Personal stories

Looking for THE boat

Oana22
Choose the boat. Winner: Cloudy Bay in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote
Choose the boat. Winner: Cloudy Bay in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote
Choose the boat. Winner: Cloudy Bay, love at first sight
Malo 46 Shona convinced us on the traditional style
Malo 46 Shona convinced us on the traditional style

Research and more research in order to choose THE boat … Forums, boats reviews, statistics, boat data… you name it, we read them all! And when we could read no more, we listed the finalists, booked appointments with the brokers, made elaborate travel arrangements, and off we went.

Some may say it was the trip from hell, but for us it was so worth it. 3 countries, 9 flights, 1 train and 4 rental cars, to find the yacht of our dreams.

Oyster 56 in Ipswich; Malo 46 in Jersey; Hallberg Rassy 54 in Lanzarote; North Wind 58 and HR 48 in Spain; NW 58 and HR 54 in Italy… decisions, decisions…

We found our yacht in Lanzarote, and it was love at first sight… Meet Cloudy Bay, Hallberg-Rassy 54, our future floating home!

Why Hallberg-Rassy?

Glen has dreamed of a Hallberg-Rassy since his 20’s. In the early stages of our search, it wasn’t the brand that was high on our agenda , because when I first saw the HR55 at Dusseldorf Boat Show, I found it very dark and heavy, too traditional. Later on, during the research to choose the boat, we have seen many modern looking boats, but for some reason we couldn’t land on a favorite model. In Leamington we happened to come across a spectacular Malo 46, and the second I stepped inside, I knew that was the interior look I wanted in our future yacht… only bigger. That feeling sent us back to Hallberg-Rassy 53-54.

We definitely wanted one level throughout the boat, after seeing a couple of Discovery 58 and Oysters 48-56 which had quite a few steps inside. Then it was the care shown by the manufacturer in the making of the boat. Hallberg-Rassy have all the cupboards lined with wood, practical chart table, the walk-in engine room was a must for Glen. And in every Hallberg-Rassy we saw, we could feel the love of the owners for their boats, as they were all impeccably kept.

