After three years, seemingly endless hours of tearing out parts of the boat and rebuilding, and way more money than we are willing to think about, Moontide made her sailing debut on September 20th.

And what a day it was! A light west breeze died at race time, then veered to a blustery Northeast wind -- the kind that always brought our little boat to life before her injuries put her out of commission.
It was no different now, as sails filled, the deck shifted, and that old familiar surge could be felt as Moontide's bow rose and quietly made way through the water.
With a crew of 10, there was no hiding our joy as the boat picked up speed until water spilled over her port rail.
Still a bit nervous about our new rig, we eased the sheets and sailed on as if we knew what we were doing.
It was no different now, as sails filled, the deck shifted, and that old familiar surge could be felt as Moontide's bow rose and quietly made way through the water.
With a crew of 10, there was no hiding our joy as the boat picked up speed until water spilled over her port rail.
Still a bit nervous about our new rig, we eased the sheets and sailed on as if we knew what we were doing.

We came in dead last.
Even the committee boat gave up on us before we crossed the finish line. But spirits ran high on our boat. No one was disappointed in Moontide's performance.
That evening, everyone dressed like pirates, drank rum, and sang and danced to live music, opening sailors hearts (and loosening their purse strings,) to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society's drive to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. They raised over $28,000.
A good time for a worthy cause.
Even the committee boat gave up on us before we crossed the finish line. But spirits ran high on our boat. No one was disappointed in Moontide's performance.
That evening, everyone dressed like pirates, drank rum, and sang and danced to live music, opening sailors hearts (and loosening their purse strings,) to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society's drive to raise funds for cancer research and treatment. They raised over $28,000.
A good time for a worthy cause.
On September 21st, Michael skippered the Royaliste, a reproduction of a 17th century Privateer ship, to escort Moontide back to Pirate's Cove Marina.
Much "Arrrgh-ing" and cannon-fire ensued.
Much "Arrrgh-ing" and cannon-fire ensued.