June 4, 2015. CMA CGM Libra finally made it to Oakland. Allora had no masts or rigging and she was wrapped in plastic. Phil (the builder) arranged for a boat to take us out to the container ship to watch them unload her. Carmen McSpadden was visiting us that day, too, and despite serious resistance from the loud mouthed tow boat captain who insisted he didn’t have an extra life jacket, Diana wouldn’t let him leave Carmen behind. It was near sunset, with a dramatic sky. The Libra was gigantic and Allora looked like a toy being lowered by the crane. Phil jumped onboard and cut away the harness and some of the plastic. After a moment of hesitation the engine started and we climbed aboard too, waving to the Libra’s crew as we motored our newborn home down to Grand Marina in Alameda, to set her mast and sails.
Allora Splashes from M. Stevens on Vimeo.