Bought Our First Timeless Watercraft: A Detailed Account of the Acquisition Process
Investing in a Classic Motor Yacht: A Couple's Retirement Adventure
Retirement doesn't necessarily mean a life of leisure for some. For Rob and Shona Adams, the march of time signalled a new chapter filled with adventure and seafaring dreams.
April may traditionally be known as the cruellest month, but for Rob, it's March that bears the brunt of his restlessness. Every year, his mind wanders, and this year, the mad project was to purchase a classic motor yacht.
His journey begins with Bill Tillman, a renowned explorer, who served as skipper during a sailing trip in 1977. The sea and adventure had left an indelible mark, and even after four decades and retirement, the allure remained.
With a bit of savings and an undimmed love for the sea, Rob commenced his search for the perfect vessel. The criteria were twin engines, liveaboard comfort, and seaworthiness. The project had Rob's long-suffering wife, Shona, on board too, and the dogs remained oblivious to the impending change.
Months later, Rob found a promising candidate in Norfolk, but he faced a daunting challenge - a £30,000 hull and deck repair estimate for a vessel asking £15,000. Undeterred, he altered his search parameters and uncovered what would eventually become Silver Bird in Fort William, Scotland.
Upon seeing Silver Bird, it was love at first sight. Built in 1938 by James Silver and designed by John Bain, the yacht boasted pitch pine on oak frames with a luxurious interior. After a sea trial and negotiations, Rob and Shona made plans to bring the vintage yacht south.
The journey, however, was far from ordinary. Silver Bird had a unique history, having been commandeered during World War II and returning to her owner after the war. As custodians of this piece of history, Rob and Shona navigated the Scotland to Solent route with the utmost respect for Silver Bird's lineage.
The voyage was not without challenges. They faced a diesel bug issue that required engine maintenance, but their determination never wavered. With every problem tackled and every milestone achieved, Rob and Shona grew more attached to their vintage motor yacht.
Now moored in Mylor, Cornwall, Silver Bird stands alongside her sister ship, Silver Crescent. The couple has transformed their retirement into a nautical adventure, cherishing every moment aboard their prized acquisition.
Those who question their decision to undertake such a journey might be reminded of the wisdom in the quote, "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." For Rob and Shona, the allure of the sea - and the adventure that comes with it - was far more enticing than the safety of retirement.
- The classic motor yacht, their prized acquisition, adds a touch of luxury to their retirement lifestyle, as Rob and Shona cruises on the deck of Silver Bird.
- Fashion-and-beauty magazines might find inspiration in the couple's chic modernization of their vintage yacht's interior, revamped to accommodate their home-and-garden sensibilities.
- As they sail past general news headlines, Rob and Shona's adventure aboard Silver Bird embodies the spirit of sports – fueled by competition against nature's unpredictable waves and the will to overcome obstacles.
- Food-and-drink enthusiasts may follow the couple's journey for culinary inspiration, as they explore local flavors and dishes in the ports they visit during their travel across the British Isles.
- On Silver Bird's flybridge, the couple hosts gatherings and parties, embracing the marine community that they have now become a part of.
- For Rob and Shona, the unique speed and design of their yacht transcends thetypical picture of retirement, instead embodies the spirit of adventure and daring.
- While others may find peace in the quiet constraints of retirement, Rob and Shona prove that the thrill of discovery and the call of the sea can make for a captivating and unforgettable chapter in one's life.
- Rob and Shona's yachting adventure offers an alternative vision for retirement, encouraging others to embrace the speed, design, and lifestyle offered by sailing on a classic motor yacht.
