We’ve always looked upon the holidays as a time for reflection. The year is drawing to an end, a new one is dawning, the family is (hopefully) close by, plans are being made. In the old days, when the kids were younger and we were afloat full time, there would often be visitors from home, a special treat to go with the anticipation of Santa’s arrival.
Our clan has maintained a tradition of gathering for the holidays, and this year is no different. We’ll be sharing news, debating economic and political philosophy, playing some ball, and doing a bit of confiding.
The family will be as shocked, as are we, that we are no longer caretakers of Wind Horse. We did not expect this event to transpire quickly. But within a few days of our note on SetSail last week, she was getting acquainted with her new skipper.
Although we look at our yachts as tools, a means towards an end in a cruising context, when you have shared so many miles and adventures a bond develops. The yacht takes on a persona of its own. You might even say it has a soul. Saying good bye does not come easily. But we are comforted in the fact that she has a caring new owner, one who will do right by her.
So while we reflect on the future and the adventures to come, we want to wish you and yours the very best for the holidays and new year.
Linda and Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 19, 2012)
December 19th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Congratulations. I look forward to learning about your next chapter.
Stedem
December 20th, 2012 at 12:39 am
Merry Christmas and best wishes on your future ¨Wicked¨. (but I feel almost like treason has been committed selling ¨WH¨. What a boat !!!) Carlos
December 20th, 2012 at 10:02 am
And the same to you and yours.
December 20th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and 2013!
December 20th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
I hope the new caretakers of Windhorse are willing and able to share some of their journeys with us.
Steve and Linda and family, thankyou for sharing a wonderful year of travel and new starts.
Cant wait for 2013, that is if we get past todays Mayan calendar malfunction.
I still follow the adventures of Avatar and Iron Lady.
And i’m as hooked with your site today as I was eight? years ago when I discovered Windhorse coming together.
Merry Xmas to you all the other followers and your families.
Scotto
December 21st, 2012 at 4:03 am
Hi Steve and Linda,
Vicki and I aboard our motor vessel Vanish had the privilege of being berthed next to Wind Horse as you both patiently handed her over to her new owner. We could feel your pain and determination as you worked through the process. We wish you the very best.
See you on the water.
Maynard and Vicki
December 21st, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Steve,
have you noticed that Steve Jobs’ 80m yacht looks like an enlarged version of Windhorse?
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64901000/jpg/_64901880_63782946.jpg
December 21st, 2012 at 11:39 pm
A lot of folks have mentioned the similarity. Having scanned the photos I think we disagree. It is Job’s own vision, one which may not give sufficient credit to the rigors of the sea. But we will have to wait for some experience to know the answers to that.
December 23rd, 2012 at 3:29 pm
To my eye, Windhorse is a beautiful boat, where form follows function. Steve Jobs’ boat seems to lack both form and function.
December 24th, 2012 at 9:22 am
I would hope the new owner of Windhorse would start a blog and write about learning how to deal with her, and about his cruising experiences on that wonderful vessel. Your readers feel that Windhorse is a part of their family.
I, like many others, have grown so accustomed to the Dashew posts about their journeys on Windhorse. I can almost see Linda making one of those marvelous dinners in the galley as Steve looks skyward for a flying neighor to capture on one of his Canons. Or seeing Linda, wearing her harness on the settee while Steve at the helm giggles as Windhorse climbs an coming wave. It has been an extraordinary vicarous thrill …
And like others, I look forward to the next maritime chapter of the Dashews. You are such excellent writers, photographers, yacht designers, sailers … you educate and entertain us constantly. A day doesn’t go by without checking to see if there are new pictures, explanations, discussions, and excitement in your constant blogs.
Todd Rickard and the people in New Zealand seem like neighbors as they build your magnificant FPBs. It is a great pleasure to see such professional, quality work.
Thank you for it all … and A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
December 24th, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Amen and Awomen on that, David — in Spades.
December 24th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you again for the effort it takes to allow us to tag along on the adventure!