"When I think of all the fools I've been, it's a wonder that I've sailed this many miles." -Guy Clark

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

an anniversary


 Sometime in the next week, I'm not sure of the precise day, it will be twenty years since SPARTINA was launched for the first time.  For a plywood boat built in a garage by an amateur, she seems to have held up very well.

How many miles sailed?  How many beautiful days with a crisp breeze?  How many storms along the way?  I can't even begin to count.

The surprise to me is the number of people I have met along the way, the friends I have made.  I am thankful for that.

Thank you, John Welsford, for a boat that has brought me a lot of joy.

The painting above is by artist Sarah Baskin.  She painted it on the waterfront in Oriental on the most recent cruise.

7 comments:

Kevin O said...

Steve, wow - 20 years! Your boat is absolutely beautiful and I'm glad to finally see it in person and meet you when you visited Oriental. I was in Oriental the day Sarah painted it and glad you have a beautiful painting of Spartina. Kevin

Anonymous said...

Thanks to you too, for sharing your experiences over the years, through your writing and fine photography. Because of you, we have such a greater appreciation of the many beautiful places on our east coast.

Steve said...

Thanks, Kevin. Nice to meet you!

Steve said...

Thanks for the comment!

Susan Sears said...

Happy Anniversary, Beautiful boat, it looks like a dream life, cheers🥂to the next 20 years!

Mary Lou said...

Wow. Twenty years! So many miles under the keel, so many words in the blog, so many tales to tell and so many wonderful photos. Congratulations. So glad our paths crossed way back when.

Steve said...

I would have to dig into the log to see how long ago I met you and Fred, maybe 17, 18 years ago! Always enjoy seeing you both! Steve