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22 comments

Lars Daugaard Larsen July 14, 2018 - 9:11 am
Dear Oana & Glenn, It’s true adventure and such inspiring to follow your sailings. Keep safe and thank you for sharing moments of your wonderful journey. Best regards Dorte & Lars Farum Denmark
Oana January 6, 2019 - 9:46 pm
Lars and Dorte, sorry we missed your comment somehow. So glad you enjoy our adventures with us. Its so rewarding to know we can give pleasure like this to others while we are enjoying the adventure ourselves. Thanks for the nice comment.
Geo September 24, 2018 - 9:57 am
Why not the amel 55 ? Why the change of heart
Oana September 28, 2018 - 2:25 am
Hi George, we decided for an HR54 because we liked the layout, overall appearance, and technical specs and the engine room. To begin with we were very tempted by the Amel 55, because we saw it brand new at the boat show. What we didn't really liked about it then was the hard top cockpit, small galley and other minor appearance aspects. As with everything, it is down to personal preferences. Amel 55 are beautiful boats, very solid, and have a great reputation. And during our sailing trips over the last 2 years we have seen quite a few of them.
Sandy January 3, 2019 - 12:12 pm
Love sailing with you two, and Cloudy Bay is a beautiful ride, but please tell us a bit more about yourselves, your professional backgrounds, how you met, how did you manage to retire so young and still afford the yachting dream life ? We are all curious yellow !
Oana January 6, 2019 - 9:58 pm
Hi Sandy. Well in a nutshell, we both worked for an International oilfield services company called Schlumberger that assigned us all over the world. I started as an engineer then ended up in senior management. Oana was in finance, then marketing. We met when I was on an assignment in Romania nearly 10 years ago and we married in 2015. We lived in Dubai for 4 years then the oil industry took a major hit and I was offered early retirement after 31 years with the company, end of 2015. The package paid for 1/2 the boat and also my pension after all those years was reasonable. We really dont own much else other than Cloudy. We do have an apartment in Bucharest that we call home and a motorbike called Horris the hog! There are lots of people out there that are doing the same thing. Mostly older than us and many even younger. Most had it as a dream and then made it happen financially, by hook or by crook! Sadly we also see many people who leave it too late and health issues cut their adventure short, or it never even gets off the ground before they are grounded themselves. That is sad to see and hear. It might also have been our case if I had not been offered early retirement. When working you always think "just one more year" "just one more investment" ... "I dont quite have enough money yet" etc. I'd probably still be saying this and still working. They one day your drop. then its too late!
Vadim February 4, 2019 - 10:40 am
Dear Glenn, thanks for sharing your thoughts regarding "boat search" challenge. It really helps as I am in the same situation curently. I have visited BOOT 2019 and was very impressed by new Amel 50 and almost decided to send down payment to Amel yard. However, I came across your nice videos and impressed by HR 54 as well. So now I have a dilemma: new Amel 50 VS used HR 54 (2012). They are about the same money and both are amazing. I would appreciate if you can make some recomenditions. Thanks.
Oana February 6, 2019 - 12:47 pm
You know, we almost did the same 3 years ago ..... almost made a downpayment on an AMEL 55 we saw that BOOT! But after more searching and seeing the Amel in the water we were not so keen and ended up wanting to see more "wood" in our boat. We feel that "IKEA" look will age quicker than the more traditional look of an HR. The other factor is resale valve. HRs will hold their price, infact i if we sold Cloudy Bay now we would make money even considering all we have spent on her. But if the 2012 HR54 is the same price as a new AMEL50 I think the HR maybe over priced. Just remember one very important thing with a new boat ... you will spend likely 20-30% more than the price by the time you have all the things you need to actually cruise .. like dinghy, outboard, fishing gear, downwindsails, EPIRBs, hand held radios, flares etc etc ... the list is huge. A used (but fairly new) boat will likely have all that in the price.
Ruka and Roberta March 5, 2019 - 11:07 am
Hi Glen and Oana. Of all the youtube blogs about sailing yours is the best. We love to see your good humour and simpathy. It is also incredible the care you have with your boat. We would like to ask you some questions if you would care to answer them. How much do you spend in maintenance per year? And how do you handle seasikness? Do you know Benetau 57? What do you think about it? Wish you all the best and good winds. Ruka and Roberta from Portugal
Larry and Pam Wagner April 8, 2019 - 11:17 pm
Wow we're just now where you guys were a few years ago. We have been unbelievably inspired by your adventure. The search for our boat is getting close to the end. We're down to the hylas 54 or the Hallberg Rassy 54. We kind of like the Tazewell 49 but they're getting a little long in the tooth now. We're in our seventies but we're both in excellent health. Look forward to seeing you guys out there
Glen April 9, 2019 - 9:34 pm
Nice to hear. Where are you starting out from?
Marcio April 19, 2020 - 12:21 am
Hello Glen and Oana: While we wait for the borders reopen here in San Blas I have plenty of time to read about boats. Although we are a catamaran family now, we came from monohulls and I'm a big fan of the Swedish boats. Just by my side here at the anchorage, there is a beautiful HR 53. Reading your blog I was curious about your comments when you said that the 53 ” Its probably an even better Ocean boat than Cloudy. Why do you say this? Isn't the 54 a more modern design with a faster hull? Fair winds: Marcio Machemer SV Biguá
Glen April 20, 2020 - 2:00 pm
