History:
It appears that Mystic spent its first seven years in Connecticut, followed by 4 years in Milwaukee, under the name Magic. It was then sold to Dorsey Ruley of Chicago, who named the boat Scout. Dorsey was a quadriplegic and had a special seat built for himself. Scout competed in multiple Chicago-Mackinac races during that time, apparently with Dorsey along for the ride. It was then owned by Sea Scouts Ship 5111 for several years. Mystic now resides at Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle.
Review:
From Sailing Magazine: "From its plumb bow and flat forefoot to its oversized scooped-out wheel, racing-style cockpit and low-slung deckhouse, the Sydney 41 should be placed in the same category as other lightweight composite flyers like the Farr 40 and J/125, especially after examining the Sydney 41's impressive list of overall first-place finishes, from Cowes Week to the Queen's Cup. However, a closer look at the race results reveals another side of the Sydney 41. First overall in the notoriously rough Sydney-to-Hobart race, first in class in the unpredictable Fastnet Race and first overall in several long-distance races in the Indian Ocean - races that couldn't be considered light-air, around-the-buoy races - prove the 41 is an oceangoing boat."
About the name:
My paraphrased definition of Mystic is: "One who seeks knowledge beyond the physical realm". Aren't we all doing that?
The name Mystic is inspired by:
My first boat, a Cal 27 named Mystery, pictured here.
The legendary Transpac boat Merlin
Mystic Seaport, a magical place for anyone who loves sailing history.
And last but not least, Into the Mystic, by Van Morrison. In Morrison's own words: "... I guess the song is just about being part of the universe."
