Breaking the News

          I wonder what the best way is to break the news to your boat that you've decided to sell her, to give her a new home. Maybe it's similar to having to give away a pet when you go off to college or when some other cog shifts in the machine of life. I've no experience in that department, but maybe it would go something like this:


Dear White Raven,

          I want you to know you are one great vessel. At thirty-four years old you're still going strong, and by gosh, your gel coat doesn't look a day over ten years old! You've taught me so much over the last few years. You've kept me dry when the winds blew their hardest, rocked me to sleep when we were out on the hook, and brought me places that can only be reached by water. There is no telling how much you have changed my life, but soon I will be leaving and I can't take you with me.

          Now that I am finishing up with school, I'll have to move, and I won't be able bring you along for the adventure. I also don't want you to have to waste your young spirit waiting for me on your trailer. Have no fear; that will not be your fate. I've found a nice home for you with a fine caretaker. His name is Jim and he sounds like a very nice and experienced sailor. I promise he'll have you out and about over on the other side of the state. That's right - new hunting grounds for the choicest winds, fresh water to rub your hull in, and different muds to run your keel into. I promise not to tell him how good we are at sitting in mud along the river. And don't worry, you won't have to wait too much longer; we'll go out for one last jaunt when you meet him this coming Sunday.

          I know that all the maintenance on your engine makes sense now. I can't have you going off without giving the old carb a good once over. Lucky for you, he'll probably show you a few new tricks that a lubber such as myself has yet to learn. You'll do fine out there in the Tri-Cities, and as long as you treat Jim as well as you have me, I promise he'll take right good care of you. This will be a hard goodbye, but it will be for the best. I want you to know I'll never forget you.

Your captain,

Jon