I acquired Irena, 32ft junk schooner last season. She's a steel Tahitiana design built in the '80s, a wonderfully safe and sturdy seaboat that had circumnavigated under her previous owner, who sadly died after a long illness last autumn. Having met him with Irena in Brazil, I was sufficiently impressed with the boat to buy her sight unseen, 'as is where is', in Portugal.
On taking over, it was immediately clear that she had been neglected to the extent that nothing less than a complete strip out and refit would be needed. I spent a happy season living aboard and cruising the Algarve in her last year before hauling out in November to start work. I've now stripped her to a bare shell and cut out a few badly corroded sections of hull in readiness for replating.
I don't enjoy this kind of work and became disheartened at the prospect of spending a year or two on this project instead of sailing. After much soul searching, I've abandoned her and now own a Wylo 32 gaff cutter here in the UK.( I may convert her to junk rig in the future.) Meanwhile, I'll give Irena free to anyone who has the energy and resources to take her on. I may be able to arrange long term accommodation, storage and workshop facilities for her new owner. She is in a boatyard with water and electricity on hand and skilled labour on site. Storage charge is 5 Euro/day, payable from haulout date - 8/11/11.
If you are interested, please e mail me for fuller details: captainasmat@gmx.net