Finding the Boat

In spring of 2021, as I was looking for a boat better suited to our growing family as well as leaving on our newly-acquired mooring, I saw the Laguna Windrose 24. I was aware of Laguna Yachts, but not familiar with this model. Outwardly, it looked clean and well cared for. On the other hand, it was two hours away and the price seemed a bit high to me, especially without any engine. A little later I came across a 1970 MacGregor Venture 24, which I discovered actually had berths for 6 (granted, in 1970s camp-style accommodations). I missed out on it by hours, but then noticed the Windrose 24 had substantially dropped in price. A little more research into the boat revealed it had a virtually identical interior layout to the Venture 24, with (cozy) berths for six! I messaged the seller and arranged to drive out to see it.

Anthony, the seller, was quite friendly and we hit it off chatting about cars. It was near dusk when I got there, driving after work, but in the fading light I walked over most of the deck feeling for soft spots that might indicate wet core. All seemed solid. I was pretty certain the hull was solid glass, but I pushed and tapped on it randomly in addition to giving it a good look-over. The mast was strapped in place supported by wood cradles on the bow and stern pulpits, as well as one on the cabin top near the tabernacle. It appeared to be straight and sound. Aside from the lower shrouds, the standing rigging had been removed and was coiled up inside the boat. The trailer was just painted steel, probably a custom original for the boat, but it had clearly been pretty well cared for also and repainted at some point in the not-too-distant past. The topsides of the boat had been painted, probably just rolled, but looked decent enough from a few feet away. The cast iron swing keel had less visible rust than I feared.

I knew I wanted the boat and wasn't going to haggle since it was very much a seller's market and he priced it well. As I told Anthony my plans, he seemed pleased that the boat was going to someone who knew how to sail and had some idea of what they were buying. He stated he had some interest in the boat previously, but none knew how to sail or seemed to know much of anything about the boat before hand. I told him I wanted to buy it and offered to leave a deposit, but he said he didn't need a deposit, that he'd mark the listing sold and just asked if I changed my mind to let him know. I was thrilled and drove home contemplating transporting it.

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