THE RISING OF THE
MORNING STAR
After almost 20 years in the backyard, couples dream project becomes a reality.
The rising of the Morning Star took place on Agua Vista Drive in East San Jose on Wednesday, and a beautiful moment it was. She sailed over the rooftop and through the trees, a dream of almost 20 years turned to reality, as 200 neighbors sipped champagne and cheered. Many wiped at tears.
Seldom is joy so unabashed.
"It's been so long in coming it's hard to believe it's really happening," said Dorie Pittsey, with tear-streaked cheeks, as she hugged husband Rene.
"It's just incredible," agreed Rene. "I'm so excited."
The Morning Star is a beautiful 44-foot sailing yacht built entirely by the Pittseys, entirely by hand, entirely in their backyard. When they first purchased plans for the boat that they hope to sail around the world, they were told that a husband and wife team had built a similar model in two years. That sounded optimistic, so they allotted five years for construction.
Wednesday morning, when a 140 ton crane lifted lifted the Morning Star off the cradle, 191/2 years had elapsed since the Pittseys first began laying fiberglass.
"I'm sure some people thought we wouldn't make it, but I feel a great sense of accomplishment," Rene said.
Said Dorie, "I wanted to call it Pittseys' Perseverance."
Indeed, the neighborhood was awash in sentiment and pride at what the Pittseys had managed to accomplish. Many had moved to this street as young families 27 years ago. This was a culmination, a sublime triumph. And who knew when such a thing might be seen again?
"We've watched them build over the last 19 years," said neighbor Ray Orozco, as he recorded the event with a video camera.
"We had a big party after two years when we helped them turn the hull.. We've had many parties, inspecting how they we're doing, year to year. This is a lot of history for us.
The lifting went flawlessly, and the Morning Star was set aboard a flat-bed trailer for transport to an Alameda shipyard, where she will be fitted out for sea trials on San Francisco Bay.
When I first heard of the Pittseys' project, I wondered how it could have taken so long. But, when I climbed with Rene up the wood stairs to the scaffolding and went aboard Monday afternoon, I began to understand. The Morning Star is a ketch with impeccable craftsmanship. The joiner work, hand laminated teak, is exquisite. She filled the backyard like a whale in a bathtub.
Rene estimated they spent about $6,000 per year on construction. He listed the boat's value at $180,000 with the DMV.
"It's been a long time coming," said family friend Dave Walb, "but they are very deserving."
From the very beginning. the Pittseys' posed their children with the boat in progress for the family's annual Christmas card. Kathleen was 8 the first year and Scott 7. Now they're both graduates of San Jose State University, with children of their own.
"The boat not being there is going to be weird," said Scott now 27. "It has been there all my life, it seems. But, I'm very proud of what my parents have accomplished. A lot of people want to do something special with their lives, and they have."
During the years, the Pittseys say, they never looked toward completion. It was too far away. Instead, they took each project as it came along and celebrated its conclusion.
"We must have a strong marriage," said Dorie on Monday. "I feel like I've been pregnant for 191/2 years, and I'm looking forward to delivery.
Rene, 57, is a manager for Ion Implant Services, a semiconductor firm. He began sailing as a boy with the Sea Scouts. Dorie works in research and development at the San Jose Police Department. They were giddy as they rushed toward completion on Monday. But by Wednesday's rising their emotions were running deeper.
"I'm kind of a nervous wreck," Dorie acknowledged.
"I woke at 3:45 and at 4 I gave him a hug."
Said Rene, "My stomach is in knots."
The moment soon melded into celebration. Neighbors planned a daylong street party.
Rene retires in the spring of '97. In November of that year, the couple plan to set sail for the South Pacific.
"In the Navy," said Rene's 81 year-old, Salvatore, as he looked on with pride, "perfect is 4.0. I would give Rene a 3.9."
As we walked Monday through the Pittseys' garage, which has served as the boat shop, Rene pointed out a poster on the wall. The words were from Thoreau. "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to lead a life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in ordinary dreams."
On Wednesday, at long last the Morning Star rose. She was not an ordinary dream.
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