Jun 21, 2026by: Curtis Hoff No Comments

LAUNCHED – Janice Anne Wheeler, Sparring With Mother Nature

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The sunrise was perfect this morning as I reflected on two years of my life.

Big news this week, my friends. Thanks very much for being aboard! ~J

If you just dove into our very engaging little community, please read SPARS & SPARRING, .….it introduces my wonders and my wanders. & THANK YOU!

LAUNCHED

Some events are far more emotional that one might think

Janice Anne Wheeler

Jun 21

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After 23 months of both rebuilding STEADFAST beyond her former solid glory (a vast undertaking including new Purpleheart stem and knee, 32 repurposed old growth long leaf yellow pine planks and so, so much more) and refinishing her interior to an interesting, intricate, efficient, refreshed place to live, she was launched, with no issues, Monday, June 15th. The relief was palpable, a weight lifted. Our submersion went without a glitch, drip, leak, problem or falter.

October 2024, destruction not yet complete, & now.

Here’s 42 tons dropping in. Jimmy (legs left) & Andrew took great care.

Hearts soared, breathing calmed, sleep came easy with the gentle rocking motion of the ocean. The next morning, her 1979 Detroit 4-71 Diesel engine fired to life on the first try, relieving us further; the 4-meter drive shaft took a few hours to get aligned <5/1000, but the Sailor got it done. He is, and I told him so, one determined, um, man. I don’t think that’s exactly the way I phrased it and I mean that in the most endearing way possible. Electronic Navigation systems came to life, depth sounder indicated, generator fired up, pumps ran, lights lit, refrigeration stayed cold, anemometer told us the wind. We completed near-impossible tasks; don’t be surprised if I look a tad tired.

LIFE IS GOOD.

We planned to depart at dawn on Thursday but COULD NOT STAY ANOTHER DAY— and pulled out of the haul slip before sunset Wednesday, provisions not even unpacked, motored a bit and dropped anchor, for its very first time, in a broad lee-shore cove. That new 155# (70kg) Mantus shot off her new bronze bow roller like a reassuring rocket, sank palpably in the Chesapeake Bay mud, and I slept the sleep of someone who has FINALLY accomplished a task that has been on their plate for longer than they ever imagined it could be. The two half-inch thick channels and new anchor system are a secure addition to the vessel, even though we modified William Hand, Jr’s original design. During the first three years, STEADFAST, with her great mass and Mother Nature’s remarkable will, wind and tides, developed an ability to drag anchor at the most inopportune times. One of those drags was dramatic enough to be published in SAIL magazine in 2024, experienced and written by yours truly. In the coming weeks we will add a hefty bronze bobstay with plate from the new platform to the original bronze striker above the waterline for increased strength and stability.

Thursday’s dawn was damp, ominous. Powerful SSW winds kicked up just over 32mph, creating swells to five feet as we traveled the 48-mile, 300-degree loop that took us on our salty virgin passage. Most of my skills came back fairly firmly, and, two hours ahead of schedule, we were secured to the dock of the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s Annual Show. Lots of learning happens here so if you’re anywhere near St. Michael’s, Maryland and have an interest in preserving history, pop over today, (June 21st 10-3EST).

I cannot imagine or remember when I last won a blue ribbon, and this one is coveted. STEADFAST was unaware of this particular prize, which made it all the more delightful. I think we all have a spark of competitive nature; I did a ‘lil fist pump when the bespectacled, charming Judge Nicolas (aged 9) presented me with this. His discerning fellow Junior Sailors here at the Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Show determined, with clear, undisputed great taste, that STEADFAST was Best In Show, earning 5-star ratings from all involved.

We are so happy to be AFLOAT that this endearing, unanticipated little bonus brought wider smiles, which I wasn’t sure was even possible. Her crew had already prevailed in a lengthy SPAR with Mother Nature. There is a cool, dry breeze blowing, and we’ll have bright sunshine on the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Until next week, I’ll be grinning, and I hope you are, too, whatever life brings. ~J

Mother Nature brought me this Great Blue Heron, feet from my bed.

If you think someone else might like to follow along, especially now that we’re YACHTING STEADFAST again, please simply hit the re-stack circular arrows or forward this email. My writing content is free to all; paid subscribers put diesel in the tanks. I look at that like a bonus in case we don’t have any wind; I’ve learned to truly appreciate both. So grateful to you for staying aboard! ~J

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