Safety, Crew & History
SV Tropicbird
The only sailing charter boat permanently moored in Rarotonga's Avatiu harbour, 'Tropicbird' has been providing crewed charters for over ten years. She was recently rebranded and relaunched by her present owner under the Tropicbird banner with an extended range of cruising options.
Tropicbird is an Arthur Piver designed 'Lodestar' built in New Zealand. Arthur Piver was a pioneer of multihull sailing design, reputed to be the first to design a trimaran hull on aeronautical principals.
The yacht design was used in the famous OSTAR race in 1964 by Derek Kelsall and in 1969 a similar Piver design was used by two entrants in the Golden Globe solo non-stop round the world race which was eventually won by Sir Robin Knox Johnston. Tropicbird under her former guise as Tawahai has won her own races in New Zealand.
The trimaran is a true multihull classic and is being restored to her former glory by her present owner.
Safety and Crew
Safety and comfort is paramount on the trimaran ‘Tropicbird’ with two professionally qualified crew, radio, full safety gear and shade screens onboard. The trimaran, being a multi hulled boat, does not ‘lean over’ like monohull yachts and so offers an ideal steady platform from which to comfortably sail and explore the waters beyond the reef. We observe in-depth weather reports to ensure you enjoy a spectacular cruise.
Owner/Skipper Beth has a Commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Licence and has sailed extensively in the Pacific, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and in the colder waters of Southern England!
In addition Beth has extensive catering experience gained at sea aboard the tallships STS Soren Larsen, STS Eye of the Wind and aboard yacht deliveries.
First Mate is Numa Mackenzie, a Cook Islander who has recently decided to return to his homeland after living in Canada and who will be studying for his Boatmaster certificate in Rarotonga.
We trust you will have a fun and enjoyable time aboard and we endeavour to make your time as memorable as possible!