And Jimmy there's still so much to be done.....

-Jimmy Buffett, Last Mango in Paris

Can you begin to believe the course of events lately?

Like many, I am glued to the meanderings far from here which will ultimately give the nod for what’s about, or not about to happen.

Of course, like everybody that’s even half awake in our society, I’m keeping close to the vest, and trying to increase our level of preparation…..

Right now I am aboard ECII, taking care of genset fuel filters, and other details on this boat, contemplating the big ticket items, davits, wind generator, solar panels and of course their subsequent requirements for installation so this little country can exist comfortably off the grid for however long necessary…..call me a loon if you will…..

Unfortunately, and due to the widening apparent fiscal concerns here in the land of E Pluribus Unum we are going to pass Olivia on to someone else who appreciates the sheer artwork, stoutness and reliability of a vessel such as this, it’s has all of the potential of an escape vessel, a magic carpet in itself. Sadly, with growing twins we outgrew the very comfortable living space she has provided us and so if the weather remains favorable through this coming Friday, D and I will deliver her back to Rockport, back to where she originally was restored by our now dear friends, the Smiths. He will sail her, care for her and watch over her where she will be listed for sale there at the Rockport Harbor (which has a better exposure than here at Latitude 26, Port Uglyville). I will be spending time aboard this week getting everything ready to say goodbye. It is not without strong emotion.

She represented a different stage in the process, and I (and certainly D) became a much better sailor because of her, and the various canvas she could carry. Within the confines of the pages here are a wealth of stories, that was our association with this fair lady.

Every boat one sails or sails upon is a different entity.  Every boat has it own unique descriptionn and sailboats by virtue of what they are, even more so.

For example, I was recently shanghaied by the owner of the 28 Alerion that sits two silps over from me. He handed me the tiller as we exited the Brazos Santiago Pass and for the next several hours I flew this boat along over three foot swells like a thoroughbred horse. At times we were doing almost six knots in nine knots of wind…..she was as light as a feather.

Olivia handles like her design looks….stable and solid. Because of her larger replacement engine, she has power to muscle out of bad situations. Although not fast, she stiffens up under a good breeze and sails a classy line. Laurent Giles and Westerly certainly produced a fine boat.

The boat turns heads wherever she goes, and there were so many times people would walk fom across a finger or down the dock just to get her story.

These rants are, and will always remain, Olivias Journey. She will continue to journey as long as I do.

She will continue to turn heads wherever she goes.