IRResistible is now ours, and the work begins…
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. (Kenneth Grahame)
During the transfer of Costa Rica from Tahiti to Fiji, I had a few moments in the evenings when the big boat was sailing into fantastic sunsets in the South Sea. Sitting on the foredeck of the big boat, away from the busy and sometimes hectic activities of sailing, fishing, repairing stuff, planning for the next land fall and preparing meals I meditated on what to do in retirement. One thing became crystal clear, I am too young to say good bye to the sea and to boats. I heard from P. that IRResistable, a 36ft S&S is going to be put on the market any time soon. A 36 ft monohull, on top of that a racing cruiser, sounded like a good idea. So one day when we had starling, I reluctantly used it and texted P. ” Is IRResistible still for sale?” The response was, she still was. I indicated that if she would not be gone by after our trip, I would come to have a look at her.
Months later, after we had returned from our Europe trip, Mavic and I went to Puerto Galera to have a look at the boat. We test sailed it. It looked and felt OK, but was way beyond my budget. In particular since she needs to go in the dry dock for new anti fouling, replacing anodes, etc. She also needs some work on fixing some leaks on the deck and the electrical system need to be totally re-built because a lightning struck the boat and damaged it.
More thoughts, inquiries at boatyards about haul out and anti fouling cost, compilation of a renovation budget, and discussions with many boaties, followed. Cost of antifouling quoted by boatyards are outrageous. I got quotes up to more than US$ 8,000, even with free haul out, just for material and works. Learning about this follow-up cost, P. made me a very good offer, way below his initial price idea.
With heavy heart I then put Magayon II up for sale. Luckily there were two adventurers, who contacted me immediately, an American and a Swiss, with base in Negros, who were looking at a boat at the time. One of this moments where things just come together at the right time. We were able to sell Magayon II and hand her over to the two guys who will make good use of her. Still very sad to let her go. Whenever I pass over the bridge close to Watercraft and and I look right into the marina I am missing the little mast of her.
After consulting several friends about what they would do, it took me two long nights and a few glasses of premium single malt whiskey, to decide on the next steps. The next day I texted P. that we are going to buy IRResistible.
Several days and many money transfers through different channels later, we are now the new owners of IRResistible.
The next thing is getting her into the shape that we expert her to be in. And then we have sailing plans. Starting with the PGYC All Souls Regatta 2025, sailing to Pandan Island on Christmas / New Year, Visayas in May next year, and many more.
I start this blog so that you can follow our progress. And hopefully visit us for a sail on IRResistible very soon.