May 2, 2009. Steve Sommerville checked in with the news that he is the new owner of Festina Lente. Falcon 24's are down under cousins of the Dolphin 24. To find out more about these boats click here.

We first heard of this particular boat when Stefan Sebrechts in Auckland (Whistler) sent in some photos of Falcon 24's he had collected. Here is Festina Lente.

Here is Steve Somerville's check in email

Hi Ron

While wandering around the net, I found the photos (on your site) and listings of my precious Festina Lente.

Here’s my story.

I found her in an old listing of Trade & Exchange, back in 2007. I saw the ad once and jotted down details never found it again. Even the owner was very surprised when I rang up. He had taken the listing off along time before that.

Found in Stillwater, Auckland up the river.  Went to see her, she was a mess. Outboard tilted up leaning over, the turning pivot seized. The chain plate deck plates were leaking. The bulkhead swollen and fuzzy around. Many, many nice sized Oysters lined her hull.  A quick scrape and antifoul.

A great, slow trip back to Whangarei. Trip ending in our bay with a large pod of Orca around the boat feeding on Stingray. Set off whole trip. Since then many a sail has being had, up to Bay of Islands. Around Hen & Chicks, etc. When, I had trouble with my marriage. I lived on board for 4 months (loved it).  I’m 6’3”. But all good, amazing how you adapt, and you learn where not to hit your head.

While surfing the galactic highway, I also found out that a couple owned her and lived on Festina for a long while. Cruising the coast however the head room did them in. As well as the running repairs I have changed some parts of the inside hope to have photos soon.

On telling a spiritual friend of ours, her words were. “That the two of us have  finally found each other”. I believe that, I listen to my girl and we talk. Many a time she gets cranky, and I abuse her. Sometimes she frustrates me, no doubt the same for her. However while she sits on the mooring, I will get the summons and yes there is something to be fixed or sorted. And no matter how long she is closed up, on opening her up she has this sweet smell, nothing on boat to produce it, I really love my girl but she is a bit small. Time when a bigger boat is needed is coming. Not looking forward to it?

Anyone reading this please check your chain plate bolts. While sailing I had visions of the Rig dropping off. (Not good) so never really pushed her. So imagine my surprise when with the rig off, I found the 8mm Stainless bolts that looked good on outside had crystallized and all but 2 broke winding them out.  (Thank you World). I now have 12mm bolts in them!

Hope to meet other owners. I can be contacted at svsomerville@xtra.co.nz

Many Thanks

Steve Somerville

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Stephan Sebrechts also sent in the following photos

Notice the cabin sole - every inch of headroom counts..

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November 26, 2011. We have not heard from Festina Lente in a while - Steve has been busy with other matters. Recently, sailing has been on his mind - here is his excerpted/edited email.

Hi Ron

Steve Somerville here from NZ. Back on the scene.  Have been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster - Realised I had “Marital Thrombosis” and cut the Thrombosis out of my life. My poor girl Festina Lente has being sitting languishing at our wharf at work. When my daughter left I lost my sailing buddy and have not had the same feeling toward it. I have now decided to pull my finger out of my butt and have brought Festina out of the water and she's on the hard, finally.

I am now planning a trip out to sea for a week. I mean out to sea, wanting to go out 200 ml and sit out there and contemplate for awhile. The little girl is an awesome yacht. She has sat waiting for me to sort my dodos out.  Staying totally dry. Cobwebs filling the bilge area. But she still has kept her sweet smell.

I see there seems to be a lot more boats on the list.

Must go - all the best

Steve

Take care out there, Steve. We are standing by....