Greetings to all –
Back in the saddle…Unlike our last posting to this blog, this entry has a good message!!
For quite a while I wasn’t certain that there would even be another posting to the ‘Grey Pearl’ Blog. The fire that destroyed our boat in Phuket, Thailand was a tragic loss for Braun & me.
However; after six months, lots of discussions and soul-searching we have found another boat that will get us back on the water. We are thrilled to have acquired a Nordhavn 64, hull# 3, named ‘Shearwater’ (formerly owned by Scott & Pam Marks). The Mark’s commissioned the boat in 2006 and, it was built in the Ta Shing Taiwanese boat yard – the same yard in which the ‘Grey Pearl’ was built. This is the boat factory to which the GSSR group made a memorable visit in July 2010.
The boat is a stout Nordhavn, ocean going expedition type. The interior is finished in a rich African cherry wood. She is well outfitted with the essentials for worldwide cruising with many extras.
For inquiring minds…
She’s 40% heavier than our late Nordhavn 62 and weighs in at nearly 100 tons
Detroit MTU main engine – 400 HP
Lugger wing engine – 130 HP
ABT Trac stabilizers
Two 25kW generators
Bow & stern thrusters
Stand up engine room!!!
These are just a few of the features that attracted us to the boat.
Proud Owners of a Nordhavn 64
We arrived in Morehead City, NC last Friday to take delivery of the boat, and set out over two days to arrive at Portsmouth, VA. We are headed for Annapolis, MD. and so far so good!
Capt. Braun navigating the Intercoastal waterway/ditch ~
We are in the process of getting familiar with the boat and stowing our gear aboard. Our hope is to do some cruising later this summer in New England…wonderful and familiar cruising grounds we haven’t experienced in awhile! What happens next…we’ll see… return to SE Asia and pick up where we left off..?? Maybe. We have the right boat for it…we know that for sure! So…stay tuned!
As far as the boat’s name…we seriously considered ‘Spirit of Grey Pearl’. However, it didn’t seem quite right for although we will never forget the wonderful boat we sadly lost we need a fresh start, thus…the new name – ‘Ocean Pearl’
.
Which reminds me of a conversation I had the other day with the Morehead City Yacht Basin dockmaster. I came in to settle up and let them know we were leaving very early the next day. He knew we were the “new owners” and he started drilling me with questions, “What do ya’ll think of the boat? What plans do ya’ll have for using the boat?” etc…I didn’t offer up too much other than we were very excited about it. His last comment to me, “Well..I read a lot of good reports about the Nordhavn 64 but, I’ll always love that 62”…all I could say was “me, too”.
Lastly, Braun & I want to thank so many of you for your heartfelt messages when we lost Grey Pearl. We were truly comforted by your kind thoughts and words –
It’s great to be back on the water!!!
Tina & Braun
Back in the saddle…Unlike our last posting to this blog, this entry has a good message!!
For quite a while I wasn’t certain that there would even be another posting to the ‘Grey Pearl’ Blog. The fire that destroyed our boat in Phuket, Thailand was a tragic loss for Braun & me.
However; after six months, lots of discussions and soul-searching we have found another boat that will get us back on the water. We are thrilled to have acquired a Nordhavn 64, hull# 3, named ‘Shearwater’ (formerly owned by Scott & Pam Marks). The Mark’s commissioned the boat in 2006 and, it was built in the Ta Shing Taiwanese boat yard – the same yard in which the ‘Grey Pearl’ was built. This is the boat factory to which the GSSR group made a memorable visit in July 2010.
The boat is a stout Nordhavn, ocean going expedition type. The interior is finished in a rich African cherry wood. She is well outfitted with the essentials for worldwide cruising with many extras.
For inquiring minds…
She’s 40% heavier than our late Nordhavn 62 and weighs in at nearly 100 tons
Detroit MTU main engine – 400 HP
Lugger wing engine – 130 HP
ABT Trac stabilizers
Two 25kW generators
Bow & stern thrusters
Stand up engine room!!!
These are just a few of the features that attracted us to the boat.
 |
We arrived in Morehead City, NC last Friday to take delivery of the boat, and set out over two days to arrive at Portsmouth, VA. We are headed for Annapolis, MD. and so far so good!
 |
We are in the process of getting familiar with the boat and stowing our gear aboard. Our hope is to do some cruising later this summer in New England…wonderful and familiar cruising grounds we haven’t experienced in awhile! What happens next…we’ll see… return to SE Asia and pick up where we left off..?? Maybe. We have the right boat for it…we know that for sure! So…stay tuned!
