s/v Bella Star: April 2014

By Nicole and Aaron

After seven fantastic years together, it's time to say fair winds and following seas to our beloved Bella Star. Over the last three years, she's allowed us to visit some of the most beautiful places on the planet and meet some of the most wonderful and interesting people. We’re going to miss her for sure, but with any luck, she'll find new owners who will take her on exciting, new adventures. She's always wanted to visit Fiji!

It’s been an amazing, wild, gratifying, life-changing ride, and this, we’ve decided, is the ideal moment to step off. When we cut the dock lines that chilly April day in Seattle three years ago, we only had dreams of sailing to Mexico and the sunshine, but look how far we’ve come! Eleven countries, 15,000 nautical miles and countless incredible memories (plus a few terrifying ones).

Our goal was to cruise for 2–4 years, so we feel satisfied with what we’ve accomplished and grateful that we’ve been able to have this profound experience. If money were no object, we’d cruise until it wasn’t fun anymore. But financial realities can’t be ignored, and it’s time for us to get back to work – and to figure out a way to retire permanently!

A special thanks to our family, friends and everyone who followed along and supported us on this crazy journey. Your encouragement meant the world to us, and we’ll miss sharing our adventures with you. Until next time!

FOR SALE

1983 Hans Christian 33, Auckland, New Zealand – NZ$139,000 (all duty and taxes paid)

BELLA STAR is an outstanding example of the respected Hans Christian 33 cutter-rigged sailing yacht. Launched in 1983, this well-built double-ended cruising vessel radiates traditional beauty and charm and is turn-key ready to take you on any blue-water cruising adventure in safety and comfort. New electronics and navigation equipment 2012, premium offshore sails from Carol Hasse & Company 2011, and the rare, full-sized nav station layout are just a few of her impressive features. Comfortable liveaboard interior with spacious Pullman berth, separate shower stall and ample galley with accommodation for 4. Designed for offshore passagemaking with plentiful storage, seaworthy layout and solid, GRP construction. Vessel comes fully outfitted with cruising gear, making her the complete ocean-voyaging package. The current owners have completed their cruise, and now BELLA STAR is ready for her new adventures.

CONTACT: Howard Patterson at Gulf Group Marine Brokers
PHONE: 021 242 4446
Email: gulfharbour@gulfgroup.co.nz