One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure
William Feather
Well, it has been a rocky start in our yacht owning journey to say the least. We came to Turkey at the beginning of February 2020 pre-Covid 19. We did everything right in that we went through a reputable yacht broker, discussed boat history in depth with the owner, looked over maintenance and upkeep records, hauled out, engaged a yacht surveyor, checked over what we could see ourselves…and we were ready to move onboard and sail off into the sunset. That didn’t quite go according to plan! We had been living onboard in the marina for 2 weeks, gently going over all the electronics, making lists of changes we wanted to make, getting stuck into the normal upkeep that a steel yacht entails, one of those being some minor rust work on deck. Just little patches that water had crept into and needed attention before becoming a bigger problem. I set to chipping away the layers of paint, and scraping away the rust ready for a coat of rust convertor, undercoat, filler and then paint to completly secure the sites. The chap went to investigate the battery compartments and bilges. He had noted some ‘what looked like’ surface rust on his cursory pre-purchase look over. I was happily working on deck in the late winter sun when I heard a few expletives from below. The chap came up on deck and said stop what you are doing we need to prepare her for an urgent haul out! What!!! Turns out things aren’t always as they seem! We found we had a false floor that was holding the batteries up and below this was about 2 years of water that had been left to sit and slowly do its damage. We initially found a pin hole leak…this was just the beginning. I tried very hard not to panic, my mind was envisaging being at the bottom of the marina by morning, turns out a pin hole leak could take weeks if not months to do some serious flooding. No chance of that happening, we were off to the marina office arranging a haul out as soon as possible.
It turned out this discovery was the just the tip of the iceberg; we required 400kgs of steel plating on the hull, a new prop shaft, replacement fuel tank, engine haul out, anchor locker refit and a new fridge/freezer system. Don’t forget the sandblasting, undercoat, paint and anti-foul to boot. All and all about 18months of our predicted budget has been eaten up by our beautiful boat. We have been blessed however, in that our marine engineer who has been project managing for us has been exemplary. Totally professional, empathetic to our situation and went above and beyond our expectations. Even as much as going to the Provincial Governor with photos of our boat and explaining the situation to have permission granted for his team to work through lock-down periods – all this without us knowing, just to get the job done.
Rust damage 
Chipped out rust 
Looking into the main salon of the boat 
Panels of rust 
Starboard side 
Diesel tank needed replacing 
And the work begins…
That was four and a half months ago. We have lived out of our suitcases in hotels, an apartment and with some wonderful friends in Kas for a few weeks. There have been some pretty tough times, not helped at all by the Covid 19 pandemic, no option to return home, being in a foreign country with limited local language and a never ending list of repairs that needed to be completed on our ‘dream boat’ to make her sea worthy. There were a few tears, I won’t lie. And maybe a few frustrations and meltdowns on my part too…my heart was breaking for the chap who has had this dream his entire life and he had researched and planned meticulously. He just wanted his boat sorted so he could travel and sail, we didn’t think it was too much to ask. On the up side we have met some amazingly kind people, seen a lot of the local area, learnt about the history and customs and become completely immersed in the local community. We even gained our Turkish Residency! As for the chap and I, we have managed to come through this challenging time stronger than ever, with a new found respect for finding the humour in most situations and looking forward to finally realising the dream.
While we were locked down in our apartment we did a radio interview with a station back home in New Zealand. Lots of fun to do – hope you enjoy it.
We decided to rename our beautiful yacht, Tea Chest. We wanted her to be completely ours, and felt this was a positive move forward and a fresh start. Tea Chest went back into the water two weeks ago to have a pressure test to ensure the welding sites were secure. Once that was completed they started putting the insides back together, electrical wiring, plumbing and carpentry. We were set for a sea trial date. It was a very exciting day, not only were we able to take her out and test the engine we were able to take her out of the marina! With the chap and I we had 7 of the boatyard team with us for the sea trial, engineers, mechanics, the Meister and our project manager. It was the perfect sea trial, calm waters, light winds and a very happy group of people who had worked so hard to get us to this point. The chap took Tea Chest out into the Mediterranean and she performed perfectly. The pull to keep going was a big one, but we turned her a round and brought her, and the team back into the marina for a few more days of internal refitting.
