How we find ourselves in service to the Diva

Once upon a time, there was a man who fell in love with a boat.  The End.  He couldn't eat or sleep because she occupied every ounce of his gray matter for months.  He had to possess her - The Diva.  Sure, she wasn't young or fast but that was okay because she had potential to be incredible.  He could see the beauty behind what others likely saw as her flaws.  Her faded glow of classic 80's styling and her lack of updated technology bespoke of another master who no longer loved her.  Her new master was head over heels.

Okay, I just couldn't help myself with the tawdry opening.  Something about her name smacks "romance novel" to me.  I bet in her day, she was an absolute jewel and I have no doubt her day will come again at my brother's hand.  Heck, she's still a jaw-dropper.  But now she's also a very lucky lady.

Many specific details are still yet unknown to me but my brother Brian (Brain for short, sometimes) found this yacht and truly fell in love.  He, with the nod of his wife Patty, went to great lengths to buy her.  Brian is an electrician by trade, a smart small business owner, and his hobbies include mastering meticulous perfection in all that he sets his mind to - carpentry, plumbing, and generally all things handy.  He's a pretty convenient fellow to know.

And he needs some help bringing her home from Fort Lauderdale since she's a full 70 feet in length - 25 feet longer than his Live Wire currently docked in Charlestown, MA.  (Anyone interested in a spotless 45' two cabin, two head yacht that has been lovingly updated and fastidiously maintained?)  Let me introduce you to the crew.

Nother brother Bruce is also a very conveniently skilled fellow to have about when it comes to all things land-lubbing *and* nautical.  A Navy seaman in his youth, Bruce never lost the salt in his blood and loves the ocean.  He, as well, is a master of many skills and his experience will be invaluable to Brian.  One valuable skill they share is the one that doesn't have a specific name; it's the one when two people are working together to fix a problem and the first puts out his hand for the tool, the second has already been holding it, ready to pass it over.

Captain Don, our hired pilot, will guide the Diva as she makes her matron's voyage (she's 26 years old - hardly a "maiden") up the eastern seaboard in an estimated 12-14 days.  As a professional boat captain, he's made this trip more than once.  Conveniently for Brian, he and Don met at the Chelsea marina and became friendly well before the Diva came along.  I am looking forward to making his acquaintance and hopefully learning a thing or two from him.  I just hope it's not new curse words.  That would mean things aren't going to plan.

I shamelessly begged for the position of Chief Cook and Bottle Washer.  You see, I am nautically challenged and knew that if I wanted to add value to the crew and  be considered to make this most amazing journey up the North Atlantic, I'd have to go beyond just "knowing someone."  Yes, they would still eat if I wasn't there, but they will eat well, dammit, because I am there and that is my job.  That, and I will be the primary flashlight holder in really tiny spaces.  And all other duties as required.

This blog will be primarily from my perspective and I hope to journal about the journey every day once it begins.  So, check back here after May 22, the day we hope to start the escapade of bringing the Diva home.  Until I have more to post, ogle the Diva here.  Hold onto your jaw.