BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. - A very long time ago, Roy Jackson thought it would be cool to build his own sailboat. The career ad man picked a design that harkens back to the packet schooners of the early 1900s, bought a set of plans and went to work.
In Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island, Friday, he hoisted the sails of the Dolores M. Jackson and took off.
It's been 33 years since the lead keel was poured from melted tire weights he and his wife had scrounged from local tire shops. Along the way, he and his wife learned the new skills necessary for the 43-foot schooner to take shape. They used plenty of volunteer help from friends along the way. They spent plenty of money too, although nobody is willing to say just how much.
Related Content
"Once one gets into it, you're kind of committed," said Jackson.
Time, too. Lots of time spent on the project over the years. Weekends, evenings after work and then even more as Roy moved into retirement and didn't have real life work to get in his way. By his side all the while was his wife, the original Delores M. Jackson.
"It was a fantastic romantic idea," Dolores said when Roy came up with his plan three decades ago.
So, somewhere out there this summer, or next winter, or for however many days Roy and Dolores can manage it, you may see it. One of those beautiful ships spreading her wings to catch the Northwest breeze, one of those ships you see from shore that makes you say, "Boy I wish I was sailing today", one of those pieces of kinetic art dotting Puget sound will be the Dolores M. Jackson.
A living dream, 33 years in the making.
Bon Voyage.
To add a comment, please register or login.