New Alpha 42 to be Built in the US

[cruisingkrol]

Thanks Guys. We are indeed experiencing racing hearts. Nice to have that be from something other than old age.

I guess our hull is now designated #3 but our cat is actually buy/build #2. We stepped back our schedule so Lucy could be completed in time for the winter charter season in the BVI.

The year without a boat has been hard on the Skipper even tho' he's had some great sailing experiences on the DelMarVa Rally, and crewing from St Martin and to the Bahamas. That last trip was through those two brutal storms that came up the coast in November. Lots learned.

Hope we have as much fun on the Alpha as we did on our Lavezzi.

[Bulawayo]

.....and we all wish you the very best.

[cruisingkrol]

Thanks Bulawayo,

So far so good... a big crane lifted her onto the water this afternoon and she's floating. Rigging soon. Stay tuned.

[drewvta]

Originally Posted by cruisingkrol

Well, Alpha Fans, if all goes as planned, our Alpha 42 will be available for viewing and testing in Patchogue between April 20th and 27th. It's going in the water this Friday. Woowee!

Congrats Carol - Awesome news!!!

[SearenitySail]

Carol,

Had a beer on Platypuss with Phil today--what a really nice boat you have!

It's too bad the naysayers can't all have a look at her!

All the best to you both--I hope I get to go on a shakedown sail!

Marshall

BTW - Searenity went in Friday. Should be ready for sailing in 1-2 weeks.

[Hugh Howey]

Originally Posted by cruisingkrol

Thanks Bulawayo,

So far so good... a big crane lifted her onto the water this afternoon and she's floating. Rigging soon. Stay tuned.

What an exciting moment. Congrats! I love the 42. Seems like she would be a fun boat to sail.

[cruisingkrol]

Phil enjoyed your company, Marshall. He's been on the new Alpha for 10 days working with the build crew to complete the finishing touches. We're looking forward to your joining us for a good long sail before we head to the Chesapeake.

Hugh, Phil has taken her out for a couple of demo sails for potential clients. He's pretty happy with her performance, as we were with Lucy's during a test sail before she went to Tortola.

It's been a tough ride for Alpha Yachts since the beta Alpha was abandoned at sea. We think the buyers who stuck with the Alpha 42 will be very happy they jumped off the deep end and put their money on this new American catamaran.

[MIRELOS]

A Gunboat flips and others loose their sticks, Atlantic cat goes turtle in the Pacific. These are not bad boats but s-- t happens, the Alpha is a good design.......watch the weather and then be ready to handle the storm. I wish well for the Alpha co.

[cruisingkrol]

Mirelos, Almost poetic words of encouragement. Thanks. That's a cute white pup you have. Good sailor?

[MIRELOS]

Spanish Water Dog....loves the water

[cruisingkrol]

Wow... an ancient breed recently revived.

Our pup is a Gr. Shepherd Rottweiler cross. Loves the dinghy.

[MIRELOS]

Ancient indeed, the Canary Islands were named after the dogs that look like sheep.....not the canaries (birds)I love seeing dogs in boats they seem to truly enjoy the adventure

[cruisingkrol]

The Rottweiler is also an ancient breed thought to be developed by the Romans for herding/protecting their cattle.

Our boy is quite old for his breed mix, 108 in dog years, so we have some concerns about his ability to continue to sail with us. Summer before last he was having a difficult time making the big step - sometimes jump - from dock to the stern of our Lavezzi; negotiating the steps to the swim platform was a challenge. He's had a whole year off from sailing. Fortunately, the Alpha has a wide side gate so we will be able to use a gangplank - yet to be designed - to enable him to board. Getting him into the dinghy will be much more difficult as the Alpha steps are steeper than the Lavezzi's and lack the very large bottom step, the swim platform.

Any serious practical ideas out there?

[MIRELOS]

My puppy just turned 12, but still jumps and runs like a puppy. I am of the belief that the raw diet has kept her in good shape.

[cruisingkrol]

Yes, we have friends who swear by raw diets for their dogs. Unfortunately Max spent the first 4 1/2 years of his life tied to a pole behind a tenement in Baltimore - starving. He weighed 40 lbs when he was rescued by PAW folks; he's now about 95 lbs and slim. We adopted him when he was around 6 years old, healthy and well-trained. Since then he's been a spoiled pup who enjoys a country life-style with plenty of exercise and lots of sardines in his diet. Unfortunately the poor diet of early years and breed heredity have taken a toll on his back end.

One really good thing about the Alpha 42 is that the cockpit and the salon are at the same level so once Max's on board he'll be fine to move around the cat. Also, the dinghy davits are strong enough that, if we could get him into the dinghy, they'd be fine to lower him and me to the water. We shall see. Soon.