PAGE 16 • AUTUMN 2006 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
LIVING THE DREAM
continued from page 8
Denise emailed Don pictures of our progress, along with
Mike flying to Vancouver, B.C., periodically, to hold
meetings and discuss the details of the project as we got
closer to having four complete molds; hull, deck, hull liner
and deck liner, along with a keel mold, rudder mold and all
the related pieces. Each mold had its own set of
“challenges,” which required the attention you would pay to
a three-month-old child. At times we would ask ourselves
out loud: “what were we thinking?” All three of us had the
same vision and drive to keep going. We had weekly
meetings, and still do, over scrumptious dinners, artfully
The author witnesses the birth of a 242.
prepared by Denise, planning out our next logical steps and
shared thoughts on how to solve current dilemmas. responsiveness while, at the same time, being gentle on
beginners. The Marina del Rey fleet was eager to donate
It has been a little over two years since we began the used sails so the Foundation didn’t wear out the new
journey and have finally had the good fortune of sails that came with the boats.
witnessing, first hand, the rewards of our efforts. Don
Martin came down to Southern California and helped Our next big dream is to see fleets grow in King Harbor,
build the first two boats with Mike and the crew at W.D. Long Beach, Newport Beach and San Diego, along with
Schock Corp. The first two boats were purchased by the continuing growth locally and in Vancouver, where it all
King Harbor Youth Foundation and have filled their began 25 years ago. Who knows, in a few years, you
needs beyond their expectations. The 242 was perfect might see a small fleet growing in your harbor. Go ahead,
for their programs, with its high-performance dinghy-like grab a ride, the next 242 may have your graphics on it.
FEATURED SAILBOAT
continued from page 6
While it’s possible for an owner to still add a teak cap,
we feel the lower maintenance of this feature will be
embraced. The cabin side “eyebrow” trim above the
ports has also been replaced by black vinyl trim for an
attractive low maintenance detail that harmonizes nicely
with the rubrail.
Below decks, we’re combining varnished hardwood
surfaces in new ways with other interior surfaces to
produce a bright and attractive décor. While the
deckhouse will have a varnished sole, stateroom areas
will be finished in a natural colored Berber-type marine
grade carpet, and the galley, nav/office and head/shower
area will be finished with our usual molded slip resistant
soles.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I think the SP
Cruiser represents one of the best values in cruising that
we have ever offered with a starting price of $329,950.
When one considers the amount of room this yacht offers
above and below decks, the extensive list of standard
equipment, along with Island Packet build quality and
the high level of fit, finish, and onboard equipment, as
well as the only three-year stem-to-stern warranty on the
market, I hope you’ll agree the new SP Cruiser is truly an
exceptional offering.
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