The Dream

[Larry Wilson]

AllAboutMe (A Columbia Yacht)



As with so much in life, many of the experiences that I had hoped for in my twenties and thirties, had to be put aside, in order to raise a family, and earn a living.
The dreams just didn't fit in the space that was left. Then, in my middle forties, health issues seemed to bring any hope for early retirement to a screeching halt. So that now ,the dreams that had been put aside for later, had to be put back on the shelf,most likely to be left there, gathering dust, just like so many old copies of National Geographic.
Now, in my early late fifties, I am determined to take at least some of those dreams down off the shelf, dust them off, and focus on me.
So, from the dust of dreams, I present to you,

COLUMBIA YACHTS
8.7 Metre Sloop
AllAboutMe

1

This wonderful Yacht was donated to a local Power boat squadron, and I just happened upon her after having spent the better part of the day looking at other sailboats that I had found listed on the internet. I had just eaten lunch, and was on the way to Stingray Point Marina in Deltaville to look at one last boat, probably a Hunter, when I saw the entrance to Deltaville Yacht Center.
On a whim, I pulled in and parked.Walking inside, I noticed the broker's listing sheet taped to the bulletin board. There were three boats that fell into my size and price range. Locating a broker, I explained what I was looking for, and grabbing several sets of keys, he led me to the boats.
The first two were both at the top end of my price range, the third a little under. None of them really appealed to me. The broker,at this point probably having decided I was just out kicking tires as it were,pointed to one last boat.
The only thing left, he said, that comes close to your price range, is this charity boat. It was donated and the owner here agreed to list it. It's not the sort of boat we generally deal with, and the folks want to sell it.
Not a striking boat by any means, but good lines , and the trade mark champagne glass transom, marking it as a Columbia. He laid up the ladder, I climbed aboard,glanced at the golden oak colored tiller, (everything else I'd seen that day had a wheel. I pulled out the hatch boards, climbed down into the cabin, and fell in love. It was full of mildewed cushions, and there were empty bottles of household cleaning products all over the counters, but it fit. I could stand up without hitting my head. The settees were long enough for me to stretch out full length, and the whole cabin was done in a dark mahogany colored teak.Only the overhead was white, and that was bare fibreglass finished with flat enamel. There was work to be done for sure. Without even looking hard, I saw rotting window facings, and all the wood needed refinishing, but it was me. A little too old, a little out of shape, and in need of a new friend.
I bought her the next day; For half the asking price, and only after we were able to start the engine.But I would have bought her anyway. She was the dream.

[sailorgirlca]

Congratulations........here's wishing for many happy years of sailing for you and your boat !!

[CloudNine233]

As said - Great story and perspective. Congrats on finding your new best friend - may you put many miles under her keel together.

-sm

[Banana Wind]

Take it from me Larry......I KNOW how intoxicating it is to have a Columbia in your possession. So many folks have no idea just how accomodating these lil cruisers are ...They may be a little older and in need of a lil TLC (what boat isnt?? *lol*) ...but they ARE indeed timeless pieces of Art and wonderful sailing machines!

[Sally Betser]

Of course, the Oregon coast, after a beautiful day of looking for agates and watching whales play. how's your boat overhaul going? she's a beaut, and great story about finding her, kind of like meeting your future mate...

[Larry Wilson]

Buzzz, thanks for the comment. She saved my life.
Mark, For sure.

[Larry Wilson]

Martin, Looking forward to it. NOW, how about some paying work? lol

[Mark (Voodoo Acrobat)]

That's the way it works. You don't find your boat; your boat finds you.

Congratulations, Larry. I'm a huge fan of Columbia yachts. I wish you many pleasant sailing days together.

[Buzz Wolf]

Have great fun with your dream. That is what it is all about.

[Larry Wilson]

Thanks Karen!!

[zeehag]

wow cooool