Launch Day

It’s been a long time coming.

Just over 10 years ago I got this crazy notion to build my own boat. This wasn’t the first time, having made a small attempt at building a yacht in the early 90s. For many different reasons that time wasn’t right, so I contracted someone to build it while I watched on. This time it did feel right. Sonja and I spent some time understanding what it was we wanted from a yacht, and then looked around at the various designs available. We chose Yamoya’s design because it was the closest fit to what we wanted. We set a budget and a timeframe of 5 years. We got close to the initial budget, and given price slippage over time I think we did reasonably well in that respect. The timeframe? Well, what can I say.

We started the build on December 4th, 2004, when we had a keel laying ceremony. Now, nearly 10 years later we’re at the end of this particular journey and ready to launch into the next one. We’re ready. Yamoya is ready. I’d like to say finished, but is a yacht ever finished?

What a beautiful day for a launch. True, at the very last minute we had to postpone a day, for technical reasons. But we didn’t see that as an omen, just prudent management of the process. It’s clear, warm and serene, and we’re surrounded by very supportive family and friends. What more could we want, apart from a boat that floats? And float she did, nearly perfectly on her lines. A bit heavy on the starboard side because of the fit out, and a bit light in the bow. But I always suspected that would be the way. Easily fixed.

Yamoya was named during the Keel Laying Ceremony, so that she would have an identity during the build. At the launch we officially gave her name to her, with this short naming ceremony.

In the name of all who may sail aboard this vessel, may the winds grant us permission to use their might powers in the pursuit of our endeavours, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of their breath.
To the sea and all that moves in its waves, we offer thanks for the protection you give vessels and ask that you protect this vessel, allowing it to find shelter from tempest and storm, and enjoy safe passage to port.
Let it be known, that on this day this fine vessel is named Yamoya. May she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her.