Life's New Direction: Exchanging Daily Grind for Adventures on the Water
Patrick Parker embarks on a new journey with a custom-built Super Lauwersmeer Discovery 46
Boating has been a living passion for Patrick Parker and his wife, Dominique, who have decided to invest in their love for the water by owning their own yacht. After years of chartering boats and numerous holidays, they have taken the plunge and purchased Cuba Libre, a Super Lauwersmeer Discovery 46 built for their specific requirements.
A decade of water-borne memories
Boasting a successful career in the transportation sector, Parker and his family have put their hard-earned money towards indulging in the finer aspects of life. As their three children grew up, they became proud grandparents to two grandchildren and established a strong network of friends. The couple then chose to commit their post-retirement years to cherishing their shared love for boating.
The primary destination for their water-based adventures is Tholen, located about 40 minutes north of Antwerp. With its comfortable facilities, Tholen is an ideal spot for familial gatherings and serves as an excellent base for trips further afield.
From a motor yacht to a displacement model
The couple's initial plan was to acquire a planing motor yacht, but as they pursued their travel aspirations, they began considering fuel efficiency, stability, and the potential for longer trips. This led them to explore slower, displacement or semi-displacement models.
A series of boat shows and shipyard visits followed, culminating in the serendipitous discovery of two boats from Dutch shipyard, Super Lauwersmeer, on YouTube - the Porsche-inspired Pursuit of Happiness and the vibrant orange Yanos.
Designing their dream boat
Inspired by the distinctive exterior colors of Pursuit of Happiness and the inviting layout of the interior on Yanos, Parker and his wife scheduled a meeting with the yard's co-owner, Bastiaan Jousma, in Noardburgum, Friesland. After discussing their preferences, the couple decided to create a hybrid of both boats, combining the exterior colors of Pursuit of Happiness with the interior layout of Yanos.
Working closely with the shipyard, they customized their boat with additional features such as an enlarged bathroom, a long roof, a shortened swim platform, and lockable gates for their dog. Even the finer details, like black taps and dark windows, were addressed.
Construction and launch
In September 2022, Parker and his wife signed the contract for their custom-built boat and visited the shipyard in the Netherlands regularly to monitor the progress. The boat, which they named Cuba Libre, was launched in July 2024 and will cruise to Tholen from the HISWA boat show at Lelystad.
Insights and lessons
New features added during the construction process included a remote control for docking the yacht from the gangway and air conditioning for comfort. The boat was also fitted with a spud pole for hassle-free anchoring.
Throughout the duration of the construction, the shipyard kept Parker and his wife updated on the boat's progress with photo and video updates. They were always welcome to visit the yard, allowing them to make informed decisions and ensure their boat was being built to their exact specifications.
Now armed with their newly-built dream boat, Patrick Parker and his wife, Dominique, look forward to cruising in Norway, France, and Germany, and making memories aboard Cuba Libre.
- In pursuit of their love for boating and a desire for longer travels, the couple decided to invest in a slower, displacement or semi-displacement model, following years of chartering boats and holidays.
- The Super Lauwersmeer Discovery 46, dubbed Cuba Libre, was custom-built to meet their specific requirements, combining elements inspired by two boat models viewed on YouTube: Pursuit of Happiness and Yanos.
- The yacht's unique features include an enlarged bathroom, a long roof, a shortened swim platform, lockable gates for their dog, and even black taps and dark windows to match the exterior color inspired by Pursuit of Happiness.
- As their journey continues, Patrick Parker and his wife, Dominique, will cruise in their custom-designed luxury yacht, Cuba Libre, exploring Norway, France, and Germany, enriching their lifestyle and creating new home-and-garden and travel memories.
