Someone Gave Me a Boat

Yep. 

Not long after I decided to write this blog, I decided I wanted to get some more experience sailing.  After all, I was probably going to buy a boat soon- probably in a few years.  So, I go to my local sailing club's website (Derby City Sailing Club).  They have a "Crew Bucket" which is kind of like a dating site where boats and crew can meet and hook up.

So, I filled out my profile, experience (none, except a 4-day sailing class), and other information.  Promises of alcohol were featured prominently in my ad.  Soon, I heard from an interested party.  A couple needed crew for their 36 foot S2 for local races.  It sounded like great experience, so I agreed.

About a week later, I got another call from an unknown number.  Expecting to have to turn an offer to crew down, I picked up.  The conversation that followed went something like this.

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Me: Hello?

Caller: Hi, is this Brent Dudgeon?

Me: Yes, this is he. 

Caller: Okay, well, I saw your name in the Crew Bucket for Derby City Sailing Club...

Me: Ah, yeah.

Caller:  Now, I don't need a crew, I'm actually giving a boat away...

Me: (stunned and slightly suspicious silence)
Caller: Do you think you might be interested?

Me: ..................Yeah!   I mean, you're just getting rid of it?

Caller: Well yeah, I've had it a while, and I just don't really sail it any more, and I'm lookin' to just sorta....pass it on.

Me: (Still somewhat suspicious, but not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth) Well, that's very generous of you!  Yeah, I'd LOVE to have a sailboat!  I mean, as long as there's no big fees or unpaid slip fees or something like that

Caller: Oh yeah, there's nothing like that, but [caller explains that he needs to get rid of it soon because the slip is only paid for through May 10th]

Me:  Well, I have to double check with my wife, but I think I can say with about 90% chance that I'm your man!

Caller: Well, great.

[we go on to set up a tentative meeting]

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We met up at the boat a few days later, and I was absolutely flabbergasted to find the boat in GREAT shape.  It was extremely well-cared-for, to my eye, and had only been owned by the man: no previous owners.

The man went over everything about the boat- a 1981 Macgregor 25- and showed me where everything- including a jib, genoa, main, and even spinnaker w/ pole- was.  Then he handed over the keys, and with no more ceremony than a salute and congratulations, he headed off.  I had a boat!

Still just a little suspicious (but not very- he seemed legit), I began cleaning the boat.  No less than a week later, I had registration and a title in my name, and I was on the water!

And so, that's how I got a free boat!  I am so very thankful to the man- such generosity is practically unheard of!  The guy has got a very generous heart, and I intend to put his boat to good use!

Is there a lesson here or a trick to get your own sailboat?  I'm afraid not.  There are free sailboats out there, but from what I've heard they take a lot of work and need new sails/ rigging, etc. 

But you know what?  There are generous people out there who just want to pass on enjoyment to the next person.  And I think that's pretty great.