February 2017

John Woodridge is the former editor of both Yachting and PassageMaker magazines. Now semi-retired, he had the opportunity to write a special 40th Anniversary cover story for our 2017 issue of Waypoints, the magazine of Kadey-Krogen Yachts. What an honor! Also in this issue, there are stories from cruisers around the globe, some lessons learned, beautiful photography and artwork, and of course, friendship and family. Reply to this email to request your mailed copy. Or, read it online, here .

Larry wanted “fire engine red” counter tops for an interior that would make an impression for all who boarded his Krogen 50′ Open. Janet, his wife, wanted the exact same thing…only for people to leave with a positive one! Enjoy his update this month, as they go from design ideas to design decisions, in Headline News. .

Almost seven years ago, my husband Larry and I decided to move on from lake boating and experience the ‘slower’ boating lifestyle aboard a trawler. Many boat shows, TrawlerFests, and vessel showings later, we decided on a Kadey-Krogen. At first, we looked at 44’s and 48’s but after we acquired a 35-foot RV and traveled to Florida and back a few times, we decided to explore a 39.  Finally, in the fall of 2012, we took ownership of KK3903, originally commissioned as Finally and which we christened Debadoo, a nickname my late father had for me.

Talk about newbies, I was the newest of the new! I had absolutely no knowledge about this new adventure we were about to embark upon. Larry had many years of boating experience and took quickly to the handling and operation of Debadoo with some coaching from an old friend who helped pilot Debadoo’s first trip down the ICW with Larry. Lake boating is one thing, 1,100 miles down a waterway, across sounds and through canals is a whole different ballgame. I was terrified.

We spent our first New Year’s Eve with our boat at the Krogen Cruisers New Year’s Eve raft-up in Stuart. We met so many great folks who welcomed us with open arms, and a few gals who would become my mentors—little did they know! That New Year’s morning we attempted to raise our dingy for the first time. Not only had it taken on water in the double hull, but it was extremely cumbersome and difficult to raise. Lo and behold, our new friends jumped in and helped us resolve our predicament and we were extremely grateful! Did I mention it was also pouring rain at the time?

Little by little, I learned. A patient spouse works wonders, especially one who truly wants to teach and share the boating experience. Baby steps and a good attitude and a willingness to learn helped me tremendously. I also gained a great deal of knowledge and information from attending the previous three Krogen Cruisers Rendevous at Solomons Island, MD. But the best part was networking with all the other Krogen Cruisers there, especially the ones that owned other 39’s.  I also spent time with Sea-Sense there, the ‘for women only’ boating course. Sea Sense is based in Florida, but they came to the Rendezvous and conducted some group classes with women who signed up. The training helps instill confidence, because if you are a cruising couple, both of you need to be able to operate the boat. 

I am no expert now, but when I look back at myself four years ago, compared to today, my knowledge has soared, along with my self-confidence. From piloting the boat down the Mississippi River, locking, line-handling and working the windlass, I have come far. As we are still working, we have not had a chance to explore in depth each port or city that we visit, but we hope to do that this summer as we head to the Kadey-Krogen 40th Anniversary Rendezvous, and then northward to Maine.

Our boat and its lifestyle have opened a whole new world for us. Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet and jump right into the Krogen world!  

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