About a month ago, there was a new arrival to the small fleet of sailboats anchored in Boca Ciega Bay. From a distance she looked like a beauty – as we sailed closer, it was obvious this boat was destined to become the next premier derelict in the bay. I assume, and with a nod to the “make an ass out of u and me” quip, that this poor old sailboat is a goner. Though I acknowledge the pitfall of assuming, I fear the worst for this elegant girl named China Cloud. There’s a chance the owner might still have plans for China Cloud – take her away, restore her, go sailing. I can only hope, but with no registration or numbers, it seems that the owner has vanished or has disowned her.
After a little research, asking others on the Sailmonster forum, I think this boat is a Cheoy Lee. It has some amazing detail and woodwork and certainly has beautiful lines. I can’t understand how she became so neglected. I also can’t understand my fascination with her. It must be the “ghost ship” abandoned appearance, the mystery of an empty vessel - like divers on an eerie wreck lying on the bottom. It seems whenever I’m out in the bay I can’t resist sailing by her. Like she needs company.
China Cloud has no numbers, no registration sticker and no dignity. Now, the companionway hatches are open, a month or so ago they were not. Since then, there’s been quite a bit of rain. Curious explorers have violated her – left her open to the elements, I’m sure the scavengers will be next. It will be tough to watch her be picked apart, then finally hauled away by whatever state agency is responsible for the disposal. It’s hard to imagine not long ago this boat was somebody’s, or some couple’s pride-and-joy. Maybe a retirement vessel to live a dream of cruising the bahamas, live out the remaining years of a hard-worked life, or a young person’s means to discover far-off horizons.
I guess no boat lasts forever – thousands have come and gone, but you don’t actually see them “go” that often, especially those that you are connected to. That’s the problem with naming a boat or calling it “her”, now she has a life like the rest of us. And like the rest of us, has staked out an existence in this little blue planet. I don’t have the kind of resources it would take to bring China Cloud back from the brink – and even though it’s sad, it inspires me to take care of my own boat. I’ll cherish Mariola just a little bit more, and get started on that brightwork.
UPDATE DEC. 17th: A reader/friend of mine, Ross from Sailmonster read this post and recognized the boat. He knew China Cloud had been in Tierra Verde Marina for quite awhile and contacted them. They gave him the information of the owner, who he then called. The owner had just bought the boat at auction and moved it to Boca Ciega Bay with the intent of fixing it up and making it his dream boat. It is not supposed to be open to the elements and somebody is headed out to make it right. There appears to be hope for this old gal yet. Maybe the owner will contact us with updates on her progress. The Pyratsail crew will do our best to keep an eye on her anytime we’re on the water.
Here’s some video of her from this Sunday. On the second pass we spotted the cooler, thought maybe somebody was aboard. Could have been left by whoever left her open, who knows.
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the derelict problem in the vinoy basin is ruining the name of responsible cruisers,and sailors,in st.pete…. people are constantly using the basin as “free storage” for their garbage… today was why something should be done…. it blew around 20 knts all day from the south, and garbage,un-maintained 20′-30′ floating debris were all over the basin pinballing off of my boat,(which just got out of the yard 2 weeks ago)and other vessels ,that are regularly maintained,by “full time cruisers”who are aboard their vessels,and they are as fed up as I am…. if you have grand dreams of sailing into the sunset,by all means, follow your dreams… but, be realistic about your dreams… don’t buy a derelict ,or junk boat, that is beyond repairs, and leave your garbage in OUR backyard! We will police ourselves, and do what we must to save our name, and our rights from you who’s garbage, makes us all look bad…. your garbage will be set loose to it’s final resting place….