Finally the day had arrived, we were able to move back onboard. She was ours again to make our own and continue what we had started. We have spent the past few weeks cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, unpacking our suitcases (hopefully for the last time), sorting and stowing. There have been a few tweaks along the way, having hot and cold water running from all three points (galley and both heads), connecting the air-conditioning up (a must when inside can hit 40deg), and our new fridge/freezer unit being installed. While all this has been happening the chap has been clearing the deck, sorting ropes, sails, checking bilges, and going through the endless supply of ‘spares’. He has had a grin like a Cheshire Cat and the old sparkle back in his eyes since being back on the boat. I am so proud of how much junk and rubbish has been discarded, well over a tonne! We have donated excess equipment to some local friends and will sell some of the bigger yacht equipment that is surplus to requirements. This part has been a great cleansing process for us both, making Tea Chest our own.
What did we learn? That things aren’t always as they seem and sadly people aren’t as honest and trustworthy as we would like to think they are. I have always held some values very highly; integrity and honesty are two of them…we have learnt to be more cautious, take our time and ask a lot more questions. It hasn’t ruined our plans, it has just made us more wary and our new motto is “Everything is an experience.”
What next for us? Well we are loving life back onboard Tea Chest. We are aiming for a day trip or two next week around the local area and then we will make plans to start sailing/bay hopping along the west coast of Turkey and head up to the Black Sea. Can’t wait to see some new sights, feel the fresh sea air around us and make the most of every opportunity.
Please don’t let this deter you from following your dreams, just be cautious and go in with eyes wide open.
Fair winds my friends and happy tea drinking.
New shaft 
Loving our new name ♥ 
Sailing in 2020
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The Tea Chest Blog 
Awesome work you two.
Enjoy your travels
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Thank you – positive thoughts from here on in ♥
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Fair winds Tea Chest and crew
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Thank you ☕⛵💙
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Justine I’m happy for the improvements but sad as to why you needed them. Life is always two steps forward and three steps back (give or take a few steps either way). I hope the joy for the rest of this adventure is multiplied for you both.
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Thank you, we are very pleased with where we are at now and positive vibes moving forwards ♥
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Fair winds Tea Chest and crew
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So sorry to hear about your troubles. Glad you are now able to head of on your adventure!
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One thing I’ve always admired about the both of you, always looking towards the positive. I’ve seen the pair of you go through some tough times on your own, together you guys can be summed up in one word…formidable. Best of luck on your journey
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Awww thanks so much Higgy, we are looking forward to getting out on the water and chasing the sun amd adventures. Thanks for popping into the Tea Chest Blog, great to have you here x
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Just catching up on your life in and on the ocean waves. Wow! Am in awe! Well done both of you. Really admire how you’ve just knuckled down and sorted it out ..where others would’ve just cracked! What amazing resilience! Hope it’s smooth sailing from here on in! 😁🐠🦈🏖🏝🌞
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That’s so kind of you Chris, just glad to be out on the water again and feeling safe now she is seaworthy ⛵
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Well done to both of you and Tea Chest looks absolutely beautiful after all the work. I couldn’t imagine either of you backing off from this dream, it shows share determination, regardless of cost, time and even heart break to achieve this. Happy sailing…
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Thanks my lovely friend, it has definitely been a bit of a journey but we are determined to see our plans through.
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There’s definitely a lot of romanticization behind owning a boat–sorry to hear that there was so much to take care of, but I’m glad it’s going well now! She’s beautiful! :]
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Thank you so much, it definitely is becoming more of a romantic journey now
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I saw “tiny pin-sized hole” and literally gasped out loud just now. I love that you’re telling the “real story” so other people know that the process isn’t just buying a boat and sailing away happily. There is a lot that goes into it and I see that now! Good luck with everything!
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Yes I fully understand that feeling hahhaha ⛵ we are looking forward to getting out on the water that’s for sure
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Beautiful boat! I am so happy you all are able to enjoy it again!
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Fair winds & happy sailing. So true that people are not always as honest as we would like them to be. I think you have dealt with it all in a very positive way.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, definitely have to look for the positives ⛵
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Oh, what a journey for both of you. I had no idea of all of the hiccups along the way. What a relief now that you can look back and see how far you’ve come, amongst a pandemic as well and so pleased you have had a professional team to get all of the work completed. I’m so excited for both of you to have a dream come true. Xx
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Thanks Jacqui, we didn’t tell anyone just wanted to work through it and get it sorted. Think we both felt quite deflated and a little embarrassed that this had happened to us. Thanks for your kind wishes.
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No need to be embarrassed. Its the sellet that should be embarrassed. Xx you did it all though and go have fun.
