Whether it’s a yacht or a sport cruiser, we get the scoop on watercrafts that call the Cove home. For September, we feature the Mauriah, belonging to Deep Cove Yacht Club members Donna Cheeseman and Enzo Marino.
What kind of boat is it?
Discovery, manufactured in Richmond, B.C.
How old is it?
Built in 1967
Any cool backstory on how you acquired it?
She was owned by Don Menzies who had found her basically abandoned and spent time with his wife working to bring her back to life. He was the third owner that we know. The original owner had her built and sailed her for many years. One time we were pulling out of Bowen and the original owner saw us and said they used to own her. She was well-known on the North Shore at one time as one of the faster sailboats on the water.
What’s the boat’s name?
Mauriah (I am not sure how she got her name but found a Greek translation which is Star of the Sea)
How long is it?
10 metres
What special features does it have?
She still has her original tiller, which makes it easy to turn on a dime, you get to feel how she responds. She is a registered vessel and has her certificate which states should the Queen require her services she is entitled to one-third ownership. She was one of the first sailboats built with fibreglass.
What’s your favourite area to
explore in it?
We always love spending time at Iron Bay and the Gulf Islands.
Any cool stories about adventuring in the boat?
As the sailboat ensures you move slower, you have the opportunity to enjoy all the wildlife along and in the water that you might not see if you are in a powerboat. We have had a few times when the winds were too strong or not strong enough, but she always brings us back to shore safely.
What’s your dream day on the boat?
Any day on the water is a dream day.
How often do you go out in it and do friends and family often join?
We have a number of friends and family who have enjoyed spending time on Mauriah, sometimes for a day or longer. Our children all have special memories. The Easter Bunny always seems to find them when they are on the boat, even though they are all grown up, they still like to wake up to find their chocolate eggs on the boat.
When/why did you start boating?
I have always loved the water growing up, and had the fortune of going out on my partner’s powerboat and then his friend’s sailboat. I enjoyed my time so much, so I decided to go out and buy a sailboat. It was an adventure bringing her back to Vancouver, learning along the way.
What kind of wildlife have you spotted up Indian Arm from
the boat?
Mostly seals and eagles.
Besides emergency gear, what are some staple items that are always on-board with you?
Movies and books
What’s the best part about boating in Deep Cove?
Always in safe waters, the beautiful scenery which makes it feel like you are far away, when everything is so close. Most people do not get to discover this part of the Lower Mainland.
What do you enjoy the most about being a member of the DCYC?
The “Deep Cove family” where everyone loves boating, helps each other out to learn about their boats, and a great environment for children to grow up.■
