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I can’t believe it’s now March 10.

Late last year we have made a decision and bought a sail boat. Our search span multiple years and our requirements for the ideal boat changed considerably over that time 🙂 We aimed at comfortable cruiser capable of crossing oceans.

Late last year, we made a big decision – we bought a sailboat. Our search spanned multiple years, and our idea of the ideal boat evolved considerably over time. We wanted a comfortable cruiser capable of crossing oceans.

Any boat is a compromise, and ours is no exception. S/V Dash is a 2006 Beneteau 57. Only 175 of these yachts were ever built. At the time, Beneteau attempted to move upmarket to compete with brands like Amel and Hylas. Eventually, they realized that producing these boats wasn’t profitable, so they discontinued the model. The Beneteau 57 blends mass-production techniques with solid ocean-going design. For example, its hull is solid, uncored fiberglass, built for strength, yet inside, you will find many parts that are very “Beneteau” production boat. Beneteau is Beneteau is one of the largest French boat making companies aim at general market. Thins Toyta for cars or may Ford. In contrast, Amel is more like a military Humvee built for durability and function over style, designed to cross oceans with minimal fuss.

Dash is a center cockpit design, which offers better protection during passages and a spacious aft cabin, something Helen particularly appreciates, as she dislikes cramped spaces. The layout includes two spacious(in sailboat terms) forward cabins and a starboard-side cabin with bunk beds, allowing us to accommodate up to eight people. That’s just the right number for sailing with a crew and friends.

The boat is cutter-rigged, meaning it has an in-mast furling mainsail and two headsails: a massive 140% genoa and a smaller staysail mounted closer to the center of the boat. We’ve also added a bowsprit with a bobstay (a small extension at the bow with additional reinforcement to keep it from being pulled upward by the sails). This allows us to carry extra sails,  a Spinnaker (big and colorfull sail for down wind sailing) and a Code 0 for sailing closer to the wind in light winds, which we’re currently shopping for from sailmakers.

At the stern, the boat has davits (two arms used to raise and store our dinghy), a small inflatable boat with a 25HP engine.

Since buying Dash, we’ve been busy tackling deferred maintenance and making upgrades. Unlike cars, even production sailboats are essentially one-offs—schematics and parts lists are nearly impossible to find, and boats exist in an environment that is far harsher than most people realize. Salt water is relentless, even when docked in a marina. Electronics, washers, zippers, pumps … you name it, it needs servicing, fixing, or replacement.

For example, I once left a screwdriver bit outside overnight. The next day, I couldn’t find it—until I noticed an old, rusted bit in the cockpit. It took me three days to realize that it was the same bit I had just bought on sale from Home Depot. One night in the salt air, and it looked like the bits I’ve had at home for five years.

The adventure of boat ownership is just beginning, and we’ll do our best to document it here for the few people who care.

Welcome aboard!