International search for Danish Spidsgatter history

Sitting in the opalescent light of a fall morning in France, I can't help but pause from my writing to watch the dew from the night shimmer one last time as the mid morning breeze shakes it from the waving grass blades. Since dawn, there've been a dozen emails to Denmark, two to the US and three back from DK confirming appointments as strangers become friends in my search for Pax' history. Today's email uncovered an elder boatbuilder from Samso who may remember the boat and a man north of Copenhagen who remembers her from his time on the junior sailing team at KDY (Royal Danish Yacht Club). He sailed with the two daughters of the first owner on record in Denmark, so far.

There are many changes to Pax since she was in Denmark. Her rudder is new. Her planks have been notched for caulking. Her bow fitting, mast & boom, portholes, cockpit and forward cabin are new. And biggest change of all, her name was changed. But the stern, the sheer...those will be the same and it's that hull I am counting on to shake the memory, to resonate and to reveal the missing chapters of her life and the lives of those of us she's intrigued. As I wait for responses from people unknown but who I'll no doubt meet next week in Denmark, I keep turning pages with people and writing the story, letting the mystery unfold before my eyes and in our hearts. For 75 years, at least, this boat has touched the hearts of her owners and admirers. She has taken us on voyages, held our dreams and disappointments, inspired us and still tugs our hearts. Through our connections to her, we've formed an international family. Through my search for Pax this family continues to grow. A thread of humanity running through the wood, held in the vessel built by Danish hands. For more about Danish Spidsgatters, see this link

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