I need to give a little update about what we have been up to. For those of you who do not know about our first boat and our cruise down the California coast, go to www.tarasmaidenvoyage.blogspot.com. On a short note, back in 2010 Jon and I bought our first boat, a Caliber 28 for way cheap. She was in rough shape, and we said we were just going to do the major problem areas and then head out for Mexico. Well the major problems turned into a a major project, and we spent the next year and a half finishing a total refit. After spending a lot of money, she was ready fort the water once again, we launched her in November 2011. We spent some time up in Berkeley, doing the final touches and headed south to warmer waters in August 2012… the blog listed above goes into detail of that trip.
To close on our first blog…..Once we made it to Ventura in late September 2012, we were tan and lived it up for the rest of the summer then headed inland and up the mountain for the winter to help out family for the winter. Being away from “Tara” and really thinking about our trip down the cali coast, we came to the heart breaking decision to sell “Tara”.
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U-shape dinette
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U-shape galley
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aft state room
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stall shower
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master berth was not a v-berth
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encapsulated keel
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less heel the better (yea yea…. I know and I call my self a sailor)
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good engine access aka NOT in cabin sole
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BOW SPRIT



Ok back to our crazy 3 weeks…we moved “Tara” to Oxnard and put her in Vintage Marina. Our last sail on “Tara” is one that we will never forget. While Jon was in New York the week before he had si-tek send him the missing auto pilot part we had not received in over 5 months. So right before we left the docks of Ventura west marina Jon finished installing the auto pilot that had been giving us problems since day one and we pushed off. As we passed the break water the sun came out for the first time in a week along with a 5knt breeze and a 1-3 foot swell. We couldn’t of asked for a more perfect day. About 10 minutes in we remembered that we should try the auto pilot… the moment of truth… IT WORKED!

Thursday May 9th we headed for Olympia Washington, leaving Trinidad around 6:30ish. And once again well the first half of the drive was amazingly beautiful. We drove though Oregon at light speed and made it to Olympia around 4pm. Our broker was there to show us the boat for a quick view before our sea trial and haul out the next morning. Yes this is the first time we had looked at the boat in person, we had made an offer on the boat just based on what we saw in pictures and from the brokers word I know I know it was bold… yes, but we really wanted this boat. So we wrote a letter to the owners just with a little info about who we were and what we wanted to do, along with our offer. About 3 days later, our offer was accepted and that’s when we started these 3 weeks of madness.
What a great couple, the had taken the boat down to Mexico and cruised for 3 years down there. As we hopped, everything had worked out great! There were no huge surprises, or devastating heart break problems up until we went to the bank. That morning Jon and I had checked out of our hotel and were planning on sleeping on the boat Friday night. After the survey was done and we were still happy with everything we went to the bank to get the cashiers check, but our funds were on a hold. They said that the hold will be lifted at midnight, what good that did for us. So we called the broker and told him sorry but it was going to have to wait till the morning to finish up all the paperwork and hand over the money. Jon and I booked one more hotel room for the last night before we would officially own a HC33. The bank opened at 9 am on Saturday morning, we were there first thing as they opened the doors. Got our check and headed straight for the broker. Signed the paper work and, paid the bill, “Prism” is OURS! Whoop whoop. BUT there is a slight delay. The boat is on the yacht club dock, and well we are not allowed on the dock unless we are with an escort or member of the club. all the brokers were on sea trials, so we didn’t know anyone that was part of the club and the previous owners were already on a flight home. So we had to wait, and wait and wait to get on our new boat, talk about being anxious! So to kill time we walked around the harbor, it was boaters season opening day, so there were lots of booths, food, and a lot of people watching. Around 3 pm we got to our boat, turned her on and motored to the guest dock of swan marina.
For 2 days all we did was unload the car, the mini storage that came with the boat, and started to make “Prism” our home.
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Everything that was in the subaru is now on the dock |
Then the sorting happened, to go though all the stuff that we had and all the stuff that the boat came with, well it took about 4 hours.
This weekend there is a boat flee market swap meet thing that I am going to go, to try and sell the stuff we don’t want or need. After a lot of this and that with the marina, and not really liking the vibe of Olympia, we deiced to move the boat up to Tacoma Washington. So we pushed off on Tuesday morning and headed for Dock Street Marina. I can see why boaters love it up here! It is so beautiful, I was there was more wind, it seems more of a power boaters dream down here. Jon was saying that when your sailing though it feels like you are on a high elevation lake, and its true it pretty much looks like shaver or Huntington lake, but much larger and filled with wild animals.
As we were leaving Olympia a bald eagle escorted us out of the port, then a pod of small what I think was dolphins but I am not really sure, just passed by us as we headed north. There was no wind, the sun came out but it was still cold that we had to leave our jackets on. We were riding the ebb all the way to Tacoma, and through “ the narrows” going under the narrows bridge we were doing 11.1 knts!
We were moving fast! It took us about 5 hours to get to our new dock, which will be home for the next 2 months as we take care of the small projects that need to be done before we make our way south.
May 15th 2013—> To end on a good note today, we just got a call from our broker and we have an offer on “Tara” lets hope this all works out!!
10 thoughts on “3 weeks of madness to buy our Hans Christian 33t!”
“Prism” looks like a beautiful boat – perfect for two beautiful people. The world is yours … enjoy! Your friends, Joseph & Marci s/v “Horizon”.
Great pictures and story you guys! Have fun!!!
Klick (Gweynn)
Hey Shannon and Jon – we met you in Port Angeles and in Neah Bay – when you invited the whole harbour to a party. Where are you now, and how is it going. Enchante is in Eureka and heading south first weather window. Marida is already there. Reed, Alan and Lindy
Blog for Enchante is alindyrosen.wordpress.com…. heading for Frisco, San Diego, La Paz with the Baja ha ha
Reed, rearly at telus.net
Hello Jon and Shannon,
Great to meet you at the boat the other day as you were finishing applying one of many Cetol coats.
Love the blog and the boat! In just 3 days of research the HC33 has become a top contender. I will be having a look at a 1984 HC33 this weekend in Sausalito. Here's the link: http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Hans-Christian-33t/143623381#.UuhpofuIZki
Perhaps we could talk more about the merits of the HC33T. If you are up for it, drop me a line or give me a call.
Many thanks, Michael s/v Alma, Berkeley mj59r60@aol.com 707-486-7498
Michael it was great to meet you the other day. You had perfect timing as we finished the first coat. We have put 2 more coats on but then the rain yesterday made up stop, we are hoping to get the first coat of gloss on tomorrow. We would love to talk more about the HC33 with you. Jon will send you an email. This weekend we are heading inland to see some family. But when we get back feel free to come by the boat any time.
cheers,
Shannon
Thank you Klick!!
Thank you!! We sure do miss you two! Hopefully we can see each other soon!
Enjoy your adventures 🙂 Looking forward to follow you
you 3 have have wonderful on-screen personalities