A Vancouver family’s homemade sailboat, stolen hours before its maiden voyage, has returned to its maker just in time for Father’s Day.
Duncan McDonald returned from camping with his children on Sunday to find his wife next to the boat, named ‘Saller Doodad’ by their little ones.
“This is such a ridiculous and amazing story,” said McDonald, fresh off the ferry as the children gleefully boarded the green and white boat. “This is amazing… It’s a great confluence of things. It’s amazing to see how many people got involved and I’m so thankful.”
When completed, Duncan McDonald’s homemade sailboat had a blue canvas sail and a herringbone bulkhead at the bow. She was robbed during the night of Thursday. June 22, 2022, from his home in Vancouver.
Courtesy: Duncan McDonald
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The sailboat, 14 feet long and under 200 pounds, was a McDonald’s pandemic project. He started both to develop his skills and to create good memories with his family.
It was built from fiberglass, plywood, two-by-fours and other reclaimed materials, and for many months her children have used it as a home and tea party venue.
He finished it last Thursday, in anticipation of launching it on a Father’s Day weekend trip to Sechelt, but it was stolen overnight from the power pole it was chained to at his home near East 25th and Fraser streets.
According to Vancouver police, the force’s marine unit recovered the boat on Saturday after some members of the public spotted it under the Cambie Bridge. The Good Samaritans had seen news coverage of the family’s story, which was widely shared on Facebook.
“It looks like it may have been abandoned near shore and boarded by some people who tried to save it,” wrote Sgt. Steve Addison in a statement on Sunday.
He said no arrests have been made and the robbery is still under investigation.
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Saller Doodad has some bumps, bruises and missing parts, but the Vancouver Police Department helped clean it up in preparation for McDonald’s return.
“We’re just trying to do the best we can and get it seaworthy and ready for you guys,” said an official, speaking to the McDonald’s wife at the docks.
McDonald said he now owns a “pirate ship,” one that was stolen, went on a wild adventure and came back. He needs about 15 hours of work, he calculated, and now he expects Saller Doodad to make his big debut in time for his and his wife’s anniversary.
— Archived by Grace Ke
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