Sailed right up to Hoover Dam and back out.
Someone later told me that was nutz.... I guess the Lord does protect fools.
Anyway the boat from your story is for sale.
WHEN AND IF is an Alden designed schooner, built by FF Pendleton in Wiscasset, Maine for Colonel and Mrs. George S. Patton. She was launched in 1939 and the Pattons planned to sail her around the world "when and if" Patton returned from the war that he saw looming in Europe.
Patton, by then a General, was killed in a freak accident shortly after the end of the war and WHEN AND IF was sailed by Mrs. Patton for some years. Mrs. Patton gave the schooner to her brother Frederick Ayer, who sailed her along the New England Coast, eventually donating her to the Landmark School for use in their Watermark Program for dyslexic kids - Patton himself was dyslexic.
In 1990 she was wrecked north of Boston. Subsequent owners had her rebuilt by Gannon & Benjamin Boatyard in Vineyard Haven, MA. Recently purchased by a family from New Jersey she has been refitted during the winter of 2005 -2006 and is in immaculate condition.
She is a superbly seaworthy and comfortable vessel with long keel, gaff foresail and Marconi main. Measuring 63' 5" x 47' 3" x 15' 1" x 9', plus bowsprit and boomkin, she displaces 43 tons and carries about 1700 square feet of sail area. WHEN AND IF has wide decks, a large cockpit, high bulwarks, and a doghouse in addition to her commodious accommodations.
WHEN AND IF is Coast Guard licensed and inspected to carry 17 guests and 3 crew on near shore routes during day light hours.
From Time magazine, April 12, 1943 "He had always done things the hard way, and the spectacular. When he was ordered to Hawaii, he bought a 40-foot sailboat, boned up on navigation, and sailed out. He still has a sailboat tied up against future leisure—the When and If, it is called."
The Nation lost a lost when he died.
Wow! Thanks. I would love to buy it, WHEN and IF I could afford it!