Boat brings new lease on life
WHITSUNDAY Sailing Club (WSC) stalwart Chris Chengody has made sure local boat Sandpiper remains in Whitsunday waters, having bought the Swarbrick S11.1 from WSC buddy Colin Pruden.
Pruden owned the boat for about seven years, using it predominantly for racing having emptied the boat of heavy equipment to make it lighter and faster.
Chengody, who plans on using the boat for cruising and racing around the Whitsundays, has spent the last few weeks working on his new pride and joy, installing winches, water tanks, stoves and other equipment to make it more comfortable for overnight trips.
Having spent this past weekend out on the water, Chengody says the purchase of the boat, while keeping him very busy, has given him a new lease on life.
"I've really enjoyed the last few weeks getting to know the boat and getting out on the water again. It's all good fun," he said.
Pruden and his wife Kathryn Galloway said Sandpiper has been a great boat to play on in the Whitsundays.
The couple are happy she is staying in the Whitsundays and hope Chengody gets as much joy from her as they have over the years. They have bought a Bavaria 42 in Croatia and plan to pick it up in May.
But don't expect to see them on Whitsunday waters any time soon as they plan to take a couple of years sailing it back to Australia.
