When my dad 1st heard of our big plans to retire afloat he naturally had lots of questions (Have you thought about this? What about that? etc..). However Dad was supportive form day one and if he doubted us or was skeptical he kept those feeling very well hidden. Dad and Sheryl joined us the 1st time we checked out a Catalina 470 in Palmetto Fla. When the boat 1st arrived last October Dad jumped in his car and was over in a flash to check out Rose Lee, very nice.So it was with great excitement that Dad had decided to join us for Sail on Rose Lee, having just turned 80 a few short months ago.
Saturdays forecast called for a nice breeze 10-15 out of the West, perfect sailing conditions for a nice run out the Harbour. I had Rose Lee at a slip to boarding a bit easier, however Dad is in great shape and boarding from the rib wouldnt have phazed him. Dad and I arrived at the boat 1st to get prepared for casting off while Joyce put together a few supplies for our sail. I spent a bit of time showing Dad around the boat and deck while we began to ready for getting underway. Of course when I went to start the motor it took several pushes on the starter button, the starter was acting up again. Dad was watching everything and asked about the button thinking it was a primer or the glow-plugs. No Dad its just my cranky starter sometimes it does this, Oh I see was his response. Dad then asks "so Scott if the motor won't start when we return, do you have a plan B?" Dad if the motor won't fire up when we come in we will sail onto the mooring just like the old days, remember I learned from the best:) With Dad smiling and satisfied the motor caught and fired up purring smoothly (it almost seemed like a test). Joyce arrived a few minutes later and we cast of the remaining lines and headed out, man what a nice day and Dad was here to share it with us, awesome!
As soon as we cleared navay Island dad took over the helm and guyided Rose Lee under the bridges and up along the Halifax waterfront. We had a great afternboon and the wind piped up to about 18 knots, which made for an exhilerating sail, Dad was looking good and seemed pretty comfortable back behind the wheel of a sailboat. Eventually after going well past McNabs we finally decided it was time to turn and start the treck home. Dad relinquished the wheel to snap a few pics along the waterfront while we made our way back. The deisel started right away and our docking went picture perfect, whew:) You know what they say about the great moments in life are best shared well that certainly held true today, what a pleasure having my Dad on board, I cant wait to have him out again.