Moving the clock ahead almost 20 years, a wife, two children, and 3 dogs
later, I managed to talk my wife into getting another sailboat. I was
intrigued by Montgomery 15s and began looking around. I ended up at
Stockdale Marine, a broker of used sailboats at reasonable prices. There
were no Montgomerys, but there was a Compac 16. I considered the boat, but
the fixed shoal keel meant launching would be difficult, the boat was heavy,
and it wouldn't fit in the garage. I went back a few weeks later and still
no Montgomery. On the lot was a Potter 15. It looked neglected and I
didn't even consider the boat. A few weeks passed and thoughts of the
Potter began to make more sense. It was a boat I knew I could sail, it
would fit in my garage, and I wasn't afraid of it. I went back to see if
the Potter was still there and it was. I looked it over carefully and
discovered it was structurally in very good shape...apply some elbow grease
and I could have myself a nice boat. The next thing I knew I was the owner
of another Potter. It took about 6 weeks of rubbing, sanding, cleaning,
varnishing, and installing features I remembered from my early days of
Pottering, including sail slugs, reef points, a topping lift to hold the
boom up, etc. By the time I was done, it looked close to new.
Sailing was another matter. I found the logistics of launching at a ramp
dominated by power boaters very stressful -- mostly self-induced -- but
stress just the same. And although Folsom Lake where I took the boat is a
nice lake, its beauty does not compare to the likes of Santa Barbara. But
it was within 5 minutes from my front door and convenient. I was hoping my
family would discover the fun of sailing. I took my son out once and the
wind dropped to dead calm. The second time was blowing 10-20 with stronger
gusts and he found this wasn't his cup of tea either. My wife gets motion
sickness driving down Interstate 5, so sailing is out of the question for
her. I didn't even try taking my daughter out. Sailing alone the first few
times was okay, but gradually it just didn't seem fun anymore. I would come
back with more stress than when I left. Life is stressful enough, I didn't
need to add to it.
I love being around my family, and the more activities and things going
on...the better. But we only have our kids for a short time. My oldest
child is approaching teenage years with the other only a few years behind.
I figure I only have few more years and they won't want anything to do with
me. (Now I really don't believe that, because they are great kids!) Taking
off for an afternoon of sailing alone became a chore and a source of guilt.
So, I began to look around and see what things we could do together as a
family, and sailing didn't appear to be one of them. We do enjoy camping,
and I discovered kayaking one time when considering purchasing a canoe. I
was persuaded to check into kayaking by the salesperson. As it turns out, I
really love kayaking. It has many similarities with sailing. It's quiet,
peaceful, good exercise, and not harmful to the environment. There is no
stress putting the boat in and out of the water. I also enjoy outdoor
photography, and kayaking can take you to beatiful places inaccessible by
any other means. And lastly, my wife and kids like to kayak as well. I
have three kayaks, a double for my wife and daughter, and two single kayaks
for myself and my son. They are recreational kayaks, so more stable than
your traditional sea kayak. However, with the proceeds of selling my
Potter, I am considering moving up to a better faster one.
So I guess that's a very windy description of why I sold my
Potter...probably more than you ever wanted to know! I hope I haven't bored
you. I realize I probably didn't give it a fair chance this time around.
But I hope life is long and health is good and another boat will be in my
future...probably when I retire. If not, then at least I got to be at the
helm of a Potter 15 a few more times. If and when I do own another
sailboat, I believe I will seriously consider renting a slip. Lastly, I am
not blaming my family for my decision to sell the boat. It was entirely my
decision and while I may second guess selling my Potter down the road, I
realize as well that time with my family is the most precious thing I have.
I only wish I could have sailed with some of you, because I know I would
have enjoyed that. Best wishes!
Sincerely,
Mike Ekern
Folsom CA (formerly P15 #1645)