| Well, it’s hard to believe, but another boat has found its way into my life! What a surprise, eh! |
| A little over a month ago my nephew Scott contacted me and asked for some advice about buying a small sailboat. I was more than happy to oblige. |
| This past summer Scott, his wife Janice and three of their boys enrolled in sailing school in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. They enjoyed it so much that they decided to buy a small boat that would suit their family for day sailing and maybe even an overnight trip or two. |
| Scott and I both searched the internet for potential boats. Many were considered, but as it turned out the “best” one turned out to be one of the first ones he looked at and it was located right in St. Andrews! |
 “Enhydra” is a 26 foot Westerly Centaur ketch rig with bilge keels. She was built in 1978. This is a very popular style boat in the UK as a lot of folks there are coastal sailors. The bilge keel design allows the boat to be moored in areas with a large tidal range and it sits upright after the tidewaters recede. |
 The boat in this photo is not Enhydra – but it shows a good view of the Westerly Centaur twin bilge keel configuration – no jackstands or cradles required 🙂 Enhydra was an important part of the previous owner’s life for 35 years. Scott and I were fortunate enough to get out for a sail with him last week. It was a beautiful day to be out on Passamaquoddy Bay with just enough wind to allow Enhydra to show us what she could do. That was all the convincing we needed! There were almost 2,500 Westerly Centaurs (26′) built between 1969 and 1984. As far as we know less than two dozen were set up as ketch rigs – the vast majority were sloops but the boat interior remained the same regardless of the sail configuration. |
 This boat has been very well cared for and maintained. The interior is quite large for a boat that is only 26′ in length. I will post more details about the boat on the website over the next few days.
There is generous headroom throughout. A comfortable v-berth in the foward cabin. In between the v-berth and galley is a private head to port and wet locker to starboard. The galley/settee area has lots of space and seating. The settee bench and table also converts to a berth, plus there are two more quarter berths aft of the galley (under the cockpit). |
 Lots of room on board for everyone & hopefully Uncle Wally too. |
Fair winds and smooth sailing to all who sail her❤️
Thanks Chris! Here’s hoping we can get together next year for some more sailing adventures. Maybe we can even visit Navy Island 🙂
Nice write up Wally. Thanks for sharing as always
Thanks Heather! Catherine and I look forward to seeing you and Ron before too much more time goes by.
This is the only thing that I know about sailing.
The pessimist complains about the wind
The optimist expects it to change
The realist adjusts the sails 🙂
Don
Wise words Don. You can come sailing with me anytime 🙂