"A labor of love always pays off"
— Scott Belsky
AT A GLANCE
Estimated costs?
To date, current owner has invested ~$175K+ into the boat to address arrested decay over the past 6 years. For a complete restoration (to operate as a nonprofit), M/V Tautira will need approximately $1.75M for a full rebuild, more accurate assessment once boat is hauled and examined stem-to-stern by accredited marine surveyor (SAMS) and naval engineer; the vessel will likely be disassembled intentionally down to her framing to ensure safe & sound material throughout.
Current stage?
Completed haul out in 2021 to address major structural updates (see details of the work completed as highlighted in Wooden Boat Magazine). It is estimated to take a cumulative 2 years minimum in a high-functioning boatyard through multiple prioritization stages once full restoration is financed; 15% needed upfront to begin (covers initial project kickoff costs).
The Board may decide to undergo a US Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI) upon completion, in order to minimize inherent risk and liability associated with taking immunocompromised persons out on the water in a rather unconventional, outpatient setting (which is predicted to equate to an additional 10-20% of overall cost to the project).
Who did your first donation come from?
When you own a classic wooden yacht, its an extremely rare privilege to meet the daughter of the original owner. After speaking on the phone a handful of times, thanks to a lead from a film noir and wooden boat loving friend of mine, Belinda Vidor Holiday and our Founder finally got to share a hug at her peaceful home in Carmel. At 92 years old (born the same year M/V TAUTIRA was built), she shared stories of fishing over the rails with her sister when she was 8 years old, and taking trips to Catalina Island. She was so lovely and inquisitive, our Founder shared recent photos of the boat - formerly known to her and her father King as RUNAWAY.
She insisted de Remer come back the following afternoon to chat further. Much to her surprise, she handed our Founder an envelope upon arrival, who opened it somewhat reluctantly only to find cash. Our Founder attempted to return the envelope, explaining she really didn’t want her money, that merely sharing stories and being fortunate enough to meet one another was gift enough, but she interrupted and said, “I know my dear but you’ll do better with it than I will, and I want to support you…my father would be just tickled at what you’re trying to do.” Thanking her profusely, de Remer looked again to find her gift: $1,000 - Tautira Foundation's first official donation, from the boat's original owner.
$175K Invested
to Date
Maritime Trade Advisors
Holden Crane
Holden is a Bay Area boat builder who trained at The Arques School of Traditional Boatbuilding in Sausalito and later created North Bay Boat Works alongside partners Anton Hottner and Jody Boyle. Holden specializes in structural repairs using traditional methods and has supported M/V TAUTIRA's restoration efforts in countless ways over the last six years by providing high-level advice and helpful direction to keep her afloat.
Leigh O'Connor
Originally from the east coast, Leigh is a experienced boat builder and former instructor at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding whose wood and metal work experience spans both home and boat craftsmanship as the owner of Irondale Woodworks. Leigh traveled to Sausalito for a detailed in-person consultation regarding M/V TAUTIRA's current condition as someone with PNW knowledge regarding the vessel's original design.
Pete Stein
Pete is the co-owner of the new Boat Shop Cooperative, a "shared services" business of independents within the maritime trades in the Port of Port Townsend.
Pete has worked on numerous wooden boat restoration projects as an accomplished shipwright and woodworker, including the Albert Strange cutter, Tally Ho. Pete provided a detailed ballpark estimate for M/V TAUTIRA's upcoming rebuild.
