Sailing

Our sailboat was a 1976 Tartan 34 Classic. We became the fourth owners when we bought the boat in 1987. The name "Aura Lee" came with the boat and since it was fairly unique and we liked the name, it stayed. We added mid boom sheeting, an inner forestay, completely enclosed the cockpit, upgraded to a Universal M4-30 diesel, installed propane, added Wheel steering and many other features.

While we raced for years in small day sailers, this boat was our cruising boat and was never raced by us. Our home port was Baltimore, MD, Maryland Yacht Club, although the boat had not been north of Florida since 1995 until it was sold in 1999. We returned for a month of cruising the Chesapeake Bay to give the children and grandchildren one last sail and to take advantage of the better market in the Annapolis area.

Our normal sail inventory for the Bahamas was an 85% yankee, a staysail and a fully battened mainsail with a stack pack. We had a Harkin roller furling on the headsail and the staysail was hanked on. The inner stay had a quick release to allow a 10-foot RIB dinghy fully inflated on the fore deck. This arrangement allowed us to make 5 1/2 knots to windward in 15 knots of wind and the staysail added nearly a knot of speed on a beam reach making it similar to a 135% headsail. This was much easier to handle in a blow and gives better sail shape than partly furled.

We were able to stow enough provision for six months, except for water and fuel. This included lots of spare parts and all the tools necessary to fix anything. We also carried a computer for me and an electronic keyboard for Pat. The galley had been upgraded to a Force Ten three burner stove with oven and broiler, we never added refrigeration, but we did have a Wolter propane hot water system and a shower in the cockpit.

The boat served us well for seven years of full time cruising and we become very attached. We no longer have dreams of a larger or newer boat.

Articles:

A Crossing by Pat Forguson

1997 Crossing by Pat Forguson