Ariel's Maiden Voyage

By Jeff Storck
Friday, 6/24/05

Hey all,

 I've had several emails from curious people, so I thought I'd give you a brief report on the new boat. I went out to Ohio last Saturday, June 18 to pick up Fleet 50's newest addition. It was a long nasty drive there and especially back. a huge traffic jam on the Pennsylvania Turnpike was the worst of it. In all I passed 3 twisted tractor trailers on the side of the road. Got her back in one piece though. Sunday June 19  I took her down to the marina where we assembled, tuned, waxed, and christened her. Nabeel, Laurie, Cathy B, Jill, Russ, Emily, and Lisbet were on hand to share  the champagne and "ooh" and "ahhh" over my new pride and joy. It was late in the day by the time we finished all the chores, so we did not splash her. That joy was saved for last night, Thursday June 23. Pat and Paul came out for the maiden sail and we REALLY christened her in fine fashion. The wind was light at first, but came up to about 7 or 8 knots from the south. We sailed her down to the WW bridge and then all the way up to the 14th St bridge and back home again.

Of course the frosty brews were abundant and went down smooth as silk. We spilled a good bit on the boat and Pat did the final honors off the back deck. Ahhh, she's a real boat now. How did she sail?  All I can say is WOW. What a boat. The controls are all as smooth as the beer we drank. The color came out just as I had hoped, in fact I think she is the prettiest Lightning I have ever seen. You can judge for yourself when you see her. In all she is everything I had hoped for when I placed the order.

On the name:

I have named her "Ariel", and some have asked where the name comes from. Ariel is an Archangel and is closely associated with the oceans and the wind. Some might say she is the guardian angel of sailors. However, the real reason I have named the boat Ariel is this: Most of you know that my father passed away a couple of months ago. He knew I had ordered the new boat and even helped pick out the colors. Unfortunately he never got to see the finished product. Most of you also know that my father taught me how to sail when I was a young boy on Long Island on His Lightning. A Lightning named Ariel. So I have named my boat to honor my father, and the memory of sailing with him on Oyster Bay.

Hope to see you all on the water soon!

Cheers,

Jeff