As far as the boat’s name…we seriously considered ‘Spirit of Grey Pearl’. However, it didn’t seem quite right for although we will never forget the wonderful boat we sadly lost we need a fresh start, thus…the new name – ‘Ocean Pearl’
.
Which reminds me of a conversation I had the other day with the Morehead City Yacht Basin dockmaster. I came in to settle up and let them know we were leaving very early the next day. He knew we were the “new owners” and he started drilling me with questions, “What do ya’ll think of the boat? What plans do ya’ll have for using the boat?” etc…I didn’t offer up too much other than we were very excited about it. His last comment to me, “Well..I read a lot of good reports about the Nordhavn 64 but, I’ll always love that 62”…all I could say was “me, too”.
Lastly, Braun & I want to thank so many of you for your heartfelt messages when we lost Grey Pearl. We were truly comforted by your kind thoughts and words –
It’s great to be back on the water!!!
Tina & Braun
Congratulations!!! May she give you years of trouble free, safe cruising!!
Good for you. I’m glad you’re “back in the saddle” so to speak.
I’ve had to give up my dream of a Norhavn and cruising the world thanks to a recent bout with cancer. I won that thank god. Now I have to live vicariously through you, so go and have great adventures and keep blogging.
Good things happen to good people. Wishing you the sailors wind, safe and
happy sails.
Randy
Awesome, congratulations!
Such great news – congratulations.
Ann & Steve Merriman
Royal Victoria Yacht Club
I was thinking “Daughter of Pearl.” Just kidding. T&B, this is wonderful news. You have buoyed the hearts of fans around the globe. We knew you would. We just got “back on the water” on the Viola Jean, and even if it’s just cruising the upper Potomac, we know that karma-transforming feeling. We just brought her here from Kent Narrows. We’d love to see the Ocean Pearl while she’s in Annapolis. Again, congratulations!
My heartfelt congratulations to you both. Shearwater was, honestly, the boat I thought of for you two back when you probably weren’t yet thinking about the next boat. She’s a beauty and will no doubt do you both proud given her prior owners meticulous care. Good to have you back!
I cannot tell you how happy I am for the both of you. I know it was very hard to loose a close friend (Gray Pearl) who always took good care of you. I am very excited to see that you will be underway once again. I hope that you will post when you arrive in New England, as I would love to take a picture of you and “Ocean Pearl.” Blessings on your future adventures.
All the best from all of us over at NordhavnDreamers. Happy days.
So, when are you scheduled to arrive in Annapolis? Would love to come aboard briefly, just to drool on all the varnished woodwork! If a visit is convenient for you, pls advise. Many thanx in advance.
Mike.. i am also here in Portsmouth and i must have missed her. Real shame!!!! I am so glad to hear yall are back on the water..
Don’t suppose you guys will be stopping in Baltimore. I’am an avid follower of the Nordhavn Dreamers web site. So glad to see you back on the water after the tragic loss of Grey Pearl! Have a wonder trip. Albin 36 Loretta Jean Tele 410-687-6847.
Tina and Braun… I echo the congratulations and excitement at seeing the two of you find your home on the water! Ocean Pearl is a beauty and, no doubt, will open up the world to you (and us) once again. Thanks for feeding my dream (I’m a realistic “Dreamer”) of embracing the lifestyle—in style—in a Nordhavn!
I’m in Annapolis as well. If you need anything, just give a shout and I’m happy to help. You can always reach me through our website under “Contact Us” http://www.embracetheangel.com I’d post my phone number but the “bots” might find me.
Patti DiMiceli
Congratulation on the continuation of your delayed dream.
Good Morning,
I have been following your story on line (from your blog and the dreamers group) for some time and was very sadden when I heard about the former Pearl’s demises. It was a 62 that came through Norfolk that made me fall in love with the Nordhaven in the first place. I am happy to hear that your back on the water with a new boat and look forward to hearing about your travels. I have to admit that hearing that y’all were in the area I had to come by and walk the marina just to take a look. Nice upgrade. Never seeing a 64 in person (only photos online), she is absolutely gorgeous. Welcome to the Portsmouth area and I wish you fair seas.
SUBJECT: Re: ‘Ocean Pearl’…As far as stories go…this is a good one!
Hi Tina and Braun, Congadulation on your new adventure. You guys rock. The boat sounds incredible. Wishing you guys many great and wonderful experiences on the beautiful Ocean Pearl. All is good on this front. Building a restaurant in Berkeley that has me extremely busy. Careful what you wish for.I hope to get back to Maine in August and do a little sailing, chillin with Mom. Loved reading your email about the new boat and am excited about the emails to come. I’ll have to check in in August and see where you got your nose pointed. Good luck on your new travels. Happy cruising. Diamond Jim Jim Keenan
James Keenan Construction LLC
P.O.Box 15904
San Francisco, CA 94115
jameskeenanconstruction@y…
Office: (415) 771-0520
Mobile: (415) 305-5771
From: “tina@p…”
To: Grey Pearl
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 7:14 PM
Subject: ‘Ocean Pearl’…As far as stories go…this is a good one!
