This spring I had the distinct pleasure of assisting Gary Jobson in the sale of his 40’ Sabre sloop. The boat will be packed and trucked under the charge of Brian Duff (Southbound Cruising Services) to Lake Michigan and sailed under the ownership of Terry Brady of Chicago. I plan to sail aboard the boat in August to offer some tips on sail trim and balancing the sail plan of this Jim Taylor design.

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We are pleased to anounce that broker Scott Taylor's long term and incredibly faithful client Thad Bench has completed the purchase of the Sparkman-Stephens 58' yawl "Windalier". The survey process strongly reaffirmed our thoughts that the boat is in extremely good condition thanks in large measure to the original (1962)constuction in Germany by Abeking & Rassmussen. By day two of the survey, after inspection of numerous fastener's that were pulled, we became convinced that this is one special yacht! The frames, double planking (mahagony over cedar), decks, and rig all came through with flying colors. "Windalier" benefited from an extensive refit at a Maine yard in the 1990's and appears ready to go sailing as soon as we recharge the fire extinguishers.

The refit included a redesign of her rig(s) to increase the aspect ratio, provide additional power, and to convert to carbon fiber spars, thereby increasing the driving force of the rig while reducing the heeling moment. Our sea trial was performed in 18 to 20 knots out of the NE, giving good pressure and a nasty chop. With about 28 knots apparent over the decks we were able to balance her out to the point of self steering upwind. Talk about a well mannered yacht! And below decks it was as quiet as a library. I had forgotten how quietly a wooden boat can go through the water....

"Windalier" will spend the balance of this winter on Swan Creek under the care of Woody Loller at Haven Harbor Marina. Come springtime and sailing season we expect to see "Windalier" back here on Spa Creek with an Annapolis hailing port. The boats Captain is Simon Lont who contributed greatly towards facilitating a smooth transaction between seller and buyer. Others contributing and to whom we owe thanks: Petrini Yacht Yard (survey haul), Debby at Atlantic Boat Documentation, Barron Martin at Martin-Terry Insurance,James Anthony at Chesapeake Bank & Trust, Buddy Payne at Associated Marine Institutes, and Harry Morgan, the Central Agent at Sparkman & Stephens.

Stay tuned for a sailing schedule. The new owner has no intention of leaving this classic yacht to sit idly in her slip! All of us @ Martin Bird & Associates wish the Bench family fair winds and following seas with their new yacht.

Over the course of several years Martin Bird & Associates has enjoyed a close relationship with the Oxford Yacht Agency which is owned and operated by Grand Banks guru John Shannahan. Our brokers have assisted in new numerous Eastbay new boat sales. These Ray Hunt designs are remarkable performers due to the moderate to heavy displacement coupled with the Hunt deep-vee and high tech Caterpillar diesels. They have a striking down east appearance on the water and are known for offering a comfortable cruise in the 18 to 25 knot range even with a seaway running. The Eastbay’s represent a significant divergence of course for Grand Banks (in the mid 1990’s) and have proven a major success.

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I assisted in slipping the lines off the pilings at Chalk Point Marina at 0630 on a grey but mild November morning in 2006. I was the guest of the owner Sandy Purdon of San Diego along with two of his buddies, Robin and Doc. The delivery was of the 55’ Fleming Endurance was to Atlantic Yacht Basin in Virginia for covered winter storage.

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