Valkyrie
Mike's  Boatbuilding Page
Last Update April 22, 2008
Welcome aboard! My name is Mike Sandell, and I have a deep and abiding passion for sailing. Born and raised in the Midwest, I grew up around a lot of powerboats on the lakes here in Illinois (I live just west of Chicago). But while working in Boston many years ago, my boss took me out on his 23-foot Ensign, and I immediately fell in love with the magical combination of wind, water and sail.

This website includes a summary of the construction and details of my first homebuilt boat, a Vector (design by Jim Michalak). In addition, I am keeping an online journal here of the construction of my second boat project, another Jim Michalak design called the Fatcat2. In it you will find photos, tips and cautions for others looking to build their own sailboat. After having sailed my Vector (which was named "Valkyrie" in honor of my Swedish ancestry), for three seasons, I've developed a better idea for the type of boat that would better suit my personal needs. As a result, I have recently (and reluctantly!) sold my Vector in order to make room for my next project. I hope you find the info here both interesting and valuable.
The Michalak Vector 15-foot sailboat
Vector Construction Summary
Fatcat2: Intro
"Sailing The Catboat" by Winslow Homer
Visitor Counter
Please email me at: michsand@sbcglobal.net
    BOATBUILDING LINKS
Duckworks Boat Builders Supply
Jim Michalak's Newsletter
Polysail International
The Home Boat Builders Page