1984/85

Construction

The boat was built in 1984/85 at Stege Plastværk and fitted out by Buchwald Yachtværft under the supervision and approval of Norwegian Veritas. She was the 41 of he kind built, and 1 of 9 in the Christopher Columbus series.

1986

Construction halted

Stege Plastværk halted the construction of the Columbie 451 boat series allegedly by request from Nautor Swan as the Columbie was to similar in appearance to the Swan 46 Mk I.

1989/90

Mediterranean Yacht Charter

From the construction and in the following 4 years the boat was used for charter with a fixed crew in the Mediterranean.

1991/92

Back to Denmark

Afterward its time in the Mediterranean, it transitioned to a bareboat charter, and in 1991/92, it was sailed back to Denmark.

2018

Into private hands

In 2018 the boat transitioned from being used as a charter boat into private ownership.

2022

Planning begins

In the fall of 2022, we realized that if we wanted to sail the world before our kids grew up and moved away, we needed to set sail within a few years. Each year we delayed meant less time to explore together, as we lacked the competencies to teach them during high school. This urgency sparked our commitment to embark on our adventure sooner rather than later.

Fall of 2023

Finally ours

In the spring of 2023, after exploring many options, we finally purchased CC3. We chose CC3 for several reasons: it’s an older, very sturdy boat, and we got a great price because the deck needed replacement. Despite this, the interior was well-kept, and the other necessary replacements were manageable for us. We also wanted a boat we could modify without worrying about affecting its resale value, which can be challenging with newer boats. This made CC3 the perfect choice for our adventure.

Summer of 2023

Work beings!

During the summer, we dedicated our time to refurbishing CC3. We started by removing the old teak deck and addressing the minor areas where the balsa wood had absorbed water. After fixing these spots, we replaced the deck with two new layers of fiberglass. To enhance traction, we applied KiwiGrip on top. This project brought us one step closer to making CC3 our perfect home on the water.

Summer of 2023

Preparing of life onboard and work from home

While my wife and I focused on the deck, my father-in-law lent a crucial hand by transforming one of the rooms. He skillfully converted a bunk bed area into a combined washroom and office. This renovation not only maximized our space but also added much-needed functionality to CC3, making it even more suited for our upcoming journey.

Winter 2023

Preparing for winter

With the deck mostly completed, only a few minor details remain to be fixed. As we prepare for winter, we’re upgrading our diesel heater, adding additional radiators, and improving insulation. These enhancements will ensure we stay warm and comfortable during the colder months.

Spring 2024

Time for new eletronics

In the spring of 2024, we upgraded most of CC3’s electronics with new Victron equipment. We installed two new 330-amp batteries, a 3000W inverter, solar chargers, a BMS, a battery protector and more. Additionally, we added our first 200W solar panel, with plans for more in the future. These upgrades are crucial for ensuring we are ready for our summer holiday and one step closer to our journey ahead.

Oh, and we also added a new life raft.

Fall of 2024

Fall Maintenance and Upgrades

In the fall, we took CC3 out of the water to perform essential maintenance under the waterline. We gave the boat a new paint job with Coppercoat and replaced all the through-hull fittings with TrueDesign. These upgrades will help us minimize the need to take the boat out of the water during our journey.