WHERE IT STARTED
Jared's journey into sailing began in 2020 when he joined the local regatta scene as a foredeck crew member on a J22. For four seasons, he learned the ropes at the bow, mastering spinnaker sets and jibes in the exhilarating chaos of racing. However, as time passed, a spark of curiosity ignited in him. He wanted to delve deeper into the mechanics of sailing, exploring positions beyond the foredeck.
After countless hours of research and help from the local sailing community, he set his sights on a Catalina 25 swing keel owned by a fellow enthusiast. The boat was docked at a nearby lake, and Jared felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as he approached it. He examined the hull and rigging, but with limited experience, he found himself unsure of what to look for. Despite the uncertainty, the bargain price beckoned him, urging him to take a leap of faith.
With a final glance at the weathered craftsmanship of the Catalina, Jared made the impulsive decision to buy it. He knew the journey ahead wouldn't just be about racing; it was about learning, rebuilding, and creating a lifestyle on the water. Little did he know, this purchase would set him on a remarkable path of adventure and growth in the sailing world.
PS. Never trusting Connor to take my photo again.
Jared, Connor, and Jared's dad struggled with the small trailer as they towed the Catalina 25 home. The bumps in the road felt magnified, stretching the journey into what seemed like an eternity. Once finally parked in the yard, a sense of relief washed over them, quickly replaced by the reality of the task ahead. Jared’s dad told him he would never tow that thing again unless we upgraded trailers, I eventually did.
Over the next three days, Jared turned his attention to the boat. Every loose item was stripped away. He then scrubbed, scrubbed, and scrubbed some more. Power washing brought the boat back to life, the vibrant colors emerging from layers of dirt and grime.
Day by day, the Catalina 25 transformed, slowly regained its charm and sturdiness.
THE CLEANUP PROCESS
Jared starting the process of cleaning his catalina 25.
Videos of leaks, cracks, and bulkhead/switcher panel
Fixed crack in cockpit floor causing huge leaks
Fixed crack in lockers from swing keel causing very slow leaks.
Cleaned up and got functioning electric on the boat. Nav lights, new bulkhead, active switcher panel.
Installed inverter for 110 plugs.
Installed an automatic bilge pump.
Fixed old outboard motor.
Bought new 110 Jib.
Installed new teak handrails on top.
Many more small items
Price adding up to around $3500 in repairs.
MAJOR FIXES TO THE BOAT:
Sailorbrains in OKC helped on most of the big projects.STARTING TO SAIL
As mentioned, Jared had been racing sailboats in local regattas for four years, so sailing was not new to him. However, controlling an entire boat was a different challenge altogether. He was grateful for the enormous help his older and much more experienced sailor friends provided, guiding him through the intricacies of boat handling and tactics. Yet, he realized that to truly grasp the essence of sailing, he needed to get behind the helm of his own boat.
Determined to embrace this adventure, Jared reached out to his friend Mikey, whom is always down for an adventure. They began their journey together on Lake Hefner, setting out almost every other day to put skills to the test.
Initially, they confined their efforts to using just the mainsail. This simplicity allowed them to focus on mastering the boat's balance and responsiveness without feeling overwhelmed. Over the course of roughly five outings, they developed a solid understanding of how the mainsail interacted with the wind and how to adjust their course accordingly.
As the thrill of sailing became increasingly addictive, they found themselves itching for more speed and excitement. It wasn't long before they decided to add a second sail into the mix. Understanding each sail's role became crucial; they learned when to deploy both sails for optimal performance and when it was best to rely on just one.
This dynamic duo transformed their afternoons on the lake into a learning experience filled with shared laughter and a few harrowing moments when waves turned a bit too choppy.
As they progressed, Jared’s confidence grew, and with it, his desire to experiment further. Every outing was not only an opportunity to practice their skills but also a chance to hang out with friends. Through trial and error, they got better at the subtle art of reading the wind and the water, inching closer to becoming adept sailors in their own right.
GETTING THE HANG OF IT.
As Jared and Mikey got more comfortable sailing, friends started to join. Of course, it was with them they made the most mistakes. Getting lines stuck in winches, spinning in circles, and not understanding how to maneuver through 25-knot wind or getting caught in a lightning storm were all part of the learning experience. However, everyone persevered and kept going out. From cocktails at sunset to super moon outings, the boat became a space for everyone to relax and have a good time.
Jared also began to blend his love for photography with sailing, from capturing the camaraderie onboard to photoshoots with local models. You can see some of those images spread throughout the site.
Mikey and Jared eventually built up the courage to test themselves in those challenging 25-knot winds. Armed with everything they had learned, from sheeting out to reefing the main, they tackled the adventure head-on. Navigating over white-capped waves and braving the gusts, they embraced the journey, proving they take on the task.
The crew is eager to get the boat onto new waters. Lake Hefner is a beautiful lake but you cannot swim or adventure much being a big circle. They do however love making their way to Louis, a bar/restaurant across the lake for food and drinks. Something about stepping off of a dock and walking to a bar… feels very Jimmy Buffett.