Superstitious?

     Nate and I are not 100% sure that we want to keep the name 'Jackie O' for our new boat.  We found out that it wasn't actually named after the beautiful and stylish Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; but instead, after the first owner's wife.  So, baring in mind that it is really bad luck to rename a boat, we've been a little reluctant to even consider the notion; but have cultivated (just for fun) the following possible names.  We would love some input or name ideas if you have any.  These three are our top picks thus far...

Wet Weilz 

Weil Wet

The Weil Deal

thoughts?

Nate trying out the new rigging.

Canucks looking out for Canucks

     Our first sailing adventure with 'Jackie O' was from Biscayne Bay up the Miami River where we had the boat hauled out to be inspected.  Unfortunately, we were only able to motor back and forth from the two points because the fuel tanks don't work yet, but we did have the brand new sails up for a portion of the trip.  We are very happy to announce that after a positive and thorough inspection by Norseman Ship Building Corp, we have accepted the boat and will attain possession on Tuesday Sept 23rd.

     On Saturday Sept 27th, Nate and I will be living on the Isle of Venice (which doesn't resemble the Italian city at all), in a boat slip for about a month. The owners of the slip are actually from Calgary! We discovered that they own a home in Roxboro which is the community next to Mission, our former home.   Such a small world! They have been very generous and will allow us to stay free of charge for a week just because we're Canadians! Ha! I guess we Canucks really do look out for one another. This is such a wonderful gift as already we are running over budget and we've barely begun!  YIKES!!!!  

     In the meantime, we'll be continuing to work out with the TRX, swimming in the pool, walking the beach and riding our new bikes which we purchased at a used bike store after giving back our expensive rental car.  Ah, the life of a pauper.

     

Sunset on Ft Lauderdale's Beach Blvd.

Nate and I walk this everyday as a morning and evening ritual.

The Heads are so tiny!!!

For those individuals who were like me and didn't know, the word HEAD in sailing terms = BATHROOM.   Jackie O has two; but they're small!

Nate and I are eager to board our new digs and get renovating! In fact, I would probably describe our feelings as extremely excited and incredibly anxious. We're definitely ready for a place to call home. The haul out will be performed tomorrow at which time we can accept the boat and get rockin'! We'll be living in a boat slip on a isle canal called "The Isle of Venice". Apparently, it looks very similar to the actual Italian city (which I visited back in '96). I'm curious to see the comparisons. I'm also longing to decorate the cabin with my 'beach chic' theme. You know; browns, greens, random seashells placed strategically, hammocks for the bananas, hammocks for our butts...the essentials. I know Nate just LOVES that idea too.

The Weilands are buying a boat

The Weilands are in luck today.  We have an accepted offer on the 1984 40' Endeavour with a center cockpit named Jackie "O". Next week we are having a survey and a sea trial done, at which time we can say no to the boat if there are any issues we are not happy with. Other wise we will find out exactly what needs to be done to the boat so that it's in best running order.

Once the deal is closed we will be moving on to the boat, which will be really nice because we will finally have a home to call our own.  This is very exciting, and well, we need a boat so we can do some sailing!

Grateful for every solitary second...

Well, boat shopping wasn't quite what I expected it to be.  Driving for the majority of the day (8 hours) isn't the best way to put a girl in a good mood, especially when upon arrival, the two boats that you plan on seeing are complete 'no ways'.  The first looked like a rusty old tugboat and it smelled like one of my brother's used hockey equipment.  SICK!  Down below, it had a nasty nude statue of what I think may have been a mermaid, and in the helm there were car seats built in!!!  Car seats?!?  Come on.  This first boat didn't have a name; however, I felt it deserved the title; 'The Piece'.

The second boat stunk too.  Hello people, a little Febreeze might help when you're trying to sell something!  I was shocked to see the size of the 'bedrooms'.  To me, the word 'stateroom' seems important, grand, special.  Haha, special all right.   I guess in sailboat lingo, 'stateroom' means: bed in a claustrophobic space.  

Nate is going to view four other boats tomorrow while I do some...ah...beach and dietary research.  You know, how deeply brown can my skin get while laying on the beach before it goes really dark, and how many Corona Lites can a young woman consume before she becomes dehydrated.  yeah...this is important stuff.  I need answers.  Talk to ya in a few!  Ciao!

Kate's boat ideas

     Despite news about hurricanes IKE and JOSEPHINE heading straight towards us, Nate and I have continued to maintain a sunny disposition about our future endeavors.  We are currently in the process of finding a boat and have a few viewings lined up with our broker tomorrow.  Nate is completely practical in his thoughts about what boat will suffice, but my thoughts about what we should be purchasing are a bit different.  I was thinking shiny mahogany hardwood floors with gorgeous nautical navy and white pillows thrown about white leather sofas that are strategically placed near and around the fully loaded cocktail bar...that serves really expensive red and white wine as well!  I'm guessing that this should all be attainable for a reasonable price well under $50,000 bucks right?  RIGHT!?   I'm sure the yacht people will be willing to negotiate with us.  Thank goodness I'M on this trip or we'd be stuck with some 38' big stinky used thing.  Gross.   Let you know how it goes tomorrow!!!