07/08/2023
AORANGI AND JAYNE…AN S&S SWAN STORY
Sometimes going off line is the only way to clear your mind…
Anyone that really knows me, knows that I love life and everyone in it, and that I love my boat Aorangi.
So while this has been a great ride, I have decided it’s time to put Aorangi into new hands for her next slice of time full of adventure.
I didn’t quite make it to New Zealand with her as I had so hoped, but doesn’t mean someone else won’t;-)
My journey has taken me to a new level of consciousness in just about every aspect of my life, and I have Aorangi to thank for getting me there, seeing she has been the perpetrator of great joy, hours of contemplation and learning, and even a bit of sorrow as well over the years. But one thing is for sure…I wouldn’t even be here had she not been placed in my path when she was. And for this I thank the universe for lining us up! Disappointments are many, but none due to her…she’s resisted quietly with patience and stamina just waiting to set sail. Me too, so hoping there will be that chance before we have to say farewell.
I’ve tried to do my best to keep her as one of the most beautiful vessels on the water, and am hoping to find the perfect match in an owner who is willing to strive to make her even better. She is a one of her kind marvel, and is so giving and full of soul that whoever gets her will be hard pressed to ever leave her. I certainly thought that I would be on board till I kicked the bucket, and they could have just thrown me overboard in a nice heavy green tarp as the story goes. But not to be…so no more time for tears, just organisation of things for the next lucky owner/custodian.
I apologise to all my FB friends for my very long absence, but it’s been a really emotional period for me, and when I can’t be positive (as you know) I usually stay silent. No need for more negativity, controversy, or sadness in this world. But I’m back now, and hoping to stay a good long while.
In the meantime like a proud parent I would like to share the last chapter with Aorangi before she sails off into the sunset with her lucky new crew.
This is what we’ve been up to for what seems like forever at this point…Lots of work done in lots of areas on the boat, but a few really stand out to show off her fine fresh look.
Meet Aorangi version 2021-23. She splashed late 2021, but has yet to be sailed with all the newly fitted garb, so the sailing fotos are from before. The refit photos are during the new work being done.
I specifically asked the carpenter and his crew doing the new teak deck to please make it a work of art, and they truly did.💎 The 12mm deck is there and will be gorgeous once it’s all spiffied up.
Her bottom was completely exposed😱 and re finished to be like new, with many more years ahead to enjoy her sleek dolphin like underbelly slicing through the waves…🐬
The artisans here in Italy rebuilt (literally) almost every piece of equipment and trim on board so that it looks and works like new. From her facelift up top, her winches, her rigging, to fiberglass trims, pumps and pedals, it’s almost all ready to go. Even down below deck was completely restored with a new ceiling in skye, new led lighting, and all the wood a bit renewed as well, with several bulkheads re panelled in teak.⛵️
A climate control has been installed, and an electric head for the lazy guys out there. The manual head was also completely rebuilt to be sure at least one head is always operational;-)
There are a lot of things that I had on the to do list yet, but these are best left to decide by the new owner, as they are either aesthetics or items that are quickly obsolete. I am hoping my notes of what I had chosen will be useful in any case.
I would like to thank everyone out there who’s kept me going during the tough times doing this mostly alone, as often it made the difference for me to have you there. You have all been my support net, and I will never forget that. It’s certainly confirmed to me that my version of Facebook is healthy!!! Thanks for all the love and laughter, and let’s keep it going and spread it around. I am ready to try and help pass it on from ashore or as crew😀 ###O J
P.S.This is certainly not to take away from my loved ones and friends, who have also stuck with me, and who are helping me through this time. Without them I’d be dust…
