About Us
jfk48jfk@gmail.com
Take
your pick: sailing bums, ‘living the dream’, vagabonds, boat people, or thrill
seekers: whatever you choose is fine with us!
We
do have a land home in Marco Island, Florida, and we enjoy spending time there with
family and friends. But truth is, ‘Adventuress’ has an allure that we find
hard to resist. Both of us are sailors and adventurers at heart, and we hope
that this blog will give family and friends some insights into why we intend to
keep on sailing until we are too old and frail to handle it.
Nancy
started sailing on a nineteen foot O’Day Mariner when she was in her mid-teens.
“Dad wanted to start sailing with us kids, so he bought a day-sailer and a book
‘How to Sail’!” And that is how Nancy
and her four siblings learned sailing, at North East, MD, at the top of the
Chesapeake Bay. Later she acquired and
skippered for twenty four years her beautiful Bayfield 40 “Adventuress” on the
Bay.
In
the Nineties John started an annual ‘boy’s week’ cruise for his son and father
and a couple of friends, chartering in New England. In ‘97, he bought an Island Packet (IP) 350 -
the original ‘Larking About’ - and in ‘99 an IP27, ‘Skylark’. He swapped them in
2000 for Larking About, a like-new four-year-old IP40 which he found in Holland,
Michigan.
In late 2011 we were looking at maybe moving up to an IP45, when by chance we came across an IP420 that was in need of some TLC. We struck a deal, re-named her Adventuress, and then did a major refit: new windlass, anchor and chain rode, sails, canvas (made by Nancy), davits, solar panels, Radar/AIS, Maxprop feathering propeller, house batteries; all this fitted by us. We sailed her around Florida for a season and then at Havre De Grace in the top of the Chesapeake Bay we hired Caribbean Joe to repaint her waterline and boot stripe – she was down several inches astern. While she was out of the water we pulled the mast and purchased from Seco South all new standing rigging, which we fitted ourselves. After a season we decided we needed a bowthruster – she is 45% heavier than the 40 – and so we had one fitted in Florida.
After many hours refinishing the deck teak, installing new foam in the salon cushions, making new cockpit cushions, and dozens of small projects, we now have her in proper “Bristol” condition, ready to sail to Europe.
In late 2011 we were looking at maybe moving up to an IP45, when by chance we came across an IP420 that was in need of some TLC. We struck a deal, re-named her Adventuress, and then did a major refit: new windlass, anchor and chain rode, sails, canvas (made by Nancy), davits, solar panels, Radar/AIS, Maxprop feathering propeller, house batteries; all this fitted by us. We sailed her around Florida for a season and then at Havre De Grace in the top of the Chesapeake Bay we hired Caribbean Joe to repaint her waterline and boot stripe – she was down several inches astern. While she was out of the water we pulled the mast and purchased from Seco South all new standing rigging, which we fitted ourselves. After a season we decided we needed a bowthruster – she is 45% heavier than the 40 – and so we had one fitted in Florida.
After many hours refinishing the deck teak, installing new foam in the salon cushions, making new cockpit cushions, and dozens of small projects, we now have her in proper “Bristol” condition, ready to sail to Europe.
We love coastal cruising, but are equally enthralled with ocean sailing.
By 2013, Nancy has twelve ocean passages, while John has sailed twenty eight,
including five as crew learning the ropes before he took Larking About to sea.
(We define ocean passages as five days or longer.)
Sailing
is by no means our entire life, but this blog is dedicated to our sailing
adventures.
John
& Nancy Knight
Adventuress
Hey, Nancy and John! You were just anchored in front of us (S/V Jamann) here in Red Hook Bay and took off this morning before we could come over and introduce our selves. We are originally from Mount Joy, PA and before moving aboard down here in the VI had a small sail boat in Havre de Grace (Logpond marina next to Tidewater). It seems our paths may have crossed somewhere along the line. Thought we might know you from back up that way and/or have some mutual acquaintances. We're full time liveaboards here in the VI. Let us know when you might head back this way and we'll try to catch up with you.
ReplyDeleteKathy and Jim Jackson
S/V Jamann
Red Hook Bay, St. Thomas
jamannsailing@earthlink.net
717-917-7118
Hi Kathy and Jim,
DeleteWe will definitely look you up when we are back in the Carib! Smooth sailing!
Thanks, John! Smooth sailing to you and Nancy. Enjoy the adventures in England and the Med. Look forward to seeing you back in the Caribbean some day.
DeleteKathy and Jim Jackson
S/V Jamann
Red Hook Bay, St. Thomas
jamannsailing@earthlink.net
717-917-7118
Smooth seas and wind about 110 apparent...
ReplyDeleteThanks Carey! So far it's been a wonderful experience. Hope all is well with you....Our very best to you!
DeleteHi Nancy and John - we met up with you in Soggy Dollar Bar BVIs in February when we were there with all our youngsters. We have now started sailing south towards Portugal but hope to meet up with you sometime. We love reading your blog, and in fact you have inspired me to write one of my own...dignityblue.wordpress.com..... we wish you fair winds and safe sailing and a drink will be waiting for you in the cockpit of Dignity when we meet...!
ReplyDeleteHi John: It was nice to read your blog to learn you are living your dream. I have fond memories of some of those early adventures you mention. Look forward to your updates.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Bob Clark