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THE GORGEOUS GOZZARD—A YACHT, NOT A CARRION EATER...continued |
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In the end the skipper opted for a tow to an anchorage on the south side of Great Keppel Island, to shelter from the north wind. The rescue boat would have to come back for them when conditions eased. It wasn’t a good solution because a southerly change was forecast, leaving the yacht potentially perilously exposed on a lee shore. Not fun. We can imagine the stress levels the owners must have been under. |
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We ended up staying in the marina for ten days, partly due to the weather conditions and partly due to how much we were enjoying ourselves, meeting lots of fellow yachties and doing a bit of walking. |
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Whilst wandering down our marina finger we noticed a gorgeous American yacht being polished up by the owners. We introduced ourselves and said, “This must be a Gozzard 44.” Randall and Sherry, the owners of Procyon, were amazed. “Nobody has recognized our yacht since we left USA five years ago! How come you know?” I explained that at one stage we planned to fly to USA, buy a yacht there, then sail it back to Australia. |
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Consequently I had spent three months researching virtually every decent cruising yacht manufactured in America and Canada. We commented on how beautiful she was. Randall said, “Yes, but you should see the inside.” So we did. All we can say is, “Wow!!”
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Left: convertible main saloon. The two couches swing together to make a double berth. Behind the three cupboards at the end is a large hanging locker for clothes, with a light that comes on when you open the doors. |
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Left: Leanne, Randall and Sherry inside Procyon. The U-shaped aft-facing galley is the best configuration we’ve ever seen for use in rough conditions. Note the Corian benchtops. Forward is a cute dinette for two. Behind Leanne is the toilet and shower compartment. Behind Randall is the Gozzard signature convertible saloon/main dining/double berth. |
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Below: his & hers lounge chairs. A fill-in piece blocks off the window opening into the galley when using the forward cabin for sleeping rather than as a dining/lounge area. |