This month we launch a new feature. Whether you own a houseboat, trawler or yacht, we want to get the scoop on watercrafts that call the Cove home.
For April we talk to Cassie Donnahee and Brett Williams about their 11-year-old, 38-foot (45 feet overall), custom-built Buehler cutter rig sailboat called Arahura, moored at Seycove Marina.
What special features does it have?
Self-steering auto helm (custom designed and built). Roller furling on the head sail. Wooden mast and boom.
The boat was built by Brett’s dad by hand, what’s that story?
This is the third boat that he has built. The first two he bought pre-made hulls for and built them from that, but this one was built completely from the ground up. He started building it in his driveway on the Sunshine Coast (Gibsons) in 2001 and it was ready to go and put in the water in 2006. The ballast in the keel is made up of lead coins and spare metal car parts while the hull was constructed with reused wood from an old train bridge.
How long has it been moored in Deep Cove?
We were gifted the boat from Brett’s dad three years ago and moved it from Gibsons to Deep Cove.
What’s your favourite area to explore in it?
We love taking it up the Indian Arm as well as anchoring near Twin Island so we can swim over and hang out during hot, sunny afternoons. We have yet to venture out very far with it, but are hoping to take it to the Gulf Islands this summer, as well as participate for our second year in the race around Bowen Island.
Any cool stories about adventuring in the boat?
A couple of summers ago, we motored out with some friends to watch the fireworks in English Bay, but on our way back we ran into engine troubles as we came through the Second Narrows under the Iron Workers bridge. The head cracked on our engine and steam was billowing out of the cabin! We ended up having to call the Coast Guard to come to our rescue and tow us to Cates Park. It was a little stressful at the time, but a funny story to look back on.
What’s your dream day on the boat?
One day we would like to take it down the California coast to the Baja in Mexico. So I guess our dream day would be sailing wing on wing towards Mexico in warm waters with dolphins swimming all around.
How often do you go out in it?
During the spring and summer months, we usually go out once to twice a week. Our crew is always changing. Sometimes Brett’s two older sons join us, most times it’s a motley crew of friends, and other times it’s just the two of us. We also like to bring our two dogs with us sometimes as they both love sailing.
When and why did you start boating?
Brett started sailing with his family when he was about 10 years old and I started sailing when I was about 19 and living in New Brunswick. I would go with a friend whose parents had a boat on the coast there. We both started boating because we have a love of being on the water and especially the ocean. Sailing is our way of winding down and relaxing and just getting away from the craziness that life can sometimes bring.
