It started when I responded to a local ad in the classifieds, "Trade maintenance for use of sailboat". The ad appeared in the Palm Beach Post (Florida) in late 1989 in the "Sailboats" category. I ignored it at first thinking it would be a derelict requiring tons of time before she would be seaworthy. Besides, if I wanted to slave away on a boat, it would be on MY boat! But curiosity got the better of me. I called a day later and was pleasantly surprised at the description; a Canadian built boat only a few years old with an auxilary Yanmar diesel. A visit with the boat and the owner the next day confirmed the good deal to be had, nearly full use of the boat docked near the Boca Inlet (about 35 minutes) for a hundred bucks a month and maintenance time as needed. Of course there wasn't much maintenance needed on a boat built in 1984 and almost entirely of fiberglass construction.
So the next few months were spent sailing and working on the boat "Risky Business". I was in heaven, it was more boat than I could have afforded at the time for sure. It had alot of toys and features that I recognized as the latest in sailing efficiency such as cockpit controlled sheets and halyards, jiffy reefing, etc. I did make some upgrades though. We added a Loran (the latest in Navigation at the time), heavier ground tackle, floor carpets and other little changes that made the boat a little more comfortable. Soon after, the owner and I together experienced a great Columbus Day Regatta together, the only time we sailed together.
As it happens, the owner, Dennis Buda, suggested that he would like to offset some expenses by offering some daytime charters to the tourist in our area. Of course he would need a licensed captain to make it work which is when I volunteered to get my license and do the job. I loved it! I was getting paid to sail... how cool is that? As with most ideas about making big sums of money, it didn't really pan out for him. I was getting half the proceeds from a charter and the other went to him. That amount just wasn't enough to make the project financially worthwhile as it probably wa just a break even situation. He soon had a trade offer from a doctor friend of his on Little Torch Key for free dockage for sail time. I don't blame him, it was a good deal in one of the premier crusing grounds around. I helped deliver Risky Business down to the keys and of course, my sailing time aboard dropped drastically being so far away.
I did make many trips down to check on the boat and do whatever maintenance was needed. I also got in some awesome Keys sailing while she was there. In 1998 Hurricane Georges paid a visit right across the Keys. The destruction wasn't great but it did manage to find Risky Business and take off her mast and rigging as well as some other minor scrapes to the hull and deck.
I believe it was November of that year that I got a call from Dennis who asked that I come in and see him at his business. I was shocked when he told me that he was giving me the boat, free of charge and no strings attached. He said he appreciated my taking care of her and wanted to give her to someone he knew would treat her right. I would have to make repairs of course . But... What a deal!!! I could not believe my ears.
I happened to be at the beginning of building my dream house so repairs would have to wait awhile. It turns out that I could not spend any time on her for the next year and a half. But then, all energy was focused on the new boat renamed Eleuthera.
It has been a love affair ever since.
Dennis, if you ever come across this site...THANK YOU !!!!
