About The Boat

The Vessels of the In Search Of The Sea Project

Fort Adam **Currently For Sale**

In 2007 I purchased a small, 416sq ft floating home on the Columbia River. Named "Fort Adam", this little floating paradise was my home from 2007 until 2012 and was the beginning of my move into a simple living lifestyle. The house had a very tiny bedroom, a kitchen that doubled as a hallway, and a smallish living room area with big double glass doors looking out over the river. I also had a full wrap around patio/deck and the west side of the house had water access for a future boat.

I spent my winters holed up inside with the drapes closed in order to keep the tiny house warm. But in the summer the house transformed. I spent countless nights with friends on the dock, sitting around a fire, playing music, and enjoying the river life. It was so entirely peaceful and beautiful every single day. During rough weather when the wind would pick up, the house would sway slightly, gently bumping into the dock, and I'd be constantly reminded of the nature all around me. I vowed that I would never live on land again ... how boring!

But my purchase of the floating home was a compromise. At the time, I really wanted to move onto a boat, but I just didn't have the balls to make such a drastic move at the age of 23. My family talked me into moving onto a floating home instead to see if I "really liked it". Well I did!

"Saffron" The Columbia 22

The Columbia 22 tied up at my floating home

Friends and boats :)

My first proper sailboat was a Colubmia 22 that I named "Saffron" in honor of a character from my favorite show of all time Firefly. This little boat was as simple as they come, nothing fancy, and yet built like a tank. It was the perfect boat for me to learn the ropes (no pun intended) of sailing. However, the day I bought it I knew that I had made a mistake buying the floating home. For the next 3 months I lived onboard the Columbia 22 tied up next to my house. I only went inside to use the bathroom. Once summer came around I moved back into the house ...

I actually preferred the incredibly cramped quarters I couldn't even stand up in over the relative spaciousness of the house. I spent almost every sunny day possible sailing about the Columbia River. I passed some milestones, overcame some hairy situations, and fell deeper in love with the peace and tranquility sailing offered.

"Aramis" the Newport 27

Aramis my Newport 27 shortly after being launched in February

The boat for the project is a 1977 Newport 27. I found her dirty and neglected in the backyard of some sailing friends. While only 5 feet longer than Saffron, the Newport 27 offered me all the things I needed in order to live aboard, including standing head room, a bathroom, sink, stove, and electricity. I set about restoring her to sailing and living condition. Aramis gets her name from the character in The Three Musketeers for no other reason than when I was in high school my two best friends and I were called "The Musketeers". And I think it's a good name for a boat.

The Newport 27 is a very stout boat built for coastal cruising and racing. She has a tall rig, fin keel, and an inboard diesel engine. I plan on living aboard her for a year or more while adapting to a simple living lifestyle. She is the first true vessel of the In Search Of The Sea Project as she allows me to begin my journey of self discovery, exploration, and spiritual growth.





More information, photo's, and history of the boat coming soon!  (As soon as I get my lazy bum around to writing it!)