The boat that wrote the book

by John Curnow on 31 Aug 2017 It is kind of akin to the little engine that could. There is always a way, after all. However, our particular story is that now is the time for your chance to own the boat that wrote the book. Well two of them actually, and they have both had a re-print, as well, so they’ve been pretty popular. No bookshelf and dust for these literary digests, for they are quite the cruising go to item…

One of the titles that we are talking about Ian and Andrea Treleaven’s, ‘Letters from the Med’, which is now out of stock after those two printings, but they have just got it up on iBook, with ‘Letters from the Caribbean' to be available there shortly. No doubt the hard copies will return again, sometime soon enough.

Yet it is not so much the books we are concerning ourselves with here, but rather it is all about Cape Finisterre, their Beneteau Oceanis 50, which is the very hull that got them everywhere they ever wanted to go. As such, this is not then the little white boat that could, but rather the grand white vessel that did! You can check out her listing (as in post, not heel) right here.

It was fantastic to speak with the Treleavens, as they enjoyed another season on ‘Cape Finisterre’, so named for the rocky coast on Spain’s West coast. What follows is a detailed account of their ideas, thoughts and inspirations for anyone else contemplating the big change. I am sure the eventual purchaser could even get a signed copy…

“Having ‘lived the dream’ on board our yachts for fifteen seasons, a combined total of 11 in the Med and four in the Caribbean, its time to sit back and reflect on our adventures, favourite places, the people we have met, and the many lessons we learnt. We have accomplished a great deal, and know about what was required, or needed to be procured on board, so as to make everything an enjoyable experience for all parties.”

“Our first advice to anyone wanting to undertake a similar life change, and to ensure your wife/partner continues sailing with you, is that it is vital to make the experience simple, uncomplicated, comfortable and safe. A few home comforts go a long way to achieving this.”

“After four seasons on our Beneteau Oceanis 473, we realised that it was important to be self sufficient, so as to avoid having to visit marinas regularly. To retro fit an existing yacht with essentials, such as a generator, water maker etc, is a very expensive exercise. So, on ordering our new Beneteau Oceanis 50, the second boat to take us on our travels, we ensured our required list was factory installed.”

“We wanted to be able to stay at anchor for at least two weeks at a time. To achieve this, we had the following factory installed; generator, water maker, air-conditioning, washing machine, larger house batteries and chargers. We later added an inverter to run appliances and tender davits to lift our large, rigid bottom inflatable tender with its 9.9hp outboard always fitted. The electric primary cockpit winches make this a simple manoeuvre.”

Always happy to chat and offer thoughts about places and equipment to have on board, the Treleavens commented, “Anyway, people always ask which are our favourite places that we have visited? It’s a very hard question to answer because every place, country or region has something different and special to offer in its own right.”

“The Mediterranean offers history, culture, food, a wonderful variety of wines, and great anchorages. However, wind in the right direction is often in short supply, resulting in a large percentage of time under motor. Our turbocharged, 110hp Yanmar engine comes into its own in these sorts of conditions.”

“The best cruising waters are Turkey and Croatia, with a sheltered bay for every wind condition. The best sailing in the Med is the Aegean in Greece, sailing beam on to the Meltemi through the Cyclades.”

“Visiting Venice, Istanbul, Valletta and Dubrovnik were also very special, with one highlight touring the canals of Venice, and the local produce markets in our tender, accepted and encouraged by the gondoliers and camera toting tourists.”

Indeed the Treleavens very quickly became known around the globe for not only the grade of the cuisine they enjoyed, but the way in which it was prepared and served, so as to keep the notion of simple and easy not ending up as boring and bland. “Local produce in the Med is seasonal, and we love shopping in the local fresh markets to try new flavours and finding tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes. Andrea has devoted herself to ensuring we had a true cultural experience in each location with local foods, wines and recipes.”

“On the other hand, the Caribbean is fantastic for sailing, plus the beautiful beach bars, great fish trolling and bountiful rum. Our favourite rums (we have become self proclaimed connoisseurs) are Ron Zarcapa from Guatemala when on the rocks, and Havana Club from Cuba for the best mojitos and daiquiris.”

“The best cruising in the Caribbean is Tobago Cays in the windward/leeward islands, the British Virgin Islands and Southern Cuba.”

“Sailing safely is very important. Andrea always studies the weather and makes the call on the best conditions before we depart on long passages. Read the weather at your destination to make sure it will be safe to anchor on arrival. For an overnight passage we always depart at a time to ensure we arrive during daylight hours, especially to a new destination.”

“We always hoist the main in the shelter of the bay, no matter the conditions, as once out in the open it is a lot harder to hoist when short handed. Andrea assumes the helm so that I can ready the boat, lift the anchor and hoist the sails. This stops a lot of discussion!! Shortening sail by reefing both main and headsail is important for comfortable sailing. Shortening sail does not mean less speed, a big heel does, and wife is not happy.”

“For our Atlantic crossing in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers there was strict compliance for safety, and this has since left us in good stead. We made some improvements that have also eased our cruiser since.”

“We are not on our own out here and daily we run into other like-minded cruisers and travellers, and have made lasting friendships, both cruisers and locals in the countries we have visited. We have enjoyed their company on board Finisterre, their boats, and in their homes ashore.”

“Another question we are often asked is how we did this? I respond it’s because I have a wife who wanted to do it. However, the time has come to sell Cape Finisterre, to change our tack, and take on another adventure.”

One of our achievements we are proud of is that during our travels Andrea has produced two successful books — “Letters from the Med” and “Letters from the Caribbean” which continue to assist others taking on the same adventure. The books are a blend of colour photographs, recipes using local produce, tips on regional sailing plus notes to simplify the everyday.
However, our greatest achievement is that we have gone everywhere we once dreamt of going, and managed every hurdle along the way together. It has been a happy yacht (even if not always sober).

As a final set of tips for those contemplating taking it on, the Treleavens note these learnings in particular:
1. Read the books, do your homework
2. Apart from the capital expenditure, it is not an expensive adventure
3. This life is healthy for mind, body and soul — it has kept us young.
4. I say to survive this adventure I am the Captain, and Andrea is the Admiral
5. Keep your sense of humour — the dork factor is universal

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