” My boat is very simple, handcrafted. On the other hand, it is very well equipped and comfortable for its size.”
Adhara, Praia 34’
Interview with the Captain – Jefferson Neitzke
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy this boat?
My grandfather and father were fishermen. So, despite not becoming a fisherman, since I was little, I wanted to have a boat. One day I found out that with a sailboat I could go farther for less. At least that’s what it should be. So, I started to study sailing ships. My first boat was a 23-foot monohull. But my daughter, who was 4 years old at the time, never liked the boat when tilted. So, the idea of the catamaran won me over.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Here in Brazil, we don’t have many options of sailboats to buy. Even less than sailing catamarans. The boat I chose was made in the north of the country, very close to the Amazon jungle, where the tidal range is about 6 meters per cycle. That’s why there are many catamarans there. My boat is very simple, handcrafted. On the other hand, it is very well equipped and comfortable for its size.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
I discovered the boat by searching the internet for 30-foot sailboats. I ordered its construction from the shipyard. At this time, I quit my job. I had been working with IT in the financial market for many years and I needed to change my life. So, I decided to work on building the boat. The imminent bankruptcy of the shipyard helped in this decision. I set up all the mechanics, electrical, hydraulics and electronics with my own hands. In a year and a half, the boat was ready.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
This boat has many improvements over the original model, all made during construction. It has 2 sterndrive Yanmar engines instead of a central outboard. It also has new entrances and higher headroom on the hulls, extended stern, larger and open center cabin, double berths on the stern, etc. There are still a few things missing like a command chair and a davit to raise the dinghy.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
I love my 65-liter Dometic refrigerator. It’s been on for 3 years! I also love the center cabin where people can socialize comfortably.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
As I wrote above, my family is comprised of fishermen. In the world of sailing, I started taking courses and joining a nautical club.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
No more.
What boats have you previously owned?
A 23-foot Monohull.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
Actually, I’m currently working with a boat charter. So, throughout the year, and especially in the summer, I’m sailing here in a region of the city, of Santos in Brazil.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Without a doubt, it’s cleaning the hull. Especially in the winter. Here we have mangrove waters that are very suitable for the growth of algae, barnacles and mussels. We need to clean the hull every 3 weeks, even with a good anti-fouling paint.
Do you have any notable boating resources you use?
I love the AIS Transponder (Raymarine AIS650).
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a boat like yours?
Yes! Buy a finished boat, not a promised boat.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Great question! I love astronomy. And I love my daughter Laura. Adhara is a binary star in the constellation Canis Majoris. This star was rising on the horizon at the exact moment my daughter was born.
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Adhara!
