Aurora has been sold

In late September, 2011, we sold Aurora to Bill Joos, who happened to be our broker when we purchased Aurora six years ago. Our current broker, Dick May, did a super job of taking care of some details to bring Aurora up to first class condition. Dick is someone who knows Valiants inside and out, and we would recommend him without question, if you are interested in a Valiant.

We had several interested buyers and some tire-kickers in the year and a half that we have had her for sale, but nothing serious until Bill saw her for sale. At the time we had another prospective buyer who had read this entire blog and seemed to know Aurora inside and out. We took him and his wife for a sail on the boat, along with a friend of his who went over the boat in detail looking for flaws. In the end the surveyor found some minor things, such as a masthead light that needed changing, but nothing that a sailor wouldn't want to take care of himself before setting out.

In this case the prospective buyer low-balled us on the price and we gave back his deposit immediately. Both Aurora and ourselves were insulted by the offer. Why anyone would play games with a first-class boat that was selling for over $100,000 less than its fully outfitted value in order to save a few bucks is beyond me. Bill had been waiting in the wings for this buyer to bail out and he snapped up the boat in a minute. We are thrilled that the boat will have an owner who truly appreciates the quality and beauty of a Valiant - and one in such excellent condition as Aurora, which is truly equipped to sail around the world.

One last comment: when informed of Aurora's sale, why does everyone congratulate us on having achieved the second happiest day in a boat owner's life? It is with mixed feelings that we sold Aurora. She was a superb cruising boat, envied by most other cruisers. She kept us safe and secure in the worst of the conditions we met. She gave us much pleasure and an adventure that most only dream of. She was dependable, beautiful, forgiving, and loyal - all characteristics of the perfect spouse. If I didn't already have the perfect spouse I would be reluctant to ever part with Aurora.

On the other hand we finished with that adventure, and it is time to let Aurora serve another owner who will truly appreciate her. We hope she will be well used and wish her happiness with her new owner.