Greetings to all –
Back in the saddle…Unlike our last posting to this blog, this entry has a good message!! For quite a while I wasn’t certain that there would even be another posting to the ‘Grey Pearl’ Blog. The fire that destroyed our boat in Phuket, Thailand was a tragic loss for Braun & me.
However; after six months, lots of discussions and soul-searching we have found another boat that will get us back on the water. We are thrilled to have acquired a Nordhavn 64, hull# 3, named ‘Shearwater’ (formerly owned by Scott & Pam Marks). The Mark’s commissioned the boat in 2006 and, it was built in the Ta Shing Taiwanese boat yard – the same yard in which the ‘Grey Pearl’ was built. This is the boat factory to which the GSSR group made a memorable visit in July 2010.
The boat is a stout Nordhavn, ocean going expedition type. The interior is finished in a rich African cherry wood. She is well outfitted with the essentials for worldwide cruising with many extras.
For inquiring minds…
She’s 40% heavier than our late Nordhavn 62 and weighs in at nearly 100 tons
Detroit MTU main engine – 400 HP
Lugger wing engine – 130 HP
ABT Trac stabilizers
Two 25kW generators
Bow & stern thrusters
Stand up engine room!!!
These are just a few of the features that attracted us to the boat.
Proud Owners of a Nordhavn 64
We arrived in Morehead City, NC last Friday to take delivery of the boat, and set out over two days to arrive at Portsmouth, VA. We are headed for Annapolis, MD. and so far so good!
Capt. Braun navigating the Intercoastal waterway/ditch
We are in the process of getting familiar with the boat and stowing our gear aboard. Our hope is to do some cruising later this summer in New England…wonderful and familiar cruising grounds we haven’t experienced in awhile! What happens next…we’ll see… return to SE Asia and pick up where we left off..?? Maybe. We have the right boat for it…we know that for sure! So…stay tuned!
As far as the boat’s name…we seriously considered ‘Spirit of Grey Pearl’. However, it didn’t seem quite right for although we will never forget the wonderful boat we sadly lost we need a fresh start, thus…the new name – ‘Ocean Pearl’.
Which reminds me of a conversation I had the other day with the Morehead City Yacht Basin dockmaster. I came in to settle up and let them know we were leaving very early the next day. He knew we were the “new owners” and he started drilling me with questions, “What do ya’ll think of the boat? What plans do ya’ll have for using the boat?” etc…I didn’t offer up too much other than we were very excited about it. His last comment to me, “Well..I read a lot of good reports about the Nordhavn 64 but, I’ll always love that 62”…all I could say was “me, too”.
Lastly, Braun & I want to thank so many of you for your heartfelt messages when we lost Grey Pearl. We were truly comforted by your kind thoughts and words –
It’s great to be back on the water!!!
Tina & Braun
You can access the blog entry here.
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“…And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by”
Nice artical
I noticed that you formally owned a N62: I am 5′-11″ tall and was a concerned about getting around the engine room; can’t seem to find a published headroom dimension anywhere; can you share some on-hands experience, I would greatly appreciate it?
Thanks so much,
Stan & Bonnie
Greetings,
My name is Scott Egerer, and I wanted to say hello and wish you safe sailing on Ocean Pearl. I have a special fondness for the former SHEARWATER, as I captained her for 16 months during 2007 and 2009.
If I can ever help with anything, just let me know………
Best,
Scott
Hi Braun and Tina, Had lunch with Mike B. last week and he filled me in on the demise of the Grey Pearl and the rise of the Ocean Pearl. We were just down in Eluthera (fighting the sand fleas). Doing lots of sailing out here in the PNW.
Warm regards,
Hi and thank you for a great blog!
I´m considering buying a Nordhavn for extensive cruising. I would be very grateful to could get your opinion on a couple questions:
1. How does a N64 compare to a N62 when surfing on big waves coming from behind? The N62 has a more rounded aft and should theoretically track more true and move calmer.
2. Are you happy with with the MTU and the stabilizers? Maintenance needs and reliability.
3. If you where to order a new N64, would you consider any changes in the specification?
4. Have you done any modifications since you bought the yacht?
5. If the unthinkable happens with another fire, would you go for a N64 again or would you consider another yacht?
Your yacht and your adventures seem amazing – all the luck and fun!
Best regards,
Lars