We almost got kicked out of the Old Bay Club last weekend. For a no dues, no officers, no rules jumble of boaters, suddenly there was no room for a plastic boat?! Some even asserted they could smell the fiberglass. If you ask me, I think the real issue was that “Gull”, my Boston Whaler moved a bit too spritely. She was the last to leave the marina, sailed against wind and tide up the James River and arrived at Chippokes alone until the other 5 boats (one a Bristol 35.5!) motored into harbor just before sunset. The group took a similar cruise 3 years ago. Thankfully the colorful peace we had found remained along with two pairs of bald eagles nesting in the cypress. The following day offered a dead calm return home.

The 4.6 was designed by C&C, Cuthbertson and Cassian. In particular, it was Robert Ball who designed this boat and many others for C&C, including a C&C 34 my father bought back in 1984. We raced that boat, “Elan”, in many Wednesday night races in Hampton Rodes and cruised to both Bermuda and Block Island from Norfolk, VA. I was unaware the old manufacturer of sailing school barges had ventured inti sailboats. However, the vintage lines of Gull immediately resonated with me when I discovered her maybe 24 hours after selling my “wife’s” Beetle Cat, “Camille“. It was time for another to continue that ongoing renovation. “Seller’s remorse” always arises when parting with a boat, but the resolution has never been so quick. I missed having a boat ready on the clothesline to sail along with the pup.

Found on Marketplace at the same price I sold Camille, curiosity won, negotiation was accepted and I dragged a dirty old plastic boat home from Annapolis. Crazy? Perhaps, but I have already gotten my money’s worth. Thankfully she came with a rugged custom cover, galvanized trailer and sails in good condition. Heck, the recent Harken jib furler alone cost more than the deal! (look at the justification brewing!) After a strong scrubbing, we hit the water. Immediately, I felt I had discovered something. She was stable, quick to the touch and reawakened childhood memories competing in Moths and Lasers. The trailer gained new lights, a keel support plank, tie-down strap and spar crutches. UNA’s latest tent was adapted, and we were ready just in time for our club sail.

Tested, Gull earned further improvements: All new running rigging, a wood tiller complete with new cork ball on old extension. The original aluminum tube tiller was terrible. Reef line with ties, hiking straps, three deck cleats, new pop rivets for hardware on spars, sails twice cleaned, a new centerboard case cap and some transom trim.

While the season is drawing to a close, we are still sailing. Perhaps I need to dig out the wetsuit? Always therapeutic, and so much fun. Some quick pics and video are compiled here: