The Spirit of Dallas. Photo courtesy of Michael Mittman, DFW Boat Ride.
The Spirit of Dallas, a sailboat for hire at White Rock Lake, has been temporarily relocated for a renovation project.
Michael Mittman, a co-owner of DFW Boat Ride, says the boat is a converted offshore racing boat that was built in the 1980s, and it has been at White Rock Lake for five years.
“It’s time to give her an overhaul, make her fresh and new and upgrade the systems,” Mittman says.
The boat has been moved to Rockwall, where the electronic and propulsion systems will be upgraded, along with the rigging for controlling sails. Any soft spots or rotted areas will also be repaired, Mittman says.
Upgrades will also allow Mittman and his wife, Greta, who is the primary captain of The Spirit of Dallas, to sail in more weather conditions, such as higher winds.
The Mittmans are longtime members and past commodores of Corinthian Sailing Club. They still race, and Greta has won several Flying Scot championships. Michael has won just once, he says.
Work is expected to be completed within a month or so, with a first sail back at White Rock Lake planned for March 4.
The boat, which can hold 34 people, is available for private charters, and it has been rented for events including weddings and proposals. DFW Boat Ride also offers community sails, where the cost to ride on the sailboat is heavily discounted.
“Even if we’re having an OK day, we get people out on that boat, and we make smiles,” Mittman says. “It makes our day better, too.”
