top of page
HOME SWEET HOME
We had different requirements for a boat that would serve as our home for several years. We started with a list of priorities. The top priority was safety. In our opinion, this includes a center cockpit, but also a robust construction and a seaworthy design. We looked at various sailing yachts online and also on site. There were several options available, but they were either too expensive for our budget, not equipped to our liking, or had already found a new owner.
Finally Nina has her, a Hallberg-Rassy 43 from 2004, found on a rather poorly designed website in Turkey, where she slept her sleeping beauty. Since Nina was still working, Michael flew alone to Turkey for a visit and a test strike in Turgutreis, about 20 km from Bodrum. The price was fixed during the test shot and discussed with Nina via Facetime in the evening. The following day, the purchase was sealed with a handshake and the draft contract was drawn up. In autumn 2021 we both flew to Turkey to attend the examination on land and at sea by an independent expert. We received the expertise four weeks later. Conclusion: a safe boat with good substance, but also needs to catch up in terms of systems, sails, etc.
We had her completely renovated over four months. Replaced all fresh water hoses and sea valves (bronze), outdated pumps and plumbing systems. Splashed out on a beautiful new (and affordable, as it was made in Turkey) teak deck for her as well as a new lazy bag, bimini and sprayhood. We are also proud of the solid steel tube railing, which provides a much better hold. We commissioned three new sails (main, genoa, kutter) made from cloth that is stable and bulletproof for long journeys which were designed and made perfectly byUllman Sailsin Izmir. For the mainsail we used a slabreef that can be set and reefed from the cockpit. Equipped with four reefs, there is no need for a try sail. We consciously decided not to use an in-mast furling mainsail for safety reasons. The new granny bars (masthead supports) also give the person at the mast more safety and are worth their weight in gold. The same should be said to the foldable mast steps.
A new windlass and 80 meter stainless steel chain secure our home now at anchor together with the existing Ultra Marine Anchor. We can get even more security by bringing out a stern anchor (Bruce) with a 50 m line.
The genoa furling system received electric helpers from Selden, as well as the mast winch and three winches in the cockpit. However, these can still be operated manually using conventional winch handles. We continue to set the cutter (second headsail) by hand using a line drum. It is important to us that, if we should ever have a power failure, we are still able to set and recover sail. SERENDIPITY IV also received a new rig from Selden and new Dyneema lines (halyards and sheets).
The solar panels on the arch were upgraded and have an output of 700 watts now. The no longer existing wind generator (Silentwind) has been replaced. A hydro generator (watt&sea) already existed. With these three renewable energy sources we can live self-sufficiently and charge our AGM batteries. We also use a FischerPanda generator on passages if necessary. The electronics were completely renewed, the cables were examined for corrosion, the plotter, radio system and radar were replaced and the watermaker was overhauled.
In addition to a thorough cleaning, we also had the sofa cushions reupholstered and the carpet replaced. The almost twenty-year-old mattresses in the two cabins were also replaced with new, ergonomic ones. Nina sewed new curtains for all hatches and new cockpit cushions. Last but not least, we have equipped our galley with a new gas stove with three burners and an oven with grill function.
With all these renovations and our personal belongings, SERENDIPITY IV gradually became our home. Since June 2022, when we began our journey in Turkey, we have already sailed several thousands of nautical miles and have been able to strengthen our trust and our bond with SERENDIPITY IV. We see ourselves as a team of three and feel safe and secure.
bottom of page