Well, it’s that time of year again. I’ve never been a big fan of Christmas but the New Year is when I sit down to write, think, and ponder the events of the previous year and the one ahead.
Splendid has been a huge project. If I think of the amount of work I’ve done in the past 4 years it blows my 
mind. However when I realize that I purchased her for 15k (Sold Namaste for 30k) and now have a solid, 40’, center cockpit ketch, it equally blows my mind. How many years would I have to work and save in the system to afford such a ship? Also the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired over the last 4 years are priceless. I feel competent and confident that I can handle anything Splendid demands of me and I’m able to take full responsibility for her. This is quite important given the cruising destinations that run wild in my thoughts & dreams.
The starboard side, aft deck, and after cabin house on Splendid are done for all intensive purposes. They are just awaiting nonskid and a few stanchion bases that need to be repaired. Once I’m finished with the topside in the upcoming weeks I’m going to take a break before tackling 
the hull. I don’t mind Splendid looking a bit rough as long as she is solid as a rock and watertight. She is not a “Cheoy-Leeky” anymore. Splendid was designed by famous marine architect Bill Luders to be a solid and nimble world cruising yacht. In my humble opinion she is just that. The only thing I will change in her design is I will move the chain-plates to the hull when I can afford to. The amazing thing about Splendid is she performs ridiculously well for her comfort level. Performance boats are not usually comfortable, and comfortable boats don’t usually perform well. Splendid is splendidly balanced between comfort & performance. She is not built as heavy as lets say a west sail (wet-snail), or a steel boat, yet she is immensely more solid than 95% of boats being built today. For her size she is a modest 10 tons and moves through the water with direction & conviction. She has a modified full keel, and I’ve really grown to love the ketch rig. I’m really looking forward to putting some miles under her keel in 2012! When I sail I’m hard on my boats and I really need peace of mind at sea. I know Splendid like I know the back of my hand now!
In the past few months I’ve also pulled my shit together as far as my health. I don’t really drink anymore, eat crap, and mentally & spiritually I’m feeling centered. My experiments with time left me in a better place and I’m more cautious with my time and the people I let into my world. As a result of this I’ve also broke a musical barrier I’ve been fighting for years and I’m writing and playing my own music. I still don’t like to share my music but I know I’m well on the path I wish to be with my guitar and this brings me endless joy. I wish to grow old on Splendid, playing my guitar, and sailing her throughout the world. Aside from my health this is all I ask from life. I don’t know why it is, but I am such a 
lucky man, and I am very grateful for my will and vision.
Thank you to everyone for reading and commenting throughout my obscure life. It is my hope that some of you will find inspiration through my openness and find a path out of the system that leads you where you need to go. Life is a journey and we only have one shot at it. I know my path isn’t driving the same stretch of road, to the same job, and returning every day.
Break some rules in 2012. Loose some friends and make some new ones. Rebel, scream, and demand freedom! Smile, forge dream into reality, love, feel things deeply, take what you want, give, ask for little, use little, repair, restore, and measure your time on this earth as a quality not a quantity. Don’t be afraid, take responsibility for everything in your world, Sail as far as you can, live slowly, and make this year count!
Peace, Love and Coconuts!
– alex