” No matter how big the seas we are beating into, she is quiet and solid down below.“
SV Triteria, Whitby 30’
Interview with the Captain – Sailor James
About Sailing
Who introduced you to boating/sailing?
I was introduced to sailing after being invited to be an Artist in Residence on the custom high latitudes sloop SY Selkie in the Orkney Islands of Northern Scotland. We spent 21 days exploring the Orkney Islands with its Neolithic ruins and ancient villages, sailed down the North Sea and transisited the Caledonian Canal which took us across the fabled Loch Ness. My life was forever changed when I stepped off the boat for the last time.
Where have you sailed to, and what was your longest trip so far?
I have sailed throughout the Orkney Islands. Made a passage from Puerto Rico to Bermuda to the Outer banks of North Carolina. I have traveled up and down the west coast of the United States numerous times delivering yachts from the Canadian Border to Mexican Border and have anchored in more than 25 anchorages in the Channel Island chain of Southern California. On a friend’s boat I have explored the Stockholm Archipelago and the incredible Åland Islands. Most recently I crossed the Pacific solo from Los Angeles to Honolulu, a passage of 2300 nm that took 32 days at sea due to total steering loss 1000 miles from Hawaii.
Any notable memories/stories from your sailing adventures?
To many to list but here are some glimpses
– Watching the ancient seaport of Stromness emerge from the thick fog on the Orkney mainland as our anchor chain rattled down. – 2014
– Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time on a yacht delivery after a long slow passage from San Diego. – 2015
– A midnight watch in the North Atlantic on my first ocean passage with the sky packed with stars and the silence of sailing. – 2016
– Sitting in the cockpit drinking coffee at sunrise on my first morning under anchor alone at Coches Prietos, Santa Cruz Island. – 2017
– Climbing on deck in the morning to discover fresh bread on the bow from the baker on the small island of Rödhamn in Åland. – 2018
– Crossing the bar into La Push, Washington with rocks and sea stacks to port and a beach covered with full size trees as driftwood to starboard. – 2019
– A double reefed mainsail and the port rail under water sailing hard towards the anchorage of Johnson’s Lee of Santa Rosa Island. – 2020
– Seeing my first Albatross in the North Pacific as he gracefully soared above the mast and looked down upon me. – 2021
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy this model/make?
When I was shopping from my “forever boat” I was only looking at full keel bluewater boats that were pre-1972. I did not want a cored boat and I wanted a strong, serious vessel that could take me anywhere. My 1965 Alberg 30 fits this description perfectly.
What boats have you previously owned?
SV Triteia is my first boat. I previously shared slip fees for use of a Crealock Designed 1969 Excalibur 26.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Full keel, solid like a tank. No matter how big the seas we are beating into, she is quiet and solid down below.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
I have done a complete refit with the most notable improvements being the custom hard dodger (best thing ever). A custom double spreader rig. A built in wet head with compression post below the mast glassed to the keel and an integrated 35 gallon water tank in the bilge.
Most under-rated piece of equipment for long-range cruising?
The tea kettle.
Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc)?
Books from sailors in the 1950s-1970s. They did all of this with almost nothing. If you read every book you can find during this period when cruising as we know it was born you will find that maybe your boat doesn’t NEED all the things you want. It will also help you realize if the modern conveniences break down mid-passage it is not the end of the world, it is simply an inconvenience.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Money.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy an Alberg 30 like yours?
Check the deck beam for delamination, check the chainplates (a known weakness) and make sure you like small living spaces.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
I am a romantic and believe all ships should be named a woman’s name as they protect us in a way that only a mother can. Triteia was the daughter of Triton and granddaughter of the great Poseidon. But if I am being honest I am basically just hoping Poseidon won’t sink a ship named after his granddaughter.
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about SV Triteria!
