Stacy and Michael both have strong connections to the sea, sailing and boats. She experienced her early years in the houseboat community of Sausalito while Michael is an accomplished surfer, sailor and sailmaker having owned Sutter Sailmakers for many years. For thirty years Sans Voile was owned by Terry the lead seamstress at Sutters who became a family friend. We would stop by to visit with Terry, pick her up for outings or walk with her and her dogs.
Michael took over the sail loft in the early 1990's and had a classic Sparkman and Stephens Loki Class Yawl named Irolita for over twenty years. He was lucky to have worked on wooden sailboats for years and enjoyed working on Irolita when she was in the water or while she was hauled out of the water with the guidance, help and skills of some of the best shipwrights in the San Francisco Bay.
While working at the sail loft in the winter months Michael would bring in all of the removable pieces from Irolita and refinish them while work was slow. Terry enjoyed the smell of a good varnish and gum turpentine so she knew that the exterior and interior finishes on Sans Voile would be redone to yacht quality.
We always talked about getting a funky cabin to fix up, but couldn't find one close to where we live. It was a welcome gift when we found out that Terry had wished us to have the boat after she left. She knew that we would love to repair and refinish Sans Voile in the style of a classic Alden yacht which is the type of boat she grew up sailing on.
Our favorite time on the boat is during a stormy night. With one bedroom, a full bathroom including shower, full kitchen with gas stove and baseboard heating the boat is very comfortable. The upstairs 180 square foot loft is cozy and offers views of Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley and San Francisco across the Bay. A loveseat, reading lights and plush rug make it our favorite place to enjoy the morning coffee. The main floor measures around 450 feet with a large reading chair, built-in dining table, shelving and newly replaced windows.