Good question Mario. Yes, the 54 is a faster more modern design than the 53. And the newer HRs like the 55 and 57 even more so. But in doing this, HR are gradually watering down the solid heavy displacement brand that is soooo good for safe Ocean sailing. For instance, with the newer yachts they have twin rudders, not protected from debris impact like the single rudder, much less internal stowage, smaller engine room and a big wide stern. All good for HR's yacht sales, but ..... Comparing the 53 and 54 the differences are more subtle. The 53 has a narrower stern which is better to direction keeping. It also has a 3/4 skeg hung balanced rudder (superbly strong) compared to the 54's blade rudder. And on the 53 the prop shaft is fully enclosed in the hull molding where as on the 54 it just exits the hull and supported by a standard P-bracket. The rig on the 53 is also much smaller that the 54 and I think more suited to Ocean cruising. The 54's extra mast height makes the boat look stunning and certainly very good in light winds .... but to be honest the rig is too big. I've not sailed in above 45kts yet but its one hell of a rig to have up there in storm conditions.
Per March 21, 2020 - 3:49 am
Hi Glen and Oana, we love your videos! We have followed many but no only Cloudy Bay and Ran sailing. We are also planing to sail away, for the moment we have a X50 but looking to change to a HR or Najad around 50 ft. D Have you have any other place to live or is this you home? What is you cost app/month to live a life like yours.
Glen March 21, 2020 - 1:20 pm
Hi Per. X-Yachts are beautiful sailing yachts. Great for racing. But yes, I'd prefer HR for cruising. I would suggest either a 48 or 54 if looking used market. new 57 looks nice, but is now missing lots of practical features that Cloudy Bay has (smaller engine room, significantly less stowage, swept-back rig, twin rudders ... the list goes on). If you want bigger than 50ft, and budget is tight, I would suggest HR53 is very good value for money in the HR used market. Its probably an even better Ocean boat than Cloudy. As for homes, we have 2: Cloudy and an apartment in Bucharest. Cost of running the apartment is only about $75 a month all included! Cost of living on Cloudy is MUCH more. Oana is ex-financial analyst so all costs are strictly accounted for! We have a few broad categories: Basic needs (things that we would spend money on whether on Cloudy or at home .... food, medical, eating out, family gifts etc); Travel (anything travel related off the boat, flights, hire cars etc); Apartment (obvious); and the big one, Cloudy Bay. In this last category we put anything and everything related to living on and running the boat (fuel, insurance, maintenance, customs fees, Communication (including cell phone packages) mooring & marinas, parts, service, new purchases etc). This category averages US$4800 a month. Overall we spend about US$9000 a month. But we know people who do it much cheaper but we are not sure how they do. I mean, I do all the maintenance myself, we dont eat out too much and we avoid marinas and moorings wherever possible. When actually cruising, our total monthly cost is around US$3-4000. But when in high maintenance and provisioning times (like Oct-Dec'19 in the USA) we are up to $12,000 per month. The trick is to stay at sea, away from marinas, Amazon and Marine shops!
JOHN April 29, 2020 - 8:03 am
Hi Glen and Oana Thanks for all your inspiring videos, photos and blogs. I'm looking to make the leap too but life is getting in the way. Did the Med in 2012, but found out I was with the wrong person so backed off. You are so right about health and time catching up on you, and a big round of applause for changing your lives. I'm also a HR fan and I note that you bought Cloudy Bay in 2016 when she was 8 years old. Do you think that is about the limit for buying pre-owned HR54s or is it entirely dependant on the condition of the individual boat? If so, it's a shame that HR stopped building HR's in 2012. I agree with your comments regarding twin rudders. Unfortunately, the new yacht market seems to be heading away from purist blue water cruisers, which in my view is a shame. Anyway, I am increasingly interested in an HR54 and any feedback you can provide would be very welcome. Cloudy Bay looks great. Stay safe and well.
Glen May 3, 2020 - 11:31 pm
John, Nice to hear from you. Yes, so glad we made the jump to this life when we did. So easy to hang on working saying just another year, just another year ..... We were not necessarily looking for a particular age yacht. We just loved the HR54 and at the time there were 2 very good ones on the market, both at a good price. FOr us it was all about the right yacht at the right price (we were limited on price). We could not afford an HR54 today! I would not say age is an issue with HRs. They are built to last and so much is retained from model to model. Even the new HR57 basically is the same boat to liveaboard as Cloudy. And an HR53 is very similar to Cloudy too. Whatever you buy you will likely want to personalise it. Thats what we did. Sailed for a season then gathered all we wanted improved on and change, then have a big refit. SHe came out looking like new and with features even HRs had not starting deploying yet! In fact I think they copied us on several .... like the anchor, Caframo fans, Li Batteries. Or maybe not! Actually, someone recently asked my opinion of HR ... and here is my answer. Maybe that will help you? "Wow, that is quite a question to answer! I've sailed all my life but this is the only real Ocean yacht I've owned, so my answer maybe a bit biased. Bottom line: I absolutely love pretty much everything about the design, layout and sailability - maybe even more than the latest HR designs. I NEVER have boat envy. Like EVER! First, layout: The aft cabin is fabulous. Only downside is the lapping on the stern, but that is the same for all aft cabin yachts. Aft heads very roomy and separate shower WITH A SEAT! Galley very practical and good at sea. Saloon comfy chairs are wonderful. Navstation is everything you could ever wish for with regards space and layout and document stowage. I love that the other double cabin is midships and they have removed any that usual corridor feel up forward. Its like a big ensuite up there, complete with childrens bedroom up forward. The bow cabin can sleep 2 but for us is perfect for stowage of fenders, spinnaker etc. The engine room is likely the best in class. Well laid out, walk-in and huge. Unfortunately HR are gradually reducing their engine room size in later designs. The whole interior is on one level, no steps anywhere- another marque of HR. this also means big deep bilges for extra stowage. In general the stowage throughout is marvelous. Both generous and also all lined with wood. Nothing ever touches the hull sides and there is very little "other gear" in the stowage. Oyster were terrible on this point - every locker we opened was partially occupied with other mechanical or