In May of 2006 Sue and Glenn Strickland purchased a Cal 39 from Crusader Yachts just after receiving ASA certification in Bare Boat Chartering in the Virgin Islands. Kelly Bickford, our broker at Crusader Yachts, discussed the intricacies of boat design with us before showing us many boats from the sublime to those in need of too much TLC. After looking at Tartans, Hunters, and other production boats, there she was: a 1983 Cal 39 who seemed to beckon to us: “Trust me and I will make your dreams come true.” Here was a sturdy vessel that was affordable. Thus began a love affair with the boat, now named TwoBySea, and sailing.
In 2007 Sue and Glenn entered their boat in the Cruising Rally Association’s Bermuda Cup. This was the first step in pursuing their goal of ocean sailing. Most, but not all, pre-trip expenditures went towards a self steering wind vane, engine maintenance and a head upgrade to include a “y” valve and a large capacity aluminum holding tank. However, the boat itself proved true to its design as an ocean racer and required only a crew with the will to sail her. Our Cal 39, TwoBySea, was designed by Bill Lapworth and solidly constructed of thick fiber glass with an all wood interior. She draws 6’8” and has a keel stepped mast. The known quality of the boat helped in recruiting a crew.

This voyage was made possible through the assistance of a volunteer crew recruited largely through the Cruising Rally Association. Steve Black, organizer of the event, directed Sue and Glenn toward experienced sailors who graciously volunteered their time and talents to help them sail to Bermuda. Despite pre-trip checklists and the purchase of spare parts, the passage was not without challenges. Despite the unanticipated repairs and resulting frayed nerves, it was the trip of a lifetime.
The voyage taught Sue and Glenn more about all aspects of sail trim, boat maintenance, navigation, crew management, right down to tying knots than could have been learned in five years of Bay sailing. It also demonstrated for us the wonder of passage making. One night Glenn went forward and listened to the blow holes of a pod of dolphins cavorting in the bow waves and setting off the phosphorescence in the ocean. The sunsets were incredible. The stars at night seemed like the face of God encircling the earth with love and majesty. The clean smell and rich blue of the ocean fills each moment of the day with potential. Each day at sea introduced us to something new: flying fish, steering in a following sea, spotting whales, and dodging flying squid (*very small creatures). We even maneuvered at close range at night in order to assist a fellow Rally member with a gift of needed fuel.
We would not recommend this trip be undertaken by new sailors without a seasoned crew. On more than one occasion the experience of valued crew members saved the day. Also, outside of close friends, selecting crew through a private organization, such as the Cruising Rally Association, as opposed to a public access crew list is the best way to assure compatible, able sailors who own boats of comparable size will join you.
We have chosen to make sailing part of the tie that binds as our children begin their adult lives. This trip put us on track to realize our goal to be two upon an ocean. TwoBySea proved herself to be our faithful ally in that endeavor. We still have much to learn, but much more to look forward to.