Despite a racket in the Virgin Islands, Dad’s Dream is ready for a one-week shakedown cruise. She has a fresh coat of bottom paint, a new drive shaft and attach points, an autopilot and new electronics. Beginning April 24th Pete will be taking her out on a six-day shakedown cruise.
From an owner’s perspective, this was far more expensive and time consuming that I had ever anticipated. We knew we wanted a sailboat on Lake Superior as soon as we found our new home and since we already owned one, it just made sense to bring Dad’s Dream up to us. Oh we had offers to buy her down in the the Virgin Islands but I considered the offers “insulting”. Now with the expense of getting her north, I probably should have taken the offers. Still Dad’s Dream has a special meaning and selling her to someone else just didn’t feel right. It’s almost like my last tangible link to my father. I guess sentiments do cost money. Either way, we’re committed to bringing her home. In a strange way, she almost needs to come home.
I know we have a good crew. We have a seaworthy boat. We have taken measures to assure our safety and if things do happen we’ve taken great measures to expedite a rescue. All that remains is to complete this shakedown charter, get the crew to the boat, load her up with supplies and to head north. While the shakedown cruise I am about to take is just like any other charter, its going to be interesting to step aboard a well equipped vessel and to test her.
I have no idea when the next update will be. Probably tomorrow evening.
Pete
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