"The Maiden Voyage of the Boutez en Avant" (Burnham Harbor, Chicago, IL 2010)
During the last days of August, 2010, the Boutez en Avant was launched and sailed on her maiden voyage around Burnham Harbor, adjacent to the Museum Campus and Soldier's Field in Chicago. We are happy to report she sailed beautifully.
Immediately after the Boutez en Avant's "sea" trials, an assortment of factors concerning safety, employment, and simply a desire for new horizons changed the direction of the Mt. Baldy Expedition. Hui-min excursioned by train with a small party to Mt. Baldy and ascended its height. Jim, choosing to leave Mt. Baldy over the horizon, packed up the wood shop, drove across the country to Seattle and flew to Taiwan where he now lives. Greg Payne, a longtime advocate of the expedition, our wood shop landlord, and a very experienced Lake Michigan sailor, bought the Boutez and Avant with plans to carry on with the expedition and sail for Mt. Baldy this summer with his best friend from high school.
Jim attaching the rudder in preparation for the maiden voyage.
The Boutez en Avant in the shop.
Working on rigging the sails.
Stepping the mast and rigging the boat at the dock.
Bringing the boat over to the boat ramp.
At the dock.
The launch.
Sailing in the harbor.
Sailing in the harbor.
Sailing in the harbor.
Sailing in the harbor.
Hoisting the Boutez en Avant back up onto the truck.
The explorers' return.
The crew after moving the boat back into the shop.