Hello & Welcome to my site for "Michaila". I've set up this blog in the style of a website with different pages. To do this I've had to segregate the posts into different months so that I could have a start and finish with different sections of information. To navigate the site just click on the BLOG ARCHIVE drop-down box.
Although most information associated with "Michaila" can be found in this blog, I have also placed PDF documents & more photo's online. They can be found at the URL's below.
http://www.scribd.com/saxonpirate
http://s577.photobucket.com/albums/ss213/saxonpirate/
Such is life, nothing stays the same, situations and plans change. I've been of a mind for some time now to move back to France where I lived in the early nineties, and build myself an ECO home. I'm very excited about the new project, but unfortunately it means I'm going to have to let "Michaila" go. I won't have the time to sail and maintain her, and really couldn't stand the thought of her deteriorating in a boatyard somewhere. She's been my sailing companion and project for the past ten years. Over those years, a lot of time, love and money has been lavished on her, and I'd like nothing more than for her to find a good new owner and home. Whoever buy's her will be getting one hell of a good boat, that's for sure. You won't find many like this. If you are interested in knowing more contact me by email, and I'll respond to any questions you may have...
First35michaila@gmail.com
Layout & Owners Impression
I've enclosed some links on the sidebar regarding the original concept of the First 35, so I won't repeat that here. Only to say that at all times, and in all sorts of weather, I've found her to be an incredible sailing boat, and easily sailed short handed. I've sailed her single handed mostly, and never felt that it was bordering on hard work. She's incredibly stiff and stable and well able to stand up to her canvas. As good in light winds as heavy, and responsive on the helm. A little research on the web will soon bring up an abundance of satisfied owners and long passages made. Along with the First 30/32 and the First 35, Jean Berret's designs put Beneteau on the map amongst cruiser/racers of the time, and established the company in many ways. For a factory built boat, the early Beneteau's were very well put together, and the GRP lay-up was substantial.
She's a big 35' with an amazing amount of volume down below that is more than adequate for a family cruise/liveaboard, and the two double cabins aft are a real boon. With a good sea-manlike galley and an excellent navigation area, when you go down below you know you've stepped onto a real sailing boat as opposed to a caravan. As for the saloon, I've had eight people around the saloon table on occasions, so she'll stand populating. As I mentioned in my little bit of history in the sidebar about "Michaila," I've refitted her from stem to stern, and added/updated throughout the time I've owned her. Later in the blog I will give a rundown on the work carried out as-well as equipment listings and inventory. I've included lots of photo's because a picture tells a thousand words, and will be adding more as time goes on, along with useful links and other information.
She's a big 35' with an amazing amount of volume down below that is more than adequate for a family cruise/liveaboard, and the two double cabins aft are a real boon. With a good sea-manlike galley and an excellent navigation area, when you go down below you know you've stepped onto a real sailing boat as opposed to a caravan. As for the saloon, I've had eight people around the saloon table on occasions, so she'll stand populating. As I mentioned in my little bit of history in the sidebar about "Michaila," I've refitted her from stem to stern, and added/updated throughout the time I've owned her. Later in the blog I will give a rundown on the work carried out as-well as equipment listings and inventory. I've included lots of photo's because a picture tells a thousand words, and will be adding more as time goes on, along with useful links and other information.
Saloon
When I bought Michaila, all the bulkheads and headliners were teak faced ply. It felt incredibly dark and dreary down below, especially on a dull day. So I roller painted all the bulkheads off-white and applied foam backed vinyl to the saloon headliner. This liner was originally in two sections. I divided it into four and ran teak batons down the joints. The whole ambiance of the boat changed with the new look. She maintains her cosy feel because there's still a lot of teak on show, but lighter and more spacious too. Under the blue carpeting the cabin sole is 12mm Teak
& Holly Stripe Aqua Ply....SEE INSET.
Galley
The bottom galley photo shows the old cool-box lid still in place. I've since completely modified the box and lid, see first photo. I've decreased the size of the box (it was far too large) added 50mm insulation and built a new lid. It is now very efficient, both on battery usage and it's ability to stay chilled for longer.
Navigation Area
If there's one thing I really love about this boat it's the Nav Area. The table is full size with bags of chart stowage under the lid. All instruments are easy to get at and view, plus it's a comfortable and safe place to be in a seaway. Note { The Lowrance Plotter is linked to the Autohelm ST6000 head and the Nasa AIS unit, and the Garmin 128 GPS is linked to the VHF Radio for position read-outs.
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