As I stand here looking over our newly refit Stiletto, I can’t resist reflection. I feel that trepidation of the exact moment a roller coaster car peaks at the top and stalls. It is that split second before the fall when you know whats coming but have no choice to turn back. You’re on this ride now and it is definitely “Game Time”.
Here We Go!
Aptly named, ‘Here We Go’, is the second Stiletto 27 that my husband, Jay Phillips, and I have refit together. This one was actually in good shape compared to the first, Rendevous II, when we started. Comparatively it was a simple refit project. We really just disassembled her, painted, made some hull repairs, put on new hatches and portlights, and reassembled. Still this moment is bigger than it seems at first glance.
For years, we have been asking ourselves, “Why hasn’t anyone made a new Stiletto?”, and I know we are not the only ones. We decided if we were going to take on a project like that, we needed a Stiletto 27 that was in great shape and pure to the original design with no major modifications. So, “Here We Go!”
Today is Launch Day
Today is launch day not just for our new Stiletto 27, but a whole new adventure for our family, our boys, and for us! Today we are officially Stiletto Manufacturing, Inc., and we plan to sail into Columbia, NC and introduce the town to Stiletto and Stiletto to the town. I am confident this meeting will go well. Columbia needs the excitement and adventure, and Stiletto needs a whole town to love her and welcome her and all the potential she can bring.
Columbia could be the home for the Stiletto X-Series. The company is considering a waterfront location in Columbia for the manufacturing facility and world headquarters of Stiletto Manufacturing. If this location is chosen, Columbia will be the birthplace of the ‘new Stiletto’ and the first Sailing School to teach on high performance foiling catamarans.
Free Rides on First Friday
Today is just the first Friday afternoon in Columbia where the townspeople and visitors can take free rides on a Stiletto. I am sure there will be many to come.
‘Here We Go’ will be available for charter from Sugar Creek Restaurant in Nags Head, NC and from the town docks in Columbia, NC. You can make reservations online, call, or just stop by the dock now through Thanksgiving.