Our Westsail 32 is hull number #565 and was first launched in April 1976. It was bought by Tom Barrett, a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force assigned to the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. The boat was kept at Newport Beach, CA and sailed by Tom and his family as well as being used as a demonstration boat for the Westsail line. The original name was ‘Wants-N-Tides’ to match the name of a poem published by Tom. Upon retirement in 1980, Tom moved to the Kwajalein Republic of Marshall Islands and brought the boat with him. Tom has graciously provided some photos of the original launch and time spent sailing in Newport and the Kwajalein Atoll.
Launch Day April 1976
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Brand new teak!
Sailing in Newport Beach, CA – July 1976
Sailing Newport Beach, CA – July 1976
Sailing Newport Beach, CA – July 1976
In the Marshall Islands (Kwajalein Atoll) 1983.
Tom and Lynn’s kids having fun!
In the Marshall Islands (Kwajalein Atoll) 1983.
In the late 80’s the boat was sold to Steve and Bettye Hill, who completely re-fitted the boat. After four years the boat was reborn in 1993 as ‘Makroro’ (Kwajaleinese for ‘fair winds’), and in 1996 the Hills set out for Australia. Shortly after arriving down under, the boat was sold and the Hills moved back to the States to spend time with their family.
More to come…
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