Starting out on August 2018 here is my log;

The Choate 40' was built by Dencho Marine Inc. 1979 in Long Beach, California. Designer of the boat was Scott Kaufman. Originally built as a IOR (International Offshore Rule) racing boat, it fell upon hard times and was acquired by it's previous owner Delmar Hatton jr. in 2002. Delmer named her Ugly Duckling and completely restored her to her former glory, with many sensible additions that I appreciate very much. You can follow Delmer's work on the Ugly Duckling by going through his blog at the following link:

http://choate-40.blogspot.com/

I stumbled upon Delmer's website and liked what I saw. After communicating with him over a month I went to Blaine and after seeing her and going out for a sail, I decided to buy her.

As weather in the North Pacific turns nasty by the End of August, I asked Delmer to sail with me to San Diego, where I left the boat at Harbor Island West Marina and returned to Japan for some business that needed my attention.

The trip from Blaine to San Diego went smoothly and we covered the 1,350 nautical miles in ten day's. Although comfort on Ugly Duckling is not as good as on the catamarans I sailed before, the sailing is smooth and efficient.

Picture on bottom right shows the crew of the Ugly Duckling before leaving for San Diego. From left to right is me (Andy), Delmer Hatton jr. (Del) and James Wilson (Scott).