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Anyone know the history of "Wind Spirit" lying in Adventura in S. Florida?
I just put in an offer on Wind Spirit, a 105 owner's version. She is in poor/"restorable" condition. I'm looking for someone to share her that wants a hobby, some very inexpensive sailing, and lives in South Florida.
I'll take possession for about $45k including tax - but she needs lots of work.
BTW, I've sailed Gemini, Snow Goose, and PDQ so here is 2 cents worth.
The Snow Goose is the worst boat I've ever been on - wallows, won't tack, slow, and kind of a pig on good days. Only suitable for dock side parties in calm water. Even at the dock, she is uncomfortable to sleep on.
The PDQ is a good boat - I put a deposit on one early in the production - but the factory returned it when the price climbed during my build times and they could get more money from another owner. That said, I enjoy sailing the boat - love the space - but don't really like the inboard mounting - I've just learned to like outboards since my sailing tastes have dropped from 1200 hours/year to a more reasonable amount of trying to get someplace on time. If I could afford a PDQ, I might would consider one favorably.
Gemini: My current dream - after having sold a Voyage 43 that was world cruising equipped, I'm ready for simple. Gemini is the most numerous boat (by 2 or 3 times) in the Bahamas - many in every anchorage and every owner likes theirs. The boat serves 6 for cocktails, 4 for dinner, and two to sleep. If that fits your life, why carry around and pay for 3 or 4 extra bunks. She is small, sails quite well with the boards down, and maneuvers ok (just) in tight spaces under motor. Sure she doesn't turn on a time like my old boat with 2 engines 21' apart - but she fits into a standard slip and has a main that can be hoisted by hand (my old boat was double blocked and had a 52 electric winch as a hoist).
It is nice to anchor, doesn't have much windage and slaps rather than pounds - the difference is the Gemini has a constant din of noise at speed, my Voyage had a maybe 1-2 times per hour slam in 12' or more seas.
Now, you say, what would the Gemini do in 12' seas - no idea, I won't be in those seas under full sail if I can help it -- but the seas were peaking at 40' when I left Cape Town in my Voyage.
So, take your choice - if you plan to sail the Bahamas and the Caribbean, you will only have 3 or 4 overnight passages to get to Trinidad - the Gemini will do that fine. If the South Atlantic is your choice - ship your Gemini, Prout, or PDQ - they won't survive the crossing in comfort and safety.
Cheers - looking for a partner - /Stu
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