My great-grandfather bought a 30 ft Lawley gaff-rigged sloop (Juanona) circa 1920, and had a successful racing career in Casco Bay. My father sold that boat in 1965 and bought the Bill Tripp CCA-era 38 footer (Majek) that I grew up on. After my father's death in 1999 I purchased a Nordic 40 that my father had looked at with me and was keen to buy (until he got cold feet, reluctant to sell Majek). I'm sure I'll keep the Nordic for the foreseeable future, certainly past 2020. Three boats in 100 years, all with attributes that gave them longevity.

Congratulations to Tom for finding a beautiful design for which he had an affinity, as well as the knowledge and passion to bring her to where she is today. What a great gift to his family and his children.

As the world changes before us, it seems as important as ever to honor the heritage that some of these boats and traditions represent. David Brooks had an interesting essay in today's NYT. It has nothing whatsoever to do with boats, but it does refer to the loss of passion and romance in modern society and the importance of keeping them alive. Not sure if the link will work.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/02/opinion/brooks-love-story.html?ref=opinion&_r=0