Cooper Chronicles

In October of 2025 our family set out for a change in life. Ditch the hustle and bustle of Orlando Florida, move onto a sailboat and begin sailing the East Coast. Heading down to the Caribbean in the winter time, and making our way up to Maine during peak hurricane season.

Once we got it in our heads that this was what we wanted, we began researching, financial planning and driving. Lots of driving. We looked at over 10 different boats. Researched practically every boat out there and talked to LOTS of sailors. Luckily Jessica’s family is full of them. Once we told the Richard’s crew what we were wanting to do, they were eager to help and put their invaluable input in.

The first boat we looked at was a 1984 Passport42 named Star Spangled a beautiful boat, however we passed her up, You can’t pick the first boat you see! Every weekend throughout October, November, and December we drove thousands of miles looking at boats, making our way up to North Carolina three different times. Even making an offer, going through the survey process and deciding the boat wasn’t for us.

After a particularly rough viewing of a boat we were sure to be “the one” We came to the same conclusion, “let’s go look at that Passport42 again”. We called up Jessica’s Family, Pete & TR who not only have sailed their entire lives, but are also experts in boat building, electrical wiring and engine mechanics. December 19, 2025 we spent over four hours going through just about every system on Star Spangled.

The week after Christmas we made our offer, Accepted!

Now it was time for the real adventure to begin.