Our relationship with Darwin endured for five mind-boggling years. The relationship vacillated from calm seas to conditions approaching the perfect storm and everything in between. Like many relationships the foundation of true love created the glue holding that held us together. It would not last.
Darwin epitomizes greatness. Darwin explored the world sailing the seas on the ship named Beagle. Darwin dared to challenge the universally held views on the origin of species. Darwin became the enemy of Christianity. It makes sense then, that the perfect name for our boat would be Darwin. And hanging at the stern would be a dingy with the name Beagle emblazoned on her for all to see.
Yes, Darwin was our boat, a 34 foot 1978 CHB Trawler. We loved her. She challenged us to learn about navigation, tides, currents, knots along with her own idiosyncrasies. She forced us to face our fears and to work together in ways we never had before. Like a beautiful woman, her physical beauty created the initial attraction. Later discoveries did not always equal her beauty.
I’ve heard it said that the happiest day of a boat owner’s life is the day the deal is closed and she is really yours. They also say, an even happier day is when the sale is closed and you have passed your nemesis on to the next elated new owner. I cannot disagree but to this day we miss our good friend Darwin. I find I’m not the only boatnik.
Currently I am reading Paul Hendrickson’s book Hemingway’s Boat. Ernest Hemingway was a great writer and adventurer who I have always admired. Unfortunately, he committed suicide 50 years ago. I don’t admire that action but he made the decision to leave his life in that manner. The subtitle of Hendrickson’s book is Everything He Loved in Life, And Lost, 1934-1961. Hemingway’s long-time lover was Pilar, his boat. He shared it with his friends and admirers and many fishing and drinking stories ensued. Deep sea fishing with Pilar in the Gulf Stream between Key West and Cuba was what he loved. This book provides insights into Hemingway, his relationships and his love for his boat.
If you harbor an interest in Hemingway, boats, deep sea fishing and relationships Hemingway’s Boat is a book you will enjoy. The book is well researched with documentation of myths and stories surrounding Hemingway and that portion of his life. Paul Hendrickson won the National Book Critics Circle Award for his previous book Sons of Mississippi.
Now, living in San Francisco I find the boat bug sneaking up on me again. There is water all around us, the Pacific on one side and San Francisco Bay on the opposite side. These waters are full of boats. Marinas are everywhere and I always seem to find myself attracted to them. Looking for a place to live on Craigslist I found a 30 foot live-a-board for rent at the Sausalito Marina. Am I tempted? Yes, but so far I have resisted. But there is a 3 bedroom Houseboat for rent. How about that? It would be mind-boggling to actually live on the water.
Stan the Man
