While walking the docks with Chuck Gnaegy, Tom Serio and Loren Schweizer after a Dockwise press event a couple of weeks ago, I spotted "Plan B" taking on provisions at the 17th street, Ft. Laud Grande docks. I don't know much about the build, but I believe this is an ex-Aussie cutter, possibly Coast Guard, that was converted into a yacht. If any wisdom abounds, it would be interesting to learn more. This pic was taken from across the creek at the Pier 66; Pelican Bar, where the aforementioned (myself included) were playing hooky...
She was apparently built in Australia in '72 and then refitted in the US in 2006? Not much here though... http://web.mac.com/nus2/NUS/Portfolio_files/plan%20b.pdf The yacht is supposed to have a website but it apparently is not finished as yet.
Thanks Yachtluver. Nice boat! A serious look plus two tenders & jet skis too...well appointed. Makes you wonder what plan A was!
The story I heard is...... The boat was originally an Australian commercial vessel. Someone bought the boat and converted the interior in New Zealand years and years ago. Then an owner took the boat to Atlantic yacht basin in Jacksonville and that is where the heavy changes took place (super structure, aft deck, transom etc...). I heard it like it was an absolute fact....But I pass this on as no more than a good story to a pretty boat.
In July of 2003, we designed and fabricated the exhaust systems for both the mains and gensets for this boat. It was shipped to New Zealand under the name Flinders. I hope this helps in the mystery.
Given the historical significance of that name I'd have guessed she was in the RAN, but according to their site listing all former ships, there's no mention of a Flinders. A little more digging and I found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Flinders She was commissioned in 1973 and decommissioned in 1998.
Hi, This looks like it is the boat now called Plan B. I worked out who the owners are, -I very nearly became involved in their previous conversion project.
Yes, the original conversion of HMAS Flinders was ultimately completed in Whangarei, New Zealand and the (then) yacht maintained the name 'Flinders' for a period. You can see the look, as it was, on Specialtist Marine Interiors website - but that look was not that different to its current aspect nor many years ago really. The more recent refit is really tastefully done as well. As to military conversions surely the acknowledged example over time must be 'Christina O'.