On July 3 a strong thunderstorm and derecho passing through Northwest Pennsylvania split a large Cherry tree and tossed it from stern to bow over my N-5.7. It appears to be a total loss except perhaps some lines, rigging, rudders. The damage (I have not seen) appears to be terminal for both hulls, mast, both crossbars, rudder cross member, beach wheels, and trailer. I've owned this boat since 1985, raised my kids on it and sailed from the Atlantic to Pacific, Lakes Erie, Michigan and inland from Pymatuning to Tahoe. It's a great sentimental loss.
I am aware of a 2016 NACRA 570 that would be a considerable upgrade to the 1984, but at age 72, I wonder how many years of cat sailing realistically remain. It's been a long time since the trapeze was a place I wanted to hang out. Anyway, it's a thought. For now, I'm kind of in mourning.Â
Oh Tom.... I'm feelin' your pain!Â
Seventy-two years young?! I say "let's go!"Â
Of course I'm just a punk at only 63 yrs young, so there's that.
Strive for what you love to do. You'll find a way to get your body to come along for the ride.
Our little sailing club has quite a few members who are over 76 yrs young who are racing at every race, teaching sailing, giving kids introductory rides on their boats, etc. The secret, they all say, is that they all work-out. Strength training, walking, running, etc., at least three times a week. I work-out at least four times a week for the past five years or so. Even just 15-30 minutes a workout will help.
I'm not quite at your age, but when thinking about the next boat, or next adventure, if I start pondering my age and (im)possible future health issues, I know it might deter me... so I ignore those little nagging thoughts.
"Just do it!" and be happy.
@tominpa
That is just awful!Â
They always say that "anything fiberglass can be fixed" but maybe not. Your 5.7 has served you well for a long time.
I hope you are able to get a replacement and keep sailing as well as passing your knowledge on to the next generation.
If you don't find a replacement that works out on the classifieds
You could post a free "wanted to buy" ad in the classifieds.
https://thebeachcats.com/classifieds/all-wanted-to-buy-list/
Or contact Hardy Peters at East Coast Sailboats to see if he has leads on used or demo 570's.
https://www.eastcoastsailboats.com/category/multihulls/