Well, that went fast.
It was one year ago today that I picked up my Bavaria 40 from Sidney, BC. I only know because it was the due date for my boat insurance renewal. Nothing says anniversary like a bill.
This is the first real boat I’ve owned. I’m not counting the kayak. (Sorry, kayak. You did your best.)
And yes, I sold my condo to buy a boat instead. Zero regrets. I know that’s not a sentence that lands the same way for everyone, and honestly, boat ownership is work. A lot of work. But it’s no more work than my condo was, and it comes with significantly better views and no strata.
The Highlights (And the Less Glamorous Bits)
Solar went in first (thanks to Dad for that one). The rest of the year was detective work as I figured out what the previous owner had done, looked at what still worked, and decided what needed to go. I’m still figuring out what needs to go.
The biggest job was the headliner. I knew it needed replacing since it was tired, smelled like regret, and had clearly lived a full life. What I didn’t know was just how full that life would turn out to be once I got in there. That saga deserves its own post, which is coming soon. All I’ll say for now is that I’m glad it’s done, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Still on the to-do list: make a new curtain to replace the one that was destroyed in the wind last winter (a rainy day project) and replacing snaps with lift-the-dot fasteners because the old ones were pulling through the fabric and required a flat screwdriver and a small act of rage to unsnap.
The foam and upholstery throughout the boat are next. Original from manufacture, saturated in cigarette smoke from a previous owner, and… aging gracefully. For now I’ve wrapped the foam in plastic and put it back inside the upholstery. I don’t spend much time below deck anyway since I’d rather be in the cockpit watching whales swim by.
The Bit That Never Gets Old
I still get a kick out of the looks I get when people see me sailing singlehanded. It’s that perfect mix of wait, is that a unicorn? and trying very hard not to laugh. I’m sure they’re laughing with me and not at me, right?
And last fall, the Aurora from the local military base used me as a practice target. You’ll know you’ve been selected if they just… keep circling you. Quietly. I chose to take it as a compliment. Now if it was the search and rescue squadron, then maybe I would start questioning my sailing abilities.
What’s Next
Summer trip planning is underway. Time off needs to get booked. The boat is ready, or will be by the time I’m done with her.
Year one: chaotic, expensive, occasionally damp. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
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