From the North Shore of Hoods Canal, I learned to water ski, pulled behind a Sande Ace. Driven by my Uncle Cecil Baldwin and built by my Uncle Orrin Sande.

In 1977, my brother sold me his Ace and it came with a Mercury Mark 35 A on the stern. Unfortunately, the motor had seen better days and finding parts for it was nearly impossible. I was stationed at Lake Wenatchee State Park at the time and the nearest boat dealer was in West Wenatchee. Lucky for me, the dealer had not only overstocked manual start 50 HP Mercury outboards but was also a collector of antique outboards. The new engine was acquired and then the sanding, varnishing and painting began.

That summer I was very popular with the life guards. We would meet at the boat launch as the sun began to rise and then we were the only boat on a 7 mile long body of water, flat as a sheet of glass, water skiing until we had to return to being park employees. Driving that boat brought back fond memories of Hoods Canal and I was proud to be able to own and operate a Sande Family Legacy.