I was a frequent visitor to the annual Southampton Boat Show, but this time something happened that would alter the course of our lives. It was a chance encounter, although I like to think that fate and destiny played their part.
"It was 2005"
At the 2005 Southampton Boat Show, I first set my eyes on the newly launched Sadler 290. Designed by the renown Stephen Jones and built at Ocean Quay in Southampton by Rampart Yachts, the boat was receiving rave reviews in the yachting press for its quality, sailing capability and tardis like accommodation. Actually, I didn't know any of this at the time; I just wandered down the pontoon and by sheer chance saw a Sadler sign in front of a boat. Knowing that Sadlers were a thing of the past, I was intrigued, so I stepped aboard to take a look.
Well, within minutes I was completely smitten. Without any hard sell from Leigh or Martin, the builders, I made my mind up there and then that this was the boat for us. Before I knew it, I'd paid a five hundred pound refundable deposit to secure a test sail in a few weeks time.
I was now contemplating a call to Nicki at home to explain my rash behaviour. The conversation started with "you'll never guess what I've just done". The reply was quick and sharp - "you better not have". She knew me only too well and immediately realised I wasn't fooling around. We agreed to talk when I got home.
Oh yes, there was plenty of talking done, not just later that day, but over the following weeks. We alternated between positive and negative points of view and sometimes things got a wee bit heated. Then Nicki did something truly remarkable; I came home from work one day during a particularly stressful time and over dinner she presented me with an envelope. A card inside read…..
Please buy your new boat because you deserve it - you've always worked hard to support us and make everything perfect - go get it and enjoy.
Talk about a much needed pick me up - that girl certainly knows how to make someone's day. I keep that card on the boat to this day.
Well, that ended the painful deliberations and the order was quickly confirmed. The building of hull number 26 started in late 2006 and after a number of exciting visits to the factory to drool over progress, the boat was delivered on 23rd March 2007, exactly as agreed. A few weeks prior to this the crunch moment came when we had to order the vinyl for the name.
"What to call her"
There's a tiny island near Malta called Comino, which you can only reach by boat. The stunning bay called The Blue Lagoon is a must see. We've got fond memories of day trips there over the past 30 years, whilst on holiday visiting friends. Nicki used to live in Malta - hence we know a lot of people.
In 1997 we did something that would literally change our lives. We sailed to Comino on our friends newly acquired yacht - the first time we'd ever been on a sailing boat. We anchored in The Blue Lagoon for a couple of days swimming, catching fish and marvelling at the spectacular views. The chilled white wine made the sunsets even more intoxicating - pun absolutely intended.
We often reflected on the significance of that trip to Comino and when the final moment came to name the boat, Comino was the natural choice.
SPECIFICATION
YRCD Catagory A - Ocean - rare in this size boat
Length - 9m - with modified bow to accommodate the Rocna
Beam - 3.28m
Draft - 1.30m
Berths - 6 - two double cabins and two saloon berths
Engine - YANMA 3YM30 - preferable to the 20HP standard
Keel - Twin Lead Antimony
Weight - 4822kg
Balast Ratio - 49%
Fuel Capacity - 60 ltr - 2 ltrs per hour @ 5 knts, range 150 NM
Water Capacity - 150 ltr
The mould.
We have a hull.
Deck moulding underway.
Internal fitting starts.
We have a name.
Just the mast now.
COMINO UPGRADES
Holding Tank and Pump Out System - Electric Windlass - Removable Teak Cockpit Table - Bimini and Full Cockpit Tent - 25 Kg Rocna Anchor - 50W Solar Panel - Sunbrella Hatch Covers - 50m Galvanised Anchor Chain - LED Light Bulbs - Shore Power and Battery Charger System - 3 Blade Feathering Brunton Autoprop - NAVTEX - Raymarine ST60 Instruments