41 Comments
User's avatar
Michael Taylor's avatar

It's a gorgeous ship -- congratulations!

"Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, free at last!"

Jim Yares's avatar

Wow! I wish I was there to see her. Well done and congratulations! The sea awaits…

Amy Cowen's avatar

I'm behind on this launch but so happy for you! Congratulations! After so much work, I can only imagine how things feel right now. Yes! And good work to the young judges.

Constance Albrecht's avatar

Congratulations on your remarkable venture and a great new phase.

Jen King's avatar

Congratulations!

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

People like you who kept cheering us on was such a blessing, Jen! Thank you. Whew!

Larry Peck's avatar

Congratulations on your launching! ENJOY

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

We did it, Larry! whoop whoop.

Debby's avatar

Pure joy and happiness for both of you. This story made me cry tears of joy. This is one finish line I am glad you crossed. Congratulations on your blue ribbon. A little icing on the cake. Hopefully we can chat soon.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Let's all share more joy! That little blue ribbon I shared turned out to be just the beginning,....we brought home a beautiful BEST IN SHOW trophy from the 3,000 + fans and judges! As well as a plaque for Sailor Steve that determined our Restoration was PLATINUM LEVEL. It was a beautiful group of vessels and we are honored! Beyond honored! ~J

Tania Tyler 🌿's avatar

Woohoo! Oh, this makes me so happy to read, Janice! Congratulations on the launch. I know with a boat, as with a house, projects never end, but it is so nice when the major pieces get completed. Enjoy the waves rocking you to sleep. May the season be relaxing without storms, so you won't have to spar with Mother Nature.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Smiling big here, my friend and I do think it was the waves rocking me to sleep the last few nights that finally let me realize that the big parts are over. You're right, of course, there are many ends to tie up AND it's an endless task to maintain her but here we are, looking forward. Your support and good wishes are a wonderful thing, Tania!

Elaine Blaser's avatar

What a beautiful vessel! I know it took a lot of work to get you here. I am so happy for all three of you to be back out there...and a BLUE RIBBON to boot!! Wishing you and Steve peace of mind and smooth sailing!

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Thanks for these lovely wishes Elaine-- how far from the high desert of the southwest could I possibly have gotten? Probably right here! The little guy with the ribbon was adorable and what a bonus. The eyes of the children are the best, I think. I am incredibly pleased that you are following along and hope that you have more peace in your life than last time we reconnected. I have thought of you and your sister often. Prayers. ~J

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Cartwheels, high-fives, and champagne corks flying!! So happy for you, and feeling a vicarious sort of pride. That deep sleep piece is the cherry on top. Anchors aweigh, my friends, anchors aweigh!

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

AND you showed up to see her---what a gift that was! Great to catch up in person. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. I'm skipping the cartwheels....! ~J

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

What a treat to be able to see you floating in your actual space!! And it looks like Mama Nature is finally going to send us some rain. Picturing you tucked into your cabin with good food, good conversation, and nothing at all to do.

Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Antique and Classic! For sure! Felicidades to you two and Steadfast! What a fabulous Solstice opener! Glad it all went so well. Enjoy your summer, on the high seas!

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

As you'll soon read we're only done, not truly done, as Solstice brings on the heat but there are NO COMPLAINTS coming from this gently rolling vessel. We did get numerous awards which was ridiculously, incredibly gratifying. You share and teach history, we're saving a little and doing the same. I'm way behind on your pieces and cannot wait to read about the reef! So appreciate you and hope the service brought peace. ~J

Wrecked Sailor/Author's avatar

WOW! Way to go. Congrats. And Godspeed.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Whew what a lengthy, wavy, storm-filled passage. All that ever matters is that we get there. Thank you for that beautiful wish. Wishing you all the best, too, Tim. ~J

Al Fricke's avatar

The nine-year-old boy in me would upgrade that beautiful ribbon from “Judges’ Choice” to “Best in Show!” A truly Herculean undertaking with a great outcome.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

THRILLED to report the adult judges and the public honored us with BEST OF SHOW! I appreciate you Al and it's just so nice not to be working...!!

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

THAT WOULD BE ACTUAL BEST OF SHOW....

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

AND do you like my work? Is that why you're here? I haven't clicked the link because there isn't an explanation of what you are sharing---do tell!

Yacht Lounge's avatar

Hi Janice,

the link I shared leads to Secret Ocean – The Journey of a Lifetime. Yacht Lounge It’s an editorial project about the sea, not a promotion.

I shared it because I thought it might interest you, that’s all.

I know and appreciate your work, but there was no hidden agenda — just a piece of content worth seeing.

If you like, let me know what you think after you open it.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Aha! That's delightful! Will most certainly explore it.

Sorry I can get a little suspicious these days with so much invasion. Please accept my apologies. Enjoy your day. ~J

LeeAnn Wheeler's avatar

Woohoo on all counts. An amazing accomplishment for all your hard works. We have an antique wood boat show here in 1000 islands, sail here to show Steadfast off and win more of those blue ribbons.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Whoop whoop indeed my friend we got a trophy and a plaque and it would be a BLAST to bring it up there. That is actually where this group is based, in Clayton. This was the Chesapeake Bay Regional Show that we won. It was SO GRATIFYING to have those wooden boat owners appreciate all that we had done. Amazing. You know better than most what a relief this is, even if we're not actually done.... thank you~ J

Nancy Wheeler's avatar

Well done Janice and Steve. And congratulations for Best in Show. Happy Sailing.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Your support has been indispensable, in many many ways, Nancy. Who knew what I was in for when this all started? Not me my friend, not me. Thanks for all that you do! ~J