MYSTIQUE Arrives

On 25 October our preloved yacht was towed up from Queenscliff to RYCV, Williamstown. "Mystique" is a Holland 25 with a broad beam to give it stability and interior room. Built by Doug Sharpin around 1980, its vital statistics are:
Length: 25' (7.62m)
LWL: 20'3" (6.17m)
Beam: 10' (3.04m)
Draft: 5' (1.52m)
Displacement: 3500lb (1590kg)
Ballast: 1650lb (750kg)

OK, so it is not the best hull to modify in theory, but in practice it is the best our budget would allow for and as we plan to quite savagely modify the deck it would be a pity to chop up a more expensive hull. If we need to drill holes to test an idea - holes will be drilled and filled as needed till we develop new modifications. When the jig-saw attacks the deck, we will not hesitate to be 'cruel to be kind' and achieve our aims of suiting a seated sailor. A lot of planning will go into changes but it is a development platform first and foremost.

It is missing its mast and has minor damage to the safety posts from when it was dismasted but apart from looking its age at 27 years old, it should be a good basis to test our design concepts of creatiing a yacht suitable for wheelchair users to sail.

On 26 October, after a pressure wash of the deck the hull was lifted from the water and also given a wash to show an attractive, beamy but "soup bowl" shape hull in quite reasonable condition with no major problems visible at this stage. With about a lot of grime removed from the deck and hull, it looked a lot more presentable and the list started, regarding what needs to be done functionally and aesthetically.

Inside is old but with "potential" as the timber work has had a bit too much sun and years without being looked after as well as itcould have been. However, of all the Hollands we have seen, including a lot on the web, the original timber work was very well done with well trimmed oval door through the bulkhead, and well built timber cupboards. Time and a fair bit of work by Moira, my wife and business partner, and tradespeople will change the interior and Moira's tallents as an interior designer will bring it up 'ship shape'.

We are very excited about our new project and plans for our yacht sailing on Port Phillip Bay. With a new mast, possibly more lead on the keel, we will develop plans for many further changes once we determine how she sails and motors.