This is a story about:

A man who studied hard, became well qualified, and worked hard, saving his money so that one day he could buy himself a new boat. Not just any boat, mind you, but a boat well built and sturdy enough to make long ocean passages.

When he was ready, the man studied many boats before deciding he would like a Bristol Channel Cutter. He particularly liked this boat because it was well built, ocean capable, it had a traditional sailboat's design, and because he was a fastidious old fart. (Don't understand the word? Go here.)

After months of negotiating and dickering, which must have driven the boat-builder crazy, he finally, in June 2003, ordered the boat-builder to start production.

Some months have passed since then, and the boat is just about finished. The following pages on this website are to describe the maiden voyage, a 4,000+ nautical mile trip from California to Maryland via the Panama Canal.

Wisely nervous about making the trip single-handed, the man then blackmailed and bullied two of his friends into accompanying him on the voyage. Needless to say, neither of the men, who were both very busy, could afford the time away from their businesses, but the man was insistent, so, ultimately, his two friends broke down and reluctantly agreed to join him on the voyage.

From there, the project has spiraled - enquiries from the Nazareth Area High School, and friends and relations wanting to know the progress of the voyage have resulted in our creating this website.

It is our intention, whenever possible, to update the site daily, you can track our progress here.

With Regards

The scurvy crew of Salute

Fastidious: An absolute perfectionist! Gotcha!