Ciara Madeline came to us in 2017. A life long dream of Captain to not just race sailboats, but to experience the live aboard lifestyle.

This is our story how we came upon a 1951 one of a kind sailboat and how she has become our home away from home. How she teaches us, challenges us and all the friendships we gain along the way.

Captain Richard has spent his whole life on boats in some form. He has fond memories of his grandfather letting him varnish his boat for him to gain the privilege of steering the boat when summer came. He raced scows for many years, traveling all across the country collecting trophies. After many years hiatus (doesn’t life get away from us all at some point?) life had come to a point where the sailing life called too strong and we became engulfed in boat shopping. After many long conversations and looking at many boats we took a chance and went to look at a 66 year old steel and wood boat that looked beautiful on paper but we were worried because of age. The John Alden is a one of a kind and she stole our hearts the second we stepped aboard. Being rebuilt by the best owners before us she was ready to sail as is. We have only kept her up and improved her in the years since.

1st mate Debbie (I go by any version of Deb) was a complete land lover when she met Richard. The first time Captain took me out on a little state park rental sailboat I was sooooo confused. He would tell me “pull that line” and then I’d look up and ask “how did we do an about face and end up going the other way?” But I took to sailing really well when we got Ciara. Learning as I went along, I consider myself a great 1st mate. As long as you really don’t expect me to steer to much! My actual Captain skills are my weakest. So I continue to learn while supporting Captain and the family.

And so here we are. I like to write about our adventures and life aboard. I hope to write more and find my voice and if you are here, thank you!

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