purchased the recently renamed, “Blues Traveler” last Saturday (2/19/2007) after driving by the marina, to and from work for months on end, eyeing her up on blocks. She is a lonely sight for such a beautifully lined boat. To say she needs work would be a grotesque understatement. She has been on the hard for about 9 years in the Oregon weather. Thank goodness she was completely de-rigged before she was stored, the sails, masts and rigging are in relatively good shape. Allegedly, her previous owner had her in the water in 98. The hour meter on the motor has less than 1000 hrs so I believe she has had little time actually being enjoyed. Pieces that have been protected from the weather seem to appear in good shape, we’ll see. I’m preparing now for a 6 month project with the help of two, full time cabinet makers and a professional boat builder to perform a complete re-deck, engine overhaul, and a variety of additional fixes and upgrades. Because I live less than a mile from the marina, I can spend lots of time on her. This type of work is actually very relaxing to me. I realize the magnitude of the project, but, being a general contractor in a past life will help me do a majority of the structural work with the professional help of the boat builder.

I’ll admit, I’ve never sailed a ketch. I’ve been on sloops about the same size. I hope to find someone experienced to go out with me on her first voyage into the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon Coast. Allegedly the sailing she has been doing is in the San Juan’s up near Seattle. My goal is to take trips along the coast until I gain enough experience to go to Mexico, the land that I love. Floating around in the Sea of Cortez has always been a dream of mine. I hope to retire in a few years so I should have plenty of time to get comfortable with my new travel buddy, Blues Traveler.

I’ll send project pictures as time allows.

Steve