Checking in as someone else who “bought, loved and owned an Ericson for a long time…”
Our adventure began in May 1977, when
Valkyrie was purchased new from Sail Craft of Bay Head NJ, an Ericson dealer. She was an insane purchase for a 30 year old, yet she has changed and enriched my life in ways that I’m sure members of this site will totally understand.
Valky’s been based in Forked River NJ since ‘78, sailing Barnegat Bay/Toms River, and cruising the Jersey coast from Manasquan to Cape May. With only two exceptions, due to work-related international travel, she has sailed every summer. She rarely daysails…when she leaves her slip it’s for at least one night at anchor. So far this season, she’s overnighted at Berkley Point, Cocktail Cove (Beachwood-Toms River), Conklin Island, Barnegat Light, and Harvey Cedars (a three-day beach blast in company with another boat!!). Heading back to Barnegat Light next week for a lighthouse visit, a stroll through Viking Village, and at least one dinner at Kubel’s.
Over the years, a large part of the joy of ownership is responsibility for
Valky’s maintenance. With only a couple exceptions over the years, I’ve kept this all to myself, along with some special projects, like replacing her gates valves with Groco bronze seacocks and thru-hulls (brutal), and her teak and ash table, designed and built by the skipper (with a little help from H&L Woodwork. I really miss those guys!!). I’ll be coming out of the water the last week of September, to renew her nonskid areas with KiwiGrip.
I’m including a couple photos below, as proof none of us are getting older…we’re getting better!! Let’s hear from some other long-timers…
View attachment 35499
View attachment 35500
View attachment 35501