Sonja sails!

[Rich VanValkenburg]

Finally, after 17 or 18 years of replacing this broken piece after that rotten piece, we went sailing. It was a nice day but had the wind out of the North so it was a long motor out to the lake. There's just no tacking against that 5 knot current with all the other traffic on the river. Even with sails in not-so-great trim she still showed her speed against bigger boats and we saw lots of cameras clicking away.

Just as we were about to leave the dock an outbound cruiser stopped behind us, and the skipper said, "I grew up on that boat. It was my mother's." I knew who he was but had never met him. She owned the boat from 1947 through the early 50's.

We had the rail buried at times, but no photos from any chase boat but there is still time.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/falcon5a/nicoles007.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/falcon5a/nicoles017.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/falcon5a/nicoles020.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n287/falcon5a/nicoles021.jpg

[bamamick]

I am very happy for you Rich, and how appropriate since the anniversary regattas are going on right now (I think they ended up this weekend?). Congratulations once again for having the the prettiest girl at the dance (and your boat is nice, as well :)).

Mickey Lake

[S/V Laura Ellen]

What a beautiful boat!

[Paul Pless]

That had to be a great day on the water!

[The Bigfella]

Congratulations Rich.

[Thorne]

Congrats! Get a chase/photo boat next time ya go out, OK?

[Concordia...41]

Congratulations! And a great big giant WOO HOO!!!! :)

[paladin]

Congratulations, Sir......you have done her proud.....

[Tar Devil]

http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://www.woodenboat.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[John B]

Great to see Rich, excellent.:D

[StevenBauer]

Great news, Rich! Looking forward to even more pics.

Steven

[Yeadon]

Whoa. You own a fancy boat there.

[John Meachen]

I hope we will see many more accounts of such a good looking boat being used for her intended purpose.The crew of the chase boat will be lucky enough to have the best view in the vicinity.It would be a treat to share their good fortune.

[PaulC]

Glad to see you doing good as well!

[Raka025]

Beautiful!!! I hope you have twice as many days sailing her as you did in restoring her.

[Salty Sailor]

Fine job .
You must be floating to sleep only to wake up to the best reality ever!!!
Well done Rich...

[Willin']

Woof!!!

[davidagage]

More please! Lots lots more
I had to search back to look at the progress pictures. What a wonderful bit of work you have done with Sonja, She is gorgeous.

[FSS172]

And beautifully finished too! Congratulations!

[Thad]

Love the smiles, Sonya's too!!

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Sweet boat

Good Luck, and YES more photos

[Ed Harrow]

Oh the glory of it all. Nicely done. Seventeen or eighteen years - I still have time...

[Stephen]

Congratulations!