Shopping

We headed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in early December 2007. It is one of the two big boat-buying locations in eastern North America, the other being Annapolis—more of a summer centre.

Fort Lauderdale is made up of dozens upon dozens of channels, both sides of which are lined by boats of every size and description, many for sale. We went with a list of eight or nine sailing catamarans to look at, giving us a view of many different makes, all within the 36- to 42-foot range. Our intention was really just to inform ourselves and determine what we liked. From our readings, we had found people could take months or even years to find the boat they wanted. We fully expected to have to make several shopping trips.

Over two days, we saw all the boats on the list, and ranged as far south as Miami in our search. Amazingly, we found The One. La Dolce Vita was a 37-foot Flica sailing catamaran, built in England in 1989. Her current owner was a Dane, rejoicing in the name of Bjarne, and captain on one of those massive cruise liners, slightly larger than most of the islands they visit. He had maintained his cat in impeccable condition.

Upon our return, Willie made an offer. A few days later, negotiations completed, the next phase was under way. We needed to have the boat inspected by a marine surveyor and to take her out on a sea trial, to make sure she sailed nicely and all her gear was up to snuff. If she failed either of those, the deal would be off.

We were back in Fort Lauderdale at the beginning of January 2008.