Shattered Plans - 2020 The Year of WTF

We were so excited to get back to our Great Loop adventure aboard our beautiful sailboat, a 1966 Alberg 35, Mystic. After months of delays, we finally loaded the truck and headed east with eager anticipation. The drive to New England was unlike any other with covid restrictions along our route and specific rules at each stop. It was an omen of what was to come.

Outbound, heading East, wondering what we've forgotten to pack

We arrived at Frank Hall Boatyard on Saturday, June 13th and found Mystic looking much as she did when we left her. The tarps were secure and in really good shape. It took us almost 2 hours to remove them. Dave opened the main hatch and looked below. I heard him mumble "what am I looking at?" It wasn't his words so much as his tone. Something was very wrong. In an instant, everything changed for us!

Mystic all wrapped up for the winter. (Photo by Tom Izbicki)

Peering into our main cabin we were shocked and devasted to find water INSIDE our boat; LOTS of water! The interior was covered in muck and a thick layer of mildew coated every surface. The floorboards and rugs were floating. Our folding bikes sat halfway underwater on the main cabin floor. Confused, we jumped into action. Dave yelled, "We have to get the water out!"  We threw open all our hatches and raced down the ladder then drove to my sister's house to grab my brother-in-law, Mark, and a pump. It took us an hour to get the estimated 600 gallons of water out.

Our first view, rug and floorboard floating, black bike bags
on left, sitting in water, heavy mildew everywhere.

Water inside hatches and drawers.

V-berth, rug floating, heavy mildew everywhere!

View looking aft, bike bags on right.
Water is about one foot deep.

Settee area, water line just under the seats.
Thankful that we took our cushions off for the winter.

Flooded main cabin

Once the water was below floor level we could take stock of the damage. Our mahogany doors and the teak and holly floors are destroyed. All the teak that sat underwater had been stained black leaving a glaring waterline throughout Mystic. The interior paint is lifting and flaking. As we hosed down the mess we looked for any source of a leak but found nothing obvious. In shock and sadness, we began to tackle cleaning up our beloved cruising home.

Distinct water line, blackened teak

V-berth muck and mildew

Main cabin as we pumped out.

Damaged floors and Mahogany doors, ICK!

After first cleaning, muck and mildew is gone but floors are toast.

Cedar side walls covered in thick mildew

We've been here for three weeks now. Each morning we arrive at the marina with our enormous pile of supplies and tools; we clean, sanitize, and repair damage, trying to focus on what we've accomplished rather than what still needs to be done. There is work to do everywhere we turn, but each day we recover a little more of Mystic's beauty. This lifts our spirits.

We've gone through all the boats systems, assessing the damage that can't be seen. We are thankful to learn that our issues are mainly cosmetic. Although it was partially submerged, the engine started up and purred like nothing happened. Both our electrical and water systems work, and our refrigeration was spared. Our water tanks were fouled but we continue to sanitize them with the hope that they will eventually come clean.

We will restore Mystic to her greatest glory but it will take time. On the days we struggle the most, we look for perspective and remind ourselves that no one died, and things could have been worse. Our cruising season ended before it began but we are determined to get through this. At this point, we are uncertain about launching Mystic at all this year. In addition to this bizarre event, it is unclear that the Erie Canal will open in time for us to make it back into the Great Lakes. It seems clear that we should wait rather than try to salvage the cruising season. Like the rest of the world, everything is on hold for us.

Beautiful sun halo at the boatyard bringing us hope!

Bluff Point sunset, our visits here fill us back up

The year 2020 has tested us all in so many ways. Our plans have been shattered but our dream is intact. It would be easy to use our energy on emotion but we choose to pick ourselves up and move forward; doing what has to be done to fix this. Mystic is worth the work and as the days pass we make progress and tap into our faith knowing that we'll get back on track. We are already dreaming of 2021.

Enjoying a beer at Dog Watch 2.
We haven't had a lot of "fun"
since our arrival. THAT is going to change!