Well, the first yacht I found was a 1994 Morgan 45 named Mystique.  I located her in San Diego, California, using the Internet (This Internet stuff is great, don't you think?).  Dick Southworth with Farallone Yachts of Alameda, California was the yacht broker I used.  Dick had been extremely helpful during my learning phase, and during this acquisition phase, and I relied heavily on his expertise.  Dick flew to San Diego with me and supervised my 'sea trial', and survey of Mystique.

The yacht is loaded with equipment for cruising, including radar, autopilot, GPS (Global Positioning System), ships instruments that are connected to a computer interface (you can actually have a laptop computer show you on a digitized chart exactly where you are, and steer the boat as well!), single side band radio (for when you are way offshore), a 3.5 kW diesel generator, water maker, microwave oven, refrigerator, freezer, TV and VCR, a 10 CD changer stereo with four sets of individually controlled speakers, and the list goes on.  I mean, this is a 'dream boat'; one to die for.

This is a photo of a sistership of Mystique under sail.

Mystique has two staterooms, both with ensuite heads.  Both have 'centerline' berths, meaning that the beds are located in the centerline of the stateroom.   The aft, or master stateroom has a shower over tub (although its a small tub), and a makeup vanity at the foot of the berth.  The master stateroom is actually very impressive.  See The Yacht's Photos for more pictures.

One reason for deciding on a newer Morgan is the headroom inside.  Being 6'5", I am able to walk throughout the entire interior without stooping.  This is a feature I have not found on too many other boats.

Update: September 8, 1998.

I've decided to rename the yacht Lazando la Brisa, which in Spanish, means Roping the Breeze.  I had asked a good friend of ours, Mrs. Pas Donoso (or is it Seņora Donoso?), to translate the name into Spanish.

Update: September 9, 1998.

I've signed the final papers.  The Morgan 45, now named Lazando la Brisa is mine!

Update: September 14, 1998.

This coming weekend, September 19, 1998, I will be traveling down to San Diego to take possession of the yacht, provision her, and begin sailing her home to Northern California.  The Ship's Log then, will begin with the maiden voyage of the S/V Lazando la Brisa.

Update: September 23, 1998

The boat is home in Discovery Bay

Update: March 6, 1999.

I've moved the boat to Marina Bay Yacht Harbor.  This is a very nice marina located in Richmond, California.  (See the satellite photos - Marina Bay)  The marina lets out into San Francisco Bay at the Eastern end of Raccoon Strait.  The marina is relatively new, and the facilities are in very good shape.  There is a park, lawn, and nice wide walkways surrounding the marina.  The marina area is surrounded by new apartments, new condominiums, and new zero lot line single family homes.  The marina rates are the best in the Bay Area, but even so, the marina is not full.  I assume that is because people don't want to locate their boat in Richmond, which has a poor reputation for crime & such.   And it is one of the most windy marinas in the Bay Area.  (Maybe that's the real reason!)