She's ours!

Virginia Dare, Rockland (Maine) public landing

Well, technically, she's not ours yet.  But, we made an offer-counteroffer-offer and a deal was sealed with a handshake (for the men) and a hug (for the women) and a subsequent sending of earnest money.  Virginia Dare is her name and she's a gorgeous Hallberg Rassy 39 that's been meticulously cared for and loved.

Last weekend, we trekked to Rockland, Maine, to see Virginia Dare and meet her owners, Bob and Christine.  They couldn't have been more lovely -- and we four instantly hit it off.  Over the course of Saturday and Sunday, we pored over the boat and talked endlessly about every topic we could think of.  They provided a wealth of information for all of our questions and offered advice for future voyages, whether they be coastal excursions or overnight passages.  Heck, they even offered to crew for us when we transit the Panama Canal!

We later meandered south along the coast, back to the Portland airport, with smiles on our faces as the realization that our dream will soon be reality.  The thought of living 100% on board couldn't please us more!  The world will be ours to explore.  Wow.  Just wow.  I can't wait to take pictures of our journey.

Camden harbor

Giant nest on someone's chimney!

Rockport harbor lobster boat

Now, we have to kick "it" into high gear and sell our home before we take possession in October.  ZOIKS!