“We were ready for an uncomplicated boat designed for day sailing and Chris’ design did a great job of combining current technology, great design and simplicity.”
Grace, CW Hood 32′
Interview with the Captain —Paul Mazonson
About the boat
Why did you choose to buy a CW Hood?
My wife, Kathie, and I sailed a Sabre 38 “Indigo” for many years cruising to Maine most summers. We decided to sell “Indigo” as part of a transition in our lives in 2010. Without a sailboat for two years, one day I drove past the CWHood shop next to Redd’s Pond and saw “Dream”, the first CWHOOD 32, on a trailer. I stopped, stared at her beautiful lines, called my wife and said, “I’m in love.”
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Once we started talking to Chris Hood about building a boat for us, I really didn’t consider anything else. We were ready for an uncomplicated boat designed for day sailing and Chris’ design did a great job of combining current technology, great design and simplicity.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
Chris has a great story about how he came to design the 32. He says the lines came to him in a dream and his first owner named hull #1 “Dream”. “Grace” is hull #5.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
The build package was very complete with a carbon fiber mast and custom hardware. We haven’t changed anything.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Grace has wonderful sailing characteristics. She is light, 2750 lbs with 1250 lbs in the keel giving her great motion through the water. She was designed to be singlehanded, many days you will find me sailing solo. She is easy to rig, quick to get underway and without engine, head or electronics there’s not much to break.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
I learned to sail in summer camp as a child around age 11. We sailed turnabouts and sunfish and I was hooked from the beginning.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
In 2017 we moved to Boulder, Colorado but kept a condominium at Glover Landing and now belong to Dolphin Yacht Club next door.
What boats have you previously owned?
Sabre 38 “Indigo”
Sabre 28 “Arabesque”
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
Most days I am out in the afternoon, or evening sailing wherever the wind takes me.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
“Grace” is now 10 years old. Keeping up the brightwork, keeping the hull and decks looking good requires consistent maintenance. Ralph Anderson at Marblehead Trading Co takes good care of her.
Do you have any notable boating resources you use?
Weather Underground and winderfinder.com for wind forecasts
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a CW Hood like yours?
Contact Chris Hood at CWHood Yachts, he’ll tell you everything you need to know.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
While she was being built, we decided to name the boat “Grace”. Shortly after, we were at Ojo Caliente, a mineral hot spring near Taos, New Mexico. Kathie came out of the gift shop with a T shirt that read, “The winds of Grace are always blowing, all you have to do is raise the sails.”
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Grace!
