'I will cherish it forever': Son buys back boat that was sold after his father's death

An Island man has been reunited with a sailboat once owned by his father, who died eight years ago.

Nathan Ryan recently saw the boat for sale on Kijiji. He couldn't afford to buy it on his own so he decided to give crowdfunding a try.

He said he never expected to raise the full $2,800 needed in just two weeks.

"It was so heartwarming.It was an amazing experience to get all that love from all my friends and family," said Ryan.

His father, Bill Ryan, diedin the Charlottetown harbour. He was in his boat, namedLunasea, helping ferry some people out to their own anchored boat.

He was stepping between the boats and slipped. He hit his head and landed in the water unconscious. The people he was withcouldn't swim and were unable to reach him in time.

The family sold the sailboat soon after.

Thanks to the GoFundMe campaign Nathan Ryan bought the boat back the sale was finalized on Sunday.

"I just climbed into it to give it a look over andeverything is pretty much exactly the way we left it," he said."Pretty awesome just being in there and reminiscing."

Ready to get back on water

Ryan saidwhat happened to his dad the last time he was on that boat hasn't kept him from wanting to spend time on the water. Instead, the boat will serve as a regular reminder of his father's caring and helpful disposition.

"Most people going through that experience would swear off sailing all together," said Ryan.

"But really, it's my only passion. I'm in love with the seaand I don't want something even as tragic as that to keep me from doing it.I want to be courageous and just get back out there and not let that deter me."

He saidto have the boat back in his life means a great deal to him, butit's the many fond memories of his dad that keep his spirit alive.

"It's nice to have that piece of him but at the same time people can't put too much value on objects," said Ryan.

"It's the memories you have of that person and how that person affected your life and touched your lifeand the actions you take as a result of that. That's really what you've got to hold dear."

He plans to give the boat a new paint job and give it back its original name Lunaseaa name his father hadchosen.

It also still needs a motorwhich Ryan hopes to buy in the coming year.

But in the meantime, he's just happy to have the boat back in his life. He'sgrateful for everyone who supported the reunion.

"This is probably one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever gotten to be a part of," said Ryan. "I will cherish it forever."

He saidhe's forever gratefulfor all the people who helped make it happen.

Ryan saidwhether someonemade a donation to the campaign or even just shared his post they'll always be welcome for a ride on his and his father's boat.

More P.E.I. news