With the Olympics in Paris this year, it seems appropriate that now we have a French canal boat on the St. Lawrence River. Welcome “Mer Sea,” which is owned by Tricia and Steve LaBuzetta of Thousand Island Park and Rochester, NY. Tricia and Steve showed Mer Sea at the 2024 boat show at the Antique Boat Museum, and they won the Best Preserved Cruiser award. With her shiny flag-blue hull, the canal boat was a crowd favorite.
Mer Sea is 33 feet in length, and was built by Latitude 46 in 1999. The company builds both sail and power boats in La Rochelle, France. Tricia and Steve saw an ad on Facebook that offered the 33-footer for sale in Annapolis, Maryland. When they went to see the boat, it was covered in snow.
The purchase was made on February 9th, which happens to be Steve’s birthday, after Steve had inspected the boat. They had it transported by truck to Rochester, which is their winter home. Steve performed some work on the boat over the off-season, to get it ready for delivery to the Thousand Islands. Steve and two friends made the trip by water taking two days. Mer Sea has an 80 horsepower Yanmar diesel. Cruise speed is 10 knots at 2,200 rpms. Top speed is 14.5 knots.
The hull has hard chines and a full keel. Steve said that Mer Sea is quite stable with little roll. Her long keel makes for good tracking, but makes backing down a bit of a challenge. The narrow side decks make going forward a bit tricky, but of course you also can go through the interior to reach to the foredeck. Graceful tumblehome in the stern quarters add to her sweet lines.
The boat has an inviting varnished interior with a dining table. Lots of natural light thanks to the opening windows on both port and starboard. Striped curtains hang over the windows making one feel like you are in the Parisian café or on the Orient Express. The vintage lighting and cabinetry are very European. The cockpit can accommodate four. Interestingly, the helm seat is a simple teak plank with no back rest. And Tricia uses a parasol for shade – very French. A low-profile windshield helps protect the crew.
Mer Sea at the 2024 boat show at the Antique Boat Museum was a crowd favorite, and they won the Best Preserved Cruiser award. [Photo courtesy of the author]
When you see Mer Sea out on the River, give Tricia and Steve a big wave. This French canal boat is very unique for the Thousand Islands. A graceful fiberglass hull, varnished teak trim, and with very traditional lines. You cannot help but smile as you see her go steaming by. Imagine you are on the Seine. C’est magnifique.
By Rick A. Casali
Rick Casali is a resident of Wellesley Island. During his youth, from 1947 to 1976, his parents had a cottage on Grindstone Island named The Orchards. Rick now splits his time between Stuart, FL and the River. He worked for Columbia Gas System for 29 years and ran their Washington, DC office. Then in 2000, he started brokering boats and yachts, and continues as a broker with North Point Yacht Sales. Rick and his wife Anne cruise the River in a recently purchased a 1968 Chris Craft 31 Commander which they named "Foxtrot". They also have the Seaway 24 named "Miss Annie".
Be sure to see more of Rick Casali's tributes and reviews. He has now written 22 articles for TI Life, and they are not only interesting but also provides an important historical review of River life. Be sure to have a look!
Posted in: Volume 20, Issue 1, January 2025, History, People, Sports, Current
Please click here if you are unable to post your comment.