Encounter – The REFIT
Stage One – Hull Repairs
On the 10th July 22 the schooner Encounter joined the Broad Reach Fleet.
At the beginning of Feb 23 we moved her to the island of Lesvos and repaired some major hull damage (see pic!) and over hauled all of the underwater equipment, shafts, propellor, skin fittings etc.
God provided the labour and finances in amazing ways and we were constantly amazed at His ‘just in time’ provision!
Stage 1 of the refit cost €38,000, which considering the work that was completed is quite incredible, (you can get an idea of the scale of works in the picture below) this has been paid for in full!
BEFORE
AFTER
Stage Two – Rigging and Safety
This meant lifting the masts out for a full inspection, and replacing all the wires, ropes and fittings.
It’s about 25 years since they were last out so this was a really important step to ensure they are safe and ready sailing!
New safety equipment has been purchased and we are almost ready to sail.
Volunteer power!
It was volunteers willingly giving of their time and skills that enabled us to keep the costs so low.
Encounter is now back in Porto Astro and we are preparing for our first trip of the year, that starts in June 2025.
It’s a wild ride, trusting God and seeing His provision at work! and we would love you to join us on social media or sign up for our emails to receive the latest news.
Our Immediate needs
As we prepare to remove the masts and rigging for inspection and to replace all the wires and ropes, this is our biggest immediate need.
We estimate it will cost approximately €10,000
Additionally we have to reset our mooring anchor, before the winter storms, and this will cost €1,500.
Can you make a gift today?
Donations can be sent through our parent organisation Hellenic Ministries.
https://hellenicministries.org/give/
Simply choose the country you are donating from and then select the project / boat or Broad Reach Maritime generally.
Thank you!
What difference does a ‘widget’ really make?
We appreciate it’s hard to understand the difference many of the items on the list below will make, especially if you’re not a sailor. So we have highlighted a few of the larger items below. Of course, this explains the practical item and its benefits, but the spiritual impact is harder to quantify…
As an example, let’s consider the tender, we turn up at a small island and anchor offshore (The ports are often too small or busy). We ferry the crew ashore and go to bless the local community, encouraging them, supporting them, and perhaps bringing them out to the boat for a time of fellowship, all made possible by the tender.
Tender with outboard
When you are at anchor, as we tend to be most nights, the tender becomes your link to the shore. We just bought a new one, but still need an engine for it.
This is essential for transporting the teams, provisioning, exploring and safety.
€8,000
Water Maker
Filling our tanks in the busy summer can be a real challenge, and so we intend to fit a watermaker. They are expensive, but make a huge difference to our programs.
€6000
Engine and gearbox
We have a great Cummins engine that is in need of a gearbox overhaul and some general TLC.
Although we are a sailing boat, the engine is crucial for safety and entering harbours.
€15,000
Anchor chain
It may not seem like the most exciting purchase, but knowing that you are going to be in the same place in the morning as when you went to sleep, is a great blessing!
As we spend a lot of time at anchor, the chain is used to secure Encounter to the anchor which holds us in place.
€1,000
AIS Tracker
An AIS tracker, allows other boats to see our location and is a great safety feature as well as helping with planning as the office can see where the boat is most of the time.
GIFTED!
Safety equipment
All safety equipment from flares to liferafts, and fire extinguishers, most of which we plan never to need! Also lifejackets and other safety equipment that we use on a regular basis.
GIFTED!
Stage Three – Cosmetic + Improvements
This is our plan for winter 25-26, (plus taking both boats to the shipyard!) More details will follow in due course.
Getting practically involved
Pray
First and foremost you can support this project with prayer, to stay up to date with the latest news, follow our Facebook page and sign up here to receive our newsletter.
Volunteer
Do you have some time to help us? Great!
Five YEAR PurCHASE
- Funds required for Purchase – 50,000 euros 60%
These bars give an indication of where the donations / versus needs stand.
The purchase of Encounter will be completed in stages over the next five years, the first three stages have already been donated and paid!
Did you know?
The Schooner Encounter was built for the kingdom and donated by the builder and has been operated by Theo and Sandra under Torchbearers, in Greece since the year 2000. Read more about her amazing history here.