” Hallberg Rassy Rasmus is a very well-known brand all around the world, the old Hallberg Rassy boats are made strong, l chose it because of the protected cockpit and long keel, that was my criteria. l wanted a safe and strong boat, to sail far.”
Snowbird, Hallberg-Rassy 35’
Interview with the Captain – John Pirvics
About Sailing
Who introduced you to boating/sailing?
It happend in 2012 when my car broke and l try to fix it on the street, when suddenly one elderly lady came to me and offer help me with some tools. Long story short, after that we become friends and she introduces me to the sailing community, l find out that she been sailing around the world and built her own boat to do that.
Where have you sailed to, and what was your longest trip so far?
My longest trip was nonstop 300 nm From Stockholm to Riga, however, l have been sailing more than 3000 nm in together.
Any notable memories/stories from your sailing adventures?
There are many stories, we were sailing about 15kn of wind in the Baltic Sea, when suddenly from nowhere the wind starts blowing around 50kn. We got smashed down and the mast was underwater, also sails were full of water pushing us down, but we manage to lose the sails and eventually everything turned out good in the end. The funniest thing was that the wind stop blowing after 20min.
Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc)?
The paper maps and sextant, l believe every true sailor has to know how to use it, and not depend only on your electronics.
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy this model/make?
Hallberg Rassy Rasmus is a very well-known brand all around the world, the old Hallberg Rassy boats are made strong, l chose it because of the protected cockpit and long keel, that was my criteria. l wanted a safe and strong boat, to sail far.
What boats have you previously owned?
I have owned a 28-foot Swedish manufacturing boat called Fingal 28. Also, long keel with solid hull.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Cockpit, aft cabin, very strongly made with strong hull, and are very well balanced. It’s made for Bluewater sailing, and it’s the first boat ever to invent the sprayhood.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
l have done many improvements on almost everything you can imagine, which is all documented on my YouTube Channel ‘‘Cold North Adventures”.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Probably the water tank and one mistake of mine. However my biggest challenge is still yet to come, as I will set sail all around the world!
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Hallberg-Rassy like yours?
Yes, if you want, then go and just do it!
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Related to the Winter and to be free, that’s as far as I know. I haven’t changed the name of the boat, so it’s the original from 1974.
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Snowbird!
