Trying to figure out when this photo was taken, I noticed Xmas is missing her aft lifeline gate stanchion. Oh yeah! July 2012, my dear son left the dock with a spring line still attached(all fixed by August, no hard feelings, Thomas ).

With both dodger sides unfastened and tucked forward, I've been tacking a bit. That is in fact a new 135% on the headstay and the ancient mainsail, now awkwardly immortalized-roller boom reefed and quite flat(Xmas has SA/D to spare at 12 knots).

I'm in my typical single handing spot. Comfortable wide seat, high ergonomic coaming, cushion at my back, left hand relaxed on the perfectly located-light helm, the other easily tweaking the 2 speed sheet winch forward. I have perfect visibility over the wide side decks.

But the shot is not about the guy in straw hat. It's Alden Design Co. of Boston Mass., 1961, that draws the lens to this boat, still 50 years later. Thanks Alden, for our great sailboat.