Just musing over the Newporter

[Eddie Offermann]

My last sailboat I not-so-jokingly have referred to as "The Best Equipped 20-foot Sailboat in All of Southern California" was an interesting learning experience, at least in part because she taught me to be really impressed with the Newporter's extreme sturdiness. That 20, a 1968 Newport, is solidly equipped for coastal cruising and near-coast excursions, with two good-size solar panels, a chartplotter, depth sounder, an autopilot, roller furler, and a good sail inventory with associated hardware. She's not your typical 20: I've spent days at a time at sea on her, and lived on her for a year and a half.

So when I stand on my Newporter and survey the rigging, examine the deck hardware, walk on her decks, relax in the spacious interior, and look at the amazing ketch clipper rig, I think I appreciate every detail that much more.

This feels like a boat that I could comfortably tie myself onto during a storm and WAIT. Drop my sails, put out a sea brake, and just sit in the pilothouse or down below and be patient while the storm blew over, or if it was a little less severe, reef and sail her out.

Ack did a good job.