I have to thank Paul Dunn. SKAL is moored next to me, and was for sale for some time. Paul messaged me when there was a drastic price reduction and I acted immediately.

Here's SKAL. A 1967 O'day 26' Outlaw.

Not a stunner but I like the boats large cockpit, small cabin and low freeboard. Good sails, reliable outboard, SKAL sails a lot, every season.

Every boat has a best angle. This is probably it with SKAL.

Peeling paint but I love the big open cockpit. Nice for sailing with friends. Yep, that's the old boat, Xmas moored right behind.

The cabin is small but the berths are ample. A space for a stove over the head, a galley sink, what more could a sailor want?

We're keeping XMas. SKAL is a surprise for our son, a senior in college. We probably overindulge our kids, a boat is a pretty big gift.

But as young Tom is an avid sailor,... and SKAL cost us a dollar,... he would never forgive me if he heard I passed the opportunity up. Could be the biggest mistake we've made as parents -- or maybe not.

Time will tell.