3 BOATS OF INTEREST
40
TREASURE COAST BOATING
Childs prefers being high above the water to enjoy the
view rather than the down-below lifestyle common for
most sailboats.
The galley has deep refrigeration, two stoves, a microwave
oven and a coffeemaker. “You couldn’t have all this on
a sailboat,” Childs says. Calypso also boasts a two-zone air
conditioning system, a washer/dryer and a 50-gallon-per-day
watermaker. Fourteen batteries and a generator allow him to
anchor just about anywhere and be self-sufficient.
“This boat has long legs, and it will go a great distance
independent of anything,” Child says. At 38 tons, Calypso’s
750-gallon capacity gives it a range of 3,000 miles. He
estimates he sails 5,000 miles each year between Stuart and
Connecticut.
“The trip is beautiful,” says Childs. “I’ve seen deer swimming
in front of me, eagles feeding their young, white pelicans
and all kinds of waterfowl. The porpoises love this boat.
They have ridden the bow wake for 45 minutes. The cruising
is amazing. I love the trip.”
THE BOATER
Owner/Captain: David Childs
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired property manager
Family: Daughter, Eden; son, Roger.
How I got interested in boating: “I was 10 years old when I
started racing Sunfish sailboats in Stuart. I have been on the
water ever since. I always dreamed of living on a boat.”
What I like about boating: “The freedom, independence and
natural beauty.”
David Childs enjoys a bit of fresh air at the stern of Calypso with his trusty
guard dog Sailor. The Yorkshire terrier sounds the alert as visitors walk by
the boat. Childs says the Calypso is perfect for a solo mariner.