End of an era

snowleopard

snowleopard

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I have just agreed the sale of Snow Leopard. Having started to build her in 1997 and launched in 2000. We have covered 20,000 miles and spent many happy days aboard including 3 circuits of Britain and a season in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately several blue-light trips to hospital meant that we felt it unsafe to be at sea for the last 3 years so SL has been sitting ashore, gathering green slime and boatyard fees.

In one way it's a relief to be free of the responsibility but of course a big part of our lives has now gone. Fortunately I can still get afloat with some OPB sailing and a bit of tear-arsing around in my new Finn.

How have others felt when their boat-owning days are over?
 
Sad day, I'm sure, but possibly a slight relief too? You must have wonderful memories of unique experiences, things which most people can only dream of. Keep tear-arsing around!
 
I am sorry to hear that-you must be gutted. I have thought your contributions here were always well reasoned and thoughtful and I hope you will continue to give others the benefit of your extensive experience.
I stopped a couple of nights at the Multihull Centre a few years ago and passed by your boat on its mooring and my wife despite being not awfully enthusiatic about any boat thought your boat looked "capable" and a lovely boat.
 
SL, it's the turning of a page, and I am sure you will take away a myriad happy memories of the speed and comfort and ways that the boat looked after you, and enjoyed her travels. 20000 miles is a logbook worthy of envy.
 
You get used to it, when I sold up because of neck disc problems and any bad weather left me incapacitated for days it was frankly a relief. I have since had the discs replaced and often wonder about returning but lifestyle changed and adapted so highly unlikely. Look back on the days with fondness and happy memories rather than regret.
 
Our pride and joy, a Finngulf 33 had just been launched and I had been up the 16m. mast most of the afternoon, when my wife lowered me back down to the deck she asked 'are we not getting too old for this'? We went home and had a chat and decided she was right, boat went on the market and sold after about 6 months for just over half of what we spent on her 8 years earlier. Strange feeling descended, bereft, living on the W. coast of Scotland, boatless, after 45 years. To ease the pain we bought a mobo. Nimbus, which is supposed to suit ex. yachties, (only one of us thought this was a good idea) one summer with it, got no further than Tobermory, just like going in the bus. Lucky to sell it on quickly at around what it had cost, spent the money on a Moody S31, tidy we boat with reasonable performance and scope for some upgrades. Both of us are happier now though one still more so.

Moral, be very sure you want to quit and have something else planned, ( we even looked at camper vans!).
 
Sorry to hear this news SL. We met up on the Scuttlebutt Rally in Fowey in June 2014. I remember my son and I had a cuppa with you before returning to our boat alongside. Wishing you all the best for whatever you decide to do to keep you well and happy.

ps. At least you don't have to worry about being craned-in (at Cargreen tomorrow) in the early hours (but now postponed until PM) after the snow and strong winds.
 
I recall meeting you and SL in Bermuda and I admired your boat - hadn't realised at the time that you’d built her yourself, I can only imagine how gut wrenching it must be to let her go now. I became ill (very) on returning from Portugal on my Vancouver 27 4 years ago, had to sell her very cheaply at that time but the sailing bug has never left me, I’m fairly fit again and have made a couple of longer passages in the last 18months as crew. Have another sail lined up for end of May which I’m looking forward to. So all isn’t lost, there are opportunities out there.

Best of luck for the future and with your health.
 
wotayottie said:
contemplating the same decision and wondering what I will do with my remaining years instead of boating
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Campervan for exploring, trips away and holidays. For fun, excitement and keeping the brain alive - fly. You don't have to get your license if you are happy to accept that you can only fly with an instructor, i.e. become a perpetual student. No radio license, exams, medicals etc. if you do it this way.
 
I find my little double ender a delight, but shifting quickly is getting more painfull and awkward. So, in the shed is a ballasted mini cruiser coming together for the coming season (I hope..) Don't have to leap about if the wind is tricky and have a little space to hide in and overnight. Should see me out for sailing and enjoying the water.
DW
 
Appledore said:
Sorry to hear this news SL. We met up on the Scuttlebutt Rally in Fowey in June 2014. I remember my son and I had a cuppa with you before returning to our boat alongside. Wishing you all the best for whatever you decide to do to keep you well and happy.

ps. At least you don't have to worry about being craned-in (at Cargreen tomorrow) in the early hours (but now postponed until PM) after the snow and strong winds.
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Ditto-First Mate and I met you at the Scuttlebutt Rally in Fowey too.

We were in Jess our Island Packet 350, now changed to Jarrow Lily another IP but the Motorsailer.

PM me if you fancy a day on the water sometime.

Sorry to hear your news.
 
Health problems resulted in us selling up for good five years ago. Moved back ashore, spent several months doing up the apartment. And then what? An apartment doesn't do anything or go anywhere, does it? So we bought another yacht. One that's less demanding to manage.

No macho stuff these days but plenty of fun ambling round Greece. We've had no problems mobilising Greek health services when needed, fortunately been able to forestall a flashing blue light rescue so far.

Or you could do Saga cruises, I suppose. Good luck, whatever you decide, and keep posting.
 
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Funny, we think about these rites of passage but when they come along there is little to do or say to direct matters.
I came down with you on Snow Leopard when you relocated, must have been 15 years ago now, a fine boat.
Best of luck with what follows, a new chapter and you will be keeping your eye in with the dinghy.
 
snowleopard said:
I have just agreed the sale of Snow Leopard. Having started to build her in 1997 and launched in 2000. We have covered 20,000 miles and spent many happy days aboard including 3 circuits of Britain and a season in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately several blue-light trips to hospital meant that we felt it unsafe to be at sea for the last 3 years so SL has been sitting ashore, gathering green slime and boatyard fees.

In one way it's a relief to be free of the responsibility but of course a big part of our lives has now gone. Fortunately I can still get afloat with some OPB sailing and a bit of tear-arsing around in my new Finn.

How have others felt when their boat-owning days are over?
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I'm sure hauling the Finn up the slip will keep you fit?
Is there a fleet anywhere in Cornwall?
 
snowleopard said:
I have just agreed the sale of Snow Leopard. Having started to build her in 1997 and launched in 2000. We have covered 20,000 miles and spent many happy days aboard including 3 circuits of Britain and a season in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately several blue-light trips to hospital meant that we felt it unsafe to be at sea for the last 3 years so SL has been sitting ashore, gathering green slime and boatyard fees.

In one way it's a relief to be free of the responsibility but of course a big part of our lives has now gone. Fortunately I can still get afloat with some OPB sailing and a bit of tear-arsing around in my new Finn.

How have others felt when their boat-owning days are over?
Click to expand...

Thanks again for the cup of tea on board in Camaret.
 
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