The Velvet Elvis is a 1998 Rhodes 22 manufactured by General Boats. She spent her first few years as a demo boat, going to boat shows and being sailed by her loving manufacturers.

In 2000, General Boats decided to let her go to the poor youngish sailers in Louisiana who were buying on credit and couldn't afford an entirely new boat. Within a day, she had damage. Within a month, she had a name.

We sail Velvet Elvis on Lake Ponchatrain, which has some advantages. There are a number of good destinations for an overnight trip, but the lake is so big, that each one requires a full weekend commitment. Most trips (and some daysails) include a minor fiasco or two that might make for a good story now and then.

Easter Cruise 2008

Relaunch: One Year After Katrina

Driving to Edenton for a post-hurricane overhaul.

Photo Gallery: Damage Photos After Hurricane Katrina

God Looks out for Incompetent Captains

Boat Maintenance, Spring 2005

See the whole Captain's Log