EHYC Boat-of-the-Month

May 2007

“Double Haven"

Owned by Mark & Sandra Leese

What better way to open boating season than feature the yacht of Commodore Mark and Sandra Leese.  This Flagship of the Eagle Harbor Yacht Club Fleet is a very special vessel.  Named for a Hong Kong bay of fond memories, she is a Blue Funnel 43 Trawler.  Double Haven is the Leese’s first powerboat after a series of six sailboats. 

Completed in 2004, Double Haven is powered with a 220 hp diesel engine, and boasts a 5kw generator and bow thruster. With a cruising speed of 9 knots, she carries 400 gallons of fuel and 200 gallons of water.

Commodore Mark in his magnificently crafted gig with Admiral Sandra’s vessel in the background!

Much of Mark’s career was at sea with the famed British Blue Funnel Line (a ‘funnel’ is a stack, for you non-Brits). When Mark and Sandy commissioned the building of their trawler they embarked on a difficult journey with an unprincipled builder.  But eventually, they completed this marvelous craft, together with sister trawler Sea Venture, with the same craft persons at a different yard.  Not anxious to give the convicted builder (Mark can tell you all about it) any credit, the name for these two vessels became "Blue Funnel 43's" – - - both are in our Club.

Here is a wheelhouse to help Mark evoke memories of his seafaring days.

Or, Double Haven can be piloted from the upper helm – watch out for that sandbar, Mark!   No worry – we were safely tied to the dock.

Double Haven has a spacious cabin – note the large galley with breakfast bar.  The curtain on the right can be drawn to enclose the aft portion of the cabin for overnight guests. With a very large salon, Double Haven is the perfect gathering spot for any club cruise.  Wheel house is in the background.

The spacious galley includes a good sized refrigerator and separate freezer – ready for that long voyage.  Also note the four burner stove and oven.

The salon, showing a convertible settee and folding hi-lo table.

With her dinghy safely hoisted aboard,  Double Haven is ready for sea duty.

Double Haven-- anxiously awaiting her next cruising opportunity.

It’s not a long walk for Mark and Sandy from house to boat.