electrical things. Outside: Cockpit is a bit small by modern standards but just fine for 2 or 4. And it feels super safe at sea and very cozy when the tent is up. I love only having 1 wheel. Really don't like all this twin wheel fad. That said, its not an easy cockpit to get in and out of. Not a aging person's yacht. Twin wheel and walk-out to the stern would have the advantage here. Sailability: I can truly sail this yacht by myself. The hydraulic furling and the way everything is set up perfectly for short handed. The rig is a bit big for a cruising yacht, but being a racing type guy I love it. She will do hull speed in just 10knt of wind. Downwind she rolls a lot, but what fin-keeled yachts doesn't? Upwind she doesn't slam at all and yet gives a pretty dry ride even in big seas. The cutter is great for upwind in strong winds - powerful and yet tender. Love the 10 tons of lead in the bulb. Well designed keel. Not so happy with my blade rudder - a bit vunerable compared to the older skeg hung balanced rudders - but still significantly safer than twin rudders which have zero (keel) protection from debris in the ocean waters. On stability in rough seas. She is excellent. I can tell you this: every boat I've been on before, the ground was still moving for a while when I got ashore. Same for Oana. With Cloudy Bay neither of us, nor anyone else who has sailed on her, has this effect. Even after 17 days rolling across the Atlantic! It must say something about her Rolls-Royce type motion at sea. Quality: Everything on the boat that is HR is top quality and superbly fitted. Each and every wire, cable, hose etc is labeled and there are wiring and layout diagrams for absolutely everything in the well documented manuals (6 volumes!!). And HR always er on the side of caution, making everything much stronger than needed. That said, there is a lot of gear on the boat that HR just fit (e.g Lewmar hatches, winches, Selden rig, watermaker etc) which you also find on most other yachts. These are the items I find fail most and nothing to do with the fault of HR's installation - which is generally faultless. We looked at countless other apparently quality yachts and very few compared well with HR. Malo was up there with HR, but their largest at 46ft was too small for us. Amel also excellent. But we didn't like their older designs and could not afford the newer models. Oyster - quite simply not good quality. Discover, OK but still not like the Scandinavian yachts. Hope that helps."
Robert Keys May 2, 2020 - 4:48 am
Hello Glen & Oana Another brand Sirius Yachts (German) 35 & 40 foot Deck Salon. Extremely well constructed yacht and very suitable for Ocean Going use. Glad to see you are keeping well and still enjoying grand Cayman. Take care., cheers, Robert
Glen May 3, 2020 - 11:32 pm
Robert, Yes, we did look as Sirius. But to meet our budget we had to look in the used boat market.
JOHN May 9, 2020 - 7:29 am
Glen Many thanks for your very detailed and considered reply. It is testament to the quality and design of the HR54 that you remain so satisfied and indeed enthused by Cloudy Bay some 4 years after you bought her, and after you have sailed her so extensively. There could be no better testimonial. The lockdown is preventing me from viewing yachts abroad at present, but I intend to start the process as soon as restrictions are lifted. I'm very grateful to you for taking the time and trouble to give me your input. I've spent quite a bit of time on Grand Cayman and Seven Mile Beach. The Sunday morning buffet brunches at the Western are legendary! Stay safe and well.
Des August 24, 2020 - 9:33 am
Hi Glen & Oana, just wanted to say we recently came across your YouTube channel and got hooked! It's like watching a box set on following your adventures across the seas. My wife and myself have fell in love with your boat Cloudy and how well maticuculas and clean it is or should i say she is? we would love to do what you doing, but neither me our my wife Julie have any experience of sea sailing, only from trips on small tourist boats and Cat's on holidays in Jamaica and the Red Sea. Speaking of Jamaica, we were thrilled to bits that you stopped in Ocho Rios and flew you drone over the hotel we got married back in 2007! The Moon Palace it is now called but back then it was the Jamaica Grande. We also watch the progress of another seafarer called Barry and his channel "Adventures Of An Old Sea Dog" on his small boat "White Shadow" he get's everywhere solo, sailed across the pacific to the Islands there after going through Panama, maybe you should give it a try? It would be great if you could cross paths a some point as you are very similar and we enjoy watching both your progress and journeys. We don't know how you both cope in high seas, I would be constantly worried something might happen out in the middle of nowhere! All I can say is keep up your dreams, stay safe and live life to the full as you are doing, and take care. Des & Julie
Glen September 3, 2020 - 3:11 am
Hi Des & Julie What a lovely long comment! So glad you enjoy riding along with us. Yes, I've watched a few of Barry's you tube episodes. Sailing solo would be interesting but somehow these (or any) adventures are just not the same for me unless shared with someone. And better still, someone you love. But thats also our challenge. Oana does get sea sick and also gets pretty fed up with boating life after a few months. So we compromise and come home regularly. If this is something you fancy doing yourselves then give it a go. Its really not rocket science. I would suggest starting on a flotilla charter holiday where you have your own boat and likely a skipper and you sail around with other similar boats and people. Its a great way to learn and fun when everybody gets together at one anchorage in the evening. Best place to try this is Croatia or the Ionian in Greece. And slightly off-season, like mid September. Yes, being out to sea is a bit daunting at first but like everything you get used to it. But you do need a keen sense of spotting issues before they get out of hand. Actually, I feel safer out at sea away from land than I do near to land. There is little to no shipping, no small boats, no fishing nets or floats and no land to hit. And everybody that far out to sea will always have AIS, so you can spot each other on the nav systems even before you can even see each other over the horizon. If you have a dream ... follow it! All the best and take care, Glen & Oana

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