Like Sending a Favorite Kid off to College

Those of you who come here often will remember that, back in February, I put our most beautiful family member up for sale. After a few months of showing her off to “keel kickers,” I’m happy to report that Matsya will start her 88th season on western Long Island Sound. 

Writing up the listing, I privately compared the process to selling a child. Now that she’s found a good home, it feels more like sending a favorite kid off to college: definitely leaving behind an empty nest, but also the best thing for her. Though she’s in better shape than when I found her, as a wooden-boat-savvy friend put it, “You did well by the boat — now it’s someone else’s job.” 

As I was digging through a folder of paperwork to see what needed to be passed on to that someone else, I found a vague note about her history. Hiding behind an obscure list of must-dos (designed to ensure a curse-free name change) was a forgotten family tree of previous owners. I can now add my name at number five on that list, which makes my stewardship (2007-2025) about average. 

Matsya helped inspire my first (published) novel, so she won’t be forgotten. As I said in 2009, “there is no bad mood or stressful work day that can’t be cured by a leisurely sail up or down West Passage.” I will surely miss The Joy of Day Sailing (and occasional afternoon naps) that she provided, but now she deserves to share her unique combination of grace, perspective, and joy with a fresh harbor and owner. Like any parent, I was just a caretaker for 18 years, helping to ensure a life both long and leak-free. 

Sail on, fair Matsya. And if you have a chance, let this empty-nester know what you choose for a major. Dare I suggest Nautical History?

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