Update From NZ - We're Yacht Owners!

[Knowazark]

Thought I'd post an update to our initial "Howdy", and this seems to be the most appropriate place to do so.

We've just, after an interesting and intense experience, finalised our contract to purchase a yacht, so we are now bona fide yacht owners (though we won't take delivery until early next month).

Of course that means that we have started on the steady and relentless conversion of our finances to boat bits, repairs, consumables and maintenance .... but we've also started down the path of logging some awesome experiences and fabulous "rocking chair stories".

We are both excited, exhilerated, scared, overwhelmed and numbed - its a wierd feeling.

I can't say I have a great deal of sensible advice for anyone in the process of buying a boat, but I certainly have a lot of sympathy for anyone going through the process.

[TaoJones]

Congratulations, Knowa! You wouldn't have been relying on a certain "Life Coach" for guidance while you were looking at available vessels, would you? Well, however you came to select the one you did, it's a big step. If you get a chance, post some pictures - no one gets tired of boat porn.

TaoJones

[BlueSovereign]

on "taking the plunge"!

I have no doubt what-so-ever that you have started down a path that will lead to numerous "rocking-chair" memories and stories to tell others in the future.

The best part is enjoying the journey along the way, which will undoubtedly have its share of highs, and hopefully no more than the average share of lows ... which in most cases correlate to $$$

I personally look forward to our being neighbours at Westhaven, who become "cut from the same BWC cloth"......

William aka 'The PIRATE'

[Knowazark]

For those who may be interested, here are some photos.

[shadow]

HEY, congrats on the boat and it does look SWEEEET!!

[David_Old_Jersey]

Nice

[Hud3]

Congrats, Knowaz! I like the shear at the bow. What's the wood used down below?

[Knowazark]

What's the wood used down below?

The interior timber is American Light Oak with teak and holly flooring. This, together with the light coloured paint surfaces gives her quite a light, airy and open feel, despite the fact that the portholes are relatively small and there are only a couple of hatches to let in light.

We're thrilled to have been able to buy her, but we're also aware of the burden of care that this beautiful 21 year old yacht deserves and demands.

[imagine2frolic]

I like my cutter rig. Your boat looks great, and I too like the interior wood. BEST WISHES in her serving you well........i2f

[Ocean Girl]

Wow! Beautiful boat. She looks like she can go anywhere, where are you guys planning on cruising?
Cheers,
Erika

[Knowazark]

She truly is a gorgeous yacht and she has an ambience and a presence about her. Even the surveyor said that she had soul. We feel truly fortunate to have been able to buy her.

We plan to cruise locally for the next 2 years to get familiar with the boat, to prepare her and ourselves and then head overseas to Australia and the southwest Pacific in winter (sthn hemisphere winter) 2011. From there the intention is to do a lap of the planet with significant time spent in the Med, Carribean, both western and eastern seaboard of the USA, etc, etc. At this stage south east asia, india, africa, middle east don't have a great deal of appeal, but we'll see. The lap time may well be in the order of a decade or so .... who knows ... who cares?

As an interesting aside, my brother is an architect and a yacht designer and was working in the design office of Laurie Davidson when this boat was drawn up and built. He worked on her plans and oversaw part of her construction. He was working with Laurie because he was part of NZ's America's Cup team but was injured during gym training so was put to use by the team in the design office. Laurie Davidson then went on to design several America's Cup boats and has been inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame. My brother has since gone on to establish his own design practice and has produced some locally famous racers as well as cruisers and powerboats.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Knowazark

... We plan to cruise locally for the next 2 years to get familiar with the boat, to prepare her and ourselves and then head overseas to Australia ...

Congratulations, and best of luck !!!

You may be pleased to know that the trip to Oz is getting slightly shorter.

New Zealand and Australia now 30cm closer
➥ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8162628.stm

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard!
Beautiful boat (yacht to Aussies and Kiwis). Congratulations.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[Knowazark]

Thanks all for the kind comments. We can't claim any responsibility for her appearance yet (we haven't even taken delivery), but she certainly is a looker (though may not be to everyone's taste).