The Quest for Zosca: Finding Our Dream Sailing Boat
Greetings once again, fellow mariners and adventure enthusiasts! If you’ve been following our journey, you know that we had decided to buy a sailing boat for charter purposes. After identifying our perfect model, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449, we embarked on the next leg of our adventure: finding the right boat.
Searching for the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449
With our criteria set, we started scouring the market for available Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449 models. It quickly became evident that there were numerous options in Europe and the Caribbean, often with more attractive price tags than those in the USA. We realized this was a golden opportunity to acquire a great boat and gain invaluable sailing experience by navigating it back to California.
The Allure of the Caribbean
As seasoned sailors, the prospect of sailing the boat home ourselves was both exciting and practical. It would allow us to test all the equipment firsthand and make any necessary adjustments before introducing the vessel to the Spinnaker Sailing Club fleet.
When weighing the logistics of sailing from Europe versus the Caribbean, it became clear that we didn’t have the time to undertake a transatlantic voyage. With its closer proximity and favorable conditions, the Caribbean emerged as the logical choice.
Late Nights and Listings
The search for the perfect vessel intensified. Every night, we pored over updated sail listings, keeping tabs on all the potential options. It was a ritual fueled by excitement and the occasional late-night snack.
The Discovery of Zosca
And then, one evening, we found her: Zosca, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449, nestled in the US Virgin Islands. The listing seemed almost too good to be true, so we booked our flights to see her in person without hesitation.
A Trip to Remember
The trip to the US Virgin Islands was a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. We spent three glorious days inspecting Zosca, checking her thoroughly, and even taking her out for a sail. She was everything we had hoped for and more. Despite some wear and tear, and the need for offshore sailing equipment, she was in excellent shape. These were all issues we felt confident we could handle.
A Perfect Match
Zosca wasn’t just another boat in the marina. She perfectly embodied our sailing aspirations. Everything about her, from her layout to the basic equipment, resonated with our vision for the perfect charter vessel.
We’ve set our hearts on Zosca, but the journey doesn’t end here. The pursuit of our dream vessel has been a voyage in itself, filled with lessons, challenges, and growth. And as we stand at this juncture, we’re excited about the road that lies ahead.
In our next blog post, we will delve into the process of buying Zosca and preparing her for the long journey home to California. We hope you will join us as we recount this experience and set sail on our grand adventure. As the saying goes, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, and we are ready to embrace the waves of this journey. Stay tuned, fellow adventurers. The best is yet to come!
Stay tuned for the next chapter in our journey as we continue to bring Zosca home and make her part of the Spinnaker Sailing Club fleet. More tales of trials, triumphs, and tips for those considering a similar path are on the horizon. Until then, fair winds and following seas!