Preview: Alden Schooner HEART’S DESIRE – Part 2, The Voyage to Newfoundland

24 Responses So Far to “Alden Schooner HEART’S DESIRE – Part 2, The Voyage to Newfoundland”

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  George Fitzgerald says:

  Lovely story, lovely boat, lovely couple – now lovely trio I’m sure. I hope all is well. I could watch this stuff for ever.

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  Paul Marbury says:

  Bless the interweb for revealing this:
  “May 20, 2020
  Jessica Drysdale and Matthew Hobart of Vineyard Haven announce the birth of a son, Alaric Hobart, on May 14, 2020, at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.”
  I guess things are still working out OK for them.
  And this: https://sailheartsdesire.com/
  And Heart’s Desire is for sale…

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  Lonnie Thibault says:

  Great video,s GREAT Boat

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  Michael Naumann says:

  Hi Matt, four years later this is still a wonderful report to enjoy and it was good to see you then and still is today (December 2019). You helped to build our sloop Here and Now and perhaps you know that Marie and I share our fond memories of working on the boat and watching you build it up to its ever lasting beauty. I wonder where you are now — twelve years later… Best, Michael

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  michael mcallister says:

  Beautiful scenery, but the poetry is emotional wind, Truly a romantic feast.
  Thank you for sharing a big part of your life and lifestyle–sure pulled at my heart strings.

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  David Tew says:

  I didn’t know about the fjords of the southern NFD coast. Makes me want to go there.

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  Charles Grant says:

  Beautiful boat, Beautiful story!
  Does anyone know anymore Hearts Desire history? I believe my father sailed on her in the 1940’s.

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  Brent Rogers says:

  Heart’s Desire used to be sailed out of Newburyport, MA in the 1970’s it was a pretty boat then but no where near as nice as it looks now. You guys did a beautiful job restoring her!

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  Ellen Massey Leonard says:

  Beautiful photography and another great video! Lots of admiration for Matt and Jess handling this very lovely but rather complex schooner – definitely not a vacation, as Jess says! Newfoundland looks stunning – must have been wonderful to sail a piece of history into a place with so much history! Looking forward to further adventures!

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  Peter Roach says:

  Fantastic video, and a beautiful boat as well. Was that the Iona/Grand Narrows bridge on the Bras d’Or? In the early 80’s I was shipped wrecked during a sudden storm onto the beach, while drilling on a barge for the geotech investigation for that new causeway/bridge. Glad to see they kept the old railroad bridge.

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  Bruce Torrey says:

  A nice coincidence that there is a town called Heart’s Desire in Nfld. (on the Avalon Peninsula between Heart’s Content and Heart’s Delight). How can you not love a place with towns with names like that? Visit Nfld. It is magic.

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  Michael Seibert says:

  Loved the video – can’t get over the beauty of Newfoundland – wonderful adventure. Jess and Matt did good!

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  Fred Murphy says:

  Congratulations Matt and Jess. You done something I’ve always dreamed about. It’s so right having you guys in Vineyard Haven.

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  Christopher O'brien says:

  Great series of videos-really enjoyed these.
  The chronicle of the rebuild, trials of getting used to sailing, and your trip up through the fjords and pictures of all the people you met are just terrific. As an expatriate Canadian, have always wanted to sail through the maritimes-though would probably have to stick with my “good old” plastic boat.

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  Matt Howard says:

  Another home run by OCH – thank you

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  Charles Zimmermann says:

  Great video. It would be interesting to hear Matt’s comments on John Alden designs. For a brief introduction see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Alden_(naval_architect) . One can argue that John Alden’s interest in designing boats that can be sailed by one to three people was way ahead of its time. For a big contrast, and a racing boat, see how large a team has been assembled to race Dorade. Of course Dorade is a beautiful boat but it offers a very different sailing experience. Many of us prefer cruising with just a few people on board. This is a great video on cruising in a really seaworthy wooden boat, a real classic.

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  Dale Benham says:

  Matt and Jess’s story is why Offcenterharbor is so very valuable! Good work.

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  James Okelly says:

  Schooners are the prettiest boat, isn’t it a hell of a handful?

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  William English says:

  Living your dream! Frankly it’s the dream of many, but few accomplish what you have and to say congratulations is not sufficient to express the beauty you have created not in boat and persons. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. may you have only fair winds and smooth sailing as you adventure forth. Being from Hingham, MA . I hope to see you on the water in our area someday.

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  charles peck says:

  though I live and sail in the domain of the Teredo Worm I do enjoy watching old wood vessels in action and being kept in trim shape. I did have one once & it certainly had a fine feeling and a specific solidness to it that came directly from the wood it was built with in my opinion … of course then I did my part feeding the local Teredo navalis. I do appreciate these videos and the young couples taking their adventures. Thank you.

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  Robert Middleton says:

  Beautiful pictures and video. Wonderful dialogue and writing . Can’t believe how much work went into redoing “Heart’s Desire” . Does one good to see such a great couple.

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  David Owens says:

  What a treat to hear from such a grounded couple and see such wonderful cruising grounds. This is why a love Off Center Harbor.

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  Eigil Rothe says:

  Great video. Wonderful couple. God bless you and safe sailing. Look forward to the 3rd installment.

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    Raymond Morgan says:

    Fantastic. Thank you ,Thank you, Thank you so very much. Would love to meet you and see your boat some time.
    Morgan