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❤️❤️❤️
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It must have been a great trip, hope you enjoyed!!!👍🏾
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We are still in Turkey at this stage, definitely an interesting time to be overseas this year.
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What an adventure, all on dry land. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
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We can’t either ⛵🌏
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Glad you are back on board. There is just no way anyone could have predicted COVID19 and how it is changing the world. I think your motto is great. Life is a journey which means twists and turns we could never predict. Enjoy and to the next stage of the journey.
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Cheers to that 🥂 definitely a journey, challenge and an adventure all rolled into one.
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Great blog Justine. You have certainly been thrown a few curve balls in your adventure so far but as usual you have a positive attitude. May you and Chuck have your sailing dreams fulfilled soon.
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Thank you, we are determined not to let this deter us from our adventure. Live and learn and onward we go ⛵🌍
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Justine, I really love this post. You took me through all of the heartache and excitement that you seemed to have gone through. You know, it never fails that things never work out the way we ever want, but only the way that they are supposed to. Now you and your Chap can continue on your journey feeling proud and “safe” while aboard Tea Chest! Safe travels, my friend. I cannot wait to read about your next adventure.
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It made for a wonderful read. You have captured the most intricate of emotions and framed them beautifully! It’s encapsulating, intriguing, exciting and yet so powerful. Loads of best wishes to you and your chap to make this adventure the sweetest. It was heartbreaking to see the photos of the damages but there’s always light at the end of the road and trials and tribulations are a part of it. All the very best to your future adventures❤❤❤
Bon voyage!
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Thank you so much for your beautiful words and wishes Talat. I very much appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. We are very much looking forward to setting sail and taking Tea Chest on some wonderful adventures.
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It is nice to see your boat done so well in the end. It is sad to hear about all those “discoveries” and lockdown issues but at least you found them before you set sail. I agree people can be dishonest but as they say, the world will conspire to make it happen for you.
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Dear Justine and Chuck,
While we were witnessing all the hardship and challenges you guys faced so graciously and courageously our hearts ached secretly. Reading about the anguish of those months which finally brought the happy finale we were all hoping for you makes us at last breathe in relief and smile.
We are so proud of you and feel so very privileged to have met two of the most tenacious and noble people ever. Your story and your inordinate gift for positivism will inspire many to take the leap and pursue their dreams over land and sea:)
Fair winds and following seas dear friends. We certainly look forward to meeting again soon.
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Thank you so much Feride for your lovely message. We will forever be grateful for our chance encounter and ensuing friendship. This year has certainly been a challenging one for everyone and we count our blessings that we have been so fortunate in so many ways. Can’t wait to see you again ⛵
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Love the new name
On Tue, 28 Jul 2020, 10:30 pm The Tea Chest Blog, wrote:
> The Tea Chest Blog posted: ” One way to get the most out of life is to > look upon it as an adventureWilliam Feather Well, it has been a rocky start > in our yacht owning journey to say the least. We came to Turkey at the > beginning of February 2020 pre-Covid 19. We did everything rig” >
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Thank you ☕⛵
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What an emotional rollercoaster! And at the worst time. I’m so glad it has a happy ending in several different ways. Your boat looks beautiful, I’ll be watching our for her in every harbour I visit now. Xx
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Yes it has been a roller-coaster indeed. Onwards and upwards, we hope to get some sailing in and start what we originally planned.
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How you can keep calm like that and deal with your boat damaged so well. Fortunately, you’re okay. This incident will be a lesson for me to maintain my boat. Your boat looks like a brand new now. Good luck
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Awww yes maintenance is key with boats. What kind of boat do you have? Tea Chest is definitely like a brand new boat now. Fair winds
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Hi there, this blog is art!!
I’ve worked with the “chap”, and chatting to him recently led me here. I really like the effort put into the blog you have, however, just some feedback, as I presume your audience is varied in age & therefor eyesight abilities. With this in mind, the font colour makes reading extremely difficult, especially where the font is overlayed on the leaf background… I don’t want to be a “humbug”, just want to enjoy the read for all its worth.
Many thanks for your effort
Best
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Thanks so much for your feedback, I have been playing around with the platform recently and was hoping for some feedback on the font and background. Appreciate your input, thanks for taking the time to message me. Where have you worked with the chap?
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I wish for karma for some people (person who sold you the boat). Life is a journey and experiences. The best like you said is to learn from them and move forward. What is in the past hopefully we have learnt from and shouldn’t be reliving and reliving. New year. New chapter. Go.
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I’m glad you had some professional to sail you through this, Justine. Life does throw surprises.
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