11/10/2024
We went on a southwest Florida "pilgrimage" to Largo, FL to the place where SV Sea Cloud was "born" back in 2006. The Island Packet, Seaward Yachts factory! I've been wanting to see it for a while now & Capn Bill was in Heaven, of course, talking to those guys where it all happens.
The crazy cool thing was that all the guys we met ACTUALLY built Sea Cloud. They have all been there over 25 years. Some for 40!! They believe in the integrity of these custom built Yachts.
I've always called big girl a "beautiful tank" and boy, was I able to see why!! What Amazing craftsmanship!!
As far as safety goes, the things described and shown to us were unbelievably sound. Like no other I've seen. There was evidence of this in a boat that went through one of the recent hurricanes down there (the one with the royal blue bottom. It was a relatively new boat....all that was wrong was cosmetic and minimal fiberglass work. The boats on either side of her were sunk where they moored.
Another treat was being 2 of the first non-IP workers to see a #1 hull of a newly designed, 42 foot Motor sailor. What a beautiful beast that thing will be! You can see the #1 on the stern. It was a great visit!
