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Oh man. It's been awhile and for some reason I just thought I'd check in on the site where I used to spend so many hours learning and talking about these great boats. And this wonderful little spot on the interweb would never would have existed if it hadn't been for Bill.  

If you read this Bill II, please accept this stranger/friend's sincerest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

(PS. It's good to see many recognizable names still here. )

So really great to see these pictures of Little Gull finally in her element. Looking at Capt Ebb's profile, I see it's been a couple of years since he's checked in. And I also see his time here spans over 18 YEARS!  I'm certain during that time, he has inspired and guided many more sailors than just me.

The years spent with my Ariel have been logged in precious memories with my family and friends. Capt Ebb's time bookends mine by years. I don't think I've ever witnessed such super human tenacity before. But perhaps it was made easier - because if ever anyone had found their "soulmate" in a boat, surely it is Ebb and Little Gull.  And she's meticulous and beautiful Ebb!

Fair winds and calm seas Capt Ebb. Steady on. Looking forward to those sailing yarns soon!

PS. And THANK YOU Bill for facilitating such an epic story...

We are all well, thanks. I've been thinking about taking the cover off mine and thought I'd check in on my old friends.     I hope all is well with you and yours too! Stay safe.

Kyle, s/v Lucky Dawg is lucky to have you for an owner.  

PS. Man, those Commander coamings are looooooooong!

Here it is:  https://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/78327

Tony!  I haven't been around much lately either and thought I'd check in - and look what I found!  I hope all is well.  

For any newer folks not familiar with Tony's labor of love, here's his gallery.

http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?1746-Fruits-Of-My-Labor-(A-113)

PS.  We finally get to see pics of all of your completed projects...

You can solo-sail an Ariel and a Commander, right?

I know that was a tongue in cheek comment, but in case you haven't been checking in the last couple of years and missed some of Patrick's (user: pbryant ) write-ups and videos, here's a few.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJD9n1t4DtnJxF5pxKTn6Q
-- and --
http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?2448-The-remarkable-course-stability-of-the-Pearson-Ariel
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http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?2821-Flying-twin-jibs-downwind-short-video
-- and --
http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?2526-Taking-in-sail-without-an-engine

I'm sure there are more, but I especially liked this one:
The fallacy of big boats being safer :rolleyes:

Just checking in on the forum this morning and I couldn't help but notice - Keith (formerly Ariel-3) back in the Ariel/Commander market after what, 13 years on a big boring boat?  

PS. "Full And By" C-295 looks fantastic!

That is one mighty fine looking vessel!  :cool:

Ben that is great news on medical school and a brilliant idea for cheap Boston rent to boot. As Ebb said, I think insulating the hull is the first order of business, and now is the time while you have things all pulled apart.  

I know there are some crazy folks around here that winter over in Portland. They shrink wrap their boats, which seems like a good idea since you won't be doing any sailing AND you won't have to shovel snow off the decks.  Plus, then you could install some sort of temporary solution over the forward hatch which would leave more badly needed room below. (?)

Maybe you can find some winter live aboards down at Spring Point Marina in South Portland - there are usually a few. Talk with them and get some firsthand ideas from them - or even take a trip to Boston.

Also, maybe check out Kurt's forum SailFar.net, you'll probably find some winter live aboards there.  Good luck! Exciting times!

Looking good Ben! You're giving the old girl the attention she deserves.  In looking over this, while building your drip pan, another thing you might consider is setting up your bilge and bilge pump similar to Capt. Ebb's.  Lot's of good ideas and educational reading in his thread!

It's somewhere in his thread here: http://www.pearsonariel.org/discussion/showthread.php?249-EBB-s-PHOTO-GALLERY-THREAD

But once the engine is in, access to that bilge is difficult, unless you have the arms of an orangutan, which I don't thing you do.  

That's awesome news - and the engine is looking great Ben!

Sometimes you can find them at consignment stores or even Ebay or Craig's List if you get lucky.

... I have an over sized main and my jib is a 170%.  ...

Good lord that is a lot of sail area!  When the wind got over 12 MPH or so, I would tuck in a reef and change to my %100 jib and A-414 would sail beautifully and balanced AND up to hull speed no problem - and no weather helm at all. That was my favorite sail configuration for the Ariel. Of course I'm not a left coast sailor, but hull speed is hull speed. :cool:

She's just following in her big sister's wake. Sea Glass would also do this with 1 reef in the main and the 100% headsail. ...I'll have to get Ben to post one of those however.  

Miss yer ole Ariel, yet???

I do indeed. But these little Sea Sprite 23s are fine little sailing vessels as well!