And suddenly you know: it's time to start something new

“And suddenly you know: it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” - Eckhart

Forlorn, unkempt, but she had beautiful lines. That was our first vision of Tientos as we motored down the moorings of Sadgroves Creek on our previous yacht, Coomalie, after another Kimberley trip. From the very first, despite Keith’s misgivings, Lea wanted that yacht! Surprisingly it was much later that we learned she had rather a famous history. 

Several weeks later, on 9 November, she was ours! As she spluttered black smoke and brimstone all the way in the rain to Sadgroves Quay, Keith was distinctly apprehensive. However, two omens were present here if you believe in superstition; the number 9 and rain. As she was hauled out with her keel covered with years of marine growth, including nacre (with a distorted pearl) and scuttling crabs: “What the $#@! have we done…” says he. ‘No worries...” says she, “…only money”.

And down comes the mast!

BOAT (bung on another (ten) thousand) comes to mind: new rigging and anchor, serviced motor, new head and interior renovation, new electrical, radios, new stove, hob, gas fitter, navigation equipment, liferaft and safety equipment, survey; the list was endless and expensive. 

Amidst the chaos of a refit

Retro brown cork tiles covered the timber

The new PSS seal (an alternative to the usual packing gland seal) came just in time - apparently Tientos was a wave away from sinking! This was the year Keith retired from Airservices as a Senior Firefighter after 24 years so Lea continued working full-time for the boatyard, under the guise of Charles Darwin University.

Added deck boxes for the 4 LPG gas cylinders

Lea's ‘what-if ‘philosophy on life comes into play quite often and it did at this new beginning; what if we hadn’t purchased Tientos; we would never have gone on to cruise around 6 countries and meet the most fascinating cruisers and locals.

Finally ready for launching

May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!