Sad day with mixed emotions-sold our C350
Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:19 am
It is with mixed emotions that we will be parting with one of the finest boats I have had the pleasure of sailing in 50yrs- (C350 #212) out of Kenosha. I am certain the new owners will enjoy her as much as we have. We have spent 7 amazing seasons cruising and racing the Great Lakes (mostly Lake Michigan). Ave Maria has taken care of us and shown us the joy to be experienced in sailing- be it on a moonlit night over lake Michigan with no land in sight or on a fierce tacking battle up the East side of Door County in the 189nm Hook Race (solo) or taking on a Northerly in the Doublehandler reefed to 1/3 on both sails in 45+kts of breeze, or a gentle reach down the Michigan side to St. Joseph before crossing to Chicago. Through it all this boat has been rock solid and never let us down even once. The only reason to move the C385 is that the Admiral wants a bit more room and speed for longer crossings and passages in lighter air and likes the way the C385 rides in rolling 2+ waves. She is also fond of the icebox with the freezer that can be converted to run as a fridge. I am looking forward to being able to roll out all sails from cockpit (including A-Sym) and hopefully being more competitive in some long distance solo races on Lake Mi.. perhaps the solo Mac one day. We also both are quite fond of the ability to use electrical aboard anytime with a 2000W inverter on the new boat that is charged by solar on the Bimini. We will be embarkng on a 6 week journey from Vermilion OH to Kenosha from @ mid-may-June 1. The only rule for the Admiral and I- "No expectations!" We are treating this as our test for semi-liveaboard as we approach retirement. If wx cooperates, we sail. If not, we enjoy port or hanging on a hook. I can't wait. Hopefully arrving in time to do the Quens Cup race across Lake Mi on June 28.
Although we have sold our boat I hope to remain a member of this group and occasisonally pop by. I am so very grateful for the amazing support and encouragment we have found on the board. If you have any tips for a cruise from Sandusky area to Kenosha, please feel free to let me know. We are trying to keep it to @ 20-35nm/day and figure we will average around 6kts. I will try and post our tentative stops here before we go. Some of the places we are scouting out/considering- LAKE ERIE: Sandusky Bay, South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay, Grosse Isle (south end), Detroit (Safe Harbor) or GrayHaven, Port Huron. LAKE HURON: Lexington State Harbor, Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach, Port Austin, Harrisville harbor, Alpena, Presque Isle, Hammond Bay, Duncan Bay or cheboygan, Mackinac Island, St. Ignace. LAKE MICHIGAN- Beaver Island, Charlevoix, Northport (TVC Bay), Traverse City, Northport, Leland, South Manitou, Frankfort, Manistee or cross to Door County/Baileys Harbor/Sturgeon Bay, Cruise around GRB and Door Co, then Sturgeon Bay to Kewaunee, Manitowac, Sheboygan, Port Washington, Milwaukee, Kenosha
Lastly, If anyone has any experience with the newer Hempel Silic One bottom paint (https://www.hempelyacht.com/en-us/silic-one), I'd be grateful or any input or thoughts.
Again, cannot adequately express my gratitude to all the fellow C350 sailors for your wisdom and expertise and advice over the years.
John McFadden
Although we have sold our boat I hope to remain a member of this group and occasisonally pop by. I am so very grateful for the amazing support and encouragment we have found on the board. If you have any tips for a cruise from Sandusky area to Kenosha, please feel free to let me know. We are trying to keep it to @ 20-35nm/day and figure we will average around 6kts. I will try and post our tentative stops here before we go. Some of the places we are scouting out/considering- LAKE ERIE: Sandusky Bay, South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay, Grosse Isle (south end), Detroit (Safe Harbor) or GrayHaven, Port Huron. LAKE HURON: Lexington State Harbor, Port Sanilac, Harbor Beach, Port Austin, Harrisville harbor, Alpena, Presque Isle, Hammond Bay, Duncan Bay or cheboygan, Mackinac Island, St. Ignace. LAKE MICHIGAN- Beaver Island, Charlevoix, Northport (TVC Bay), Traverse City, Northport, Leland, South Manitou, Frankfort, Manistee or cross to Door County/Baileys Harbor/Sturgeon Bay, Cruise around GRB and Door Co, then Sturgeon Bay to Kewaunee, Manitowac, Sheboygan, Port Washington, Milwaukee, Kenosha
Lastly, If anyone has any experience with the newer Hempel Silic One bottom paint (https://www.hempelyacht.com/en-us/silic-one), I'd be grateful or any input or thoughts.
Again, cannot adequately express my gratitude to all the fellow C350 sailors for your wisdom and expertise and advice over the years.
John McFadden