Letters from Peace IV

The First Tiki 46

The first Tiki 46 was built in the UK near Bristol by Ann and Neville Clement, two experienced single-handed ocean sailors who joined up to build their first catamaran. During the build, which took 3 years they were often visited by members of the Wharram Design team, to view progress and discuss design details. John Barker finalised the Building Plans during this period incorporating details refined during the building process.

Ann and Neville Clement worked hard in the summer of 2002 to complete their TIKI 46 ‘Peace Four’ and finally launched her in August. Due to insurance small print, they were put under great pressure, as they had to leave Britain before 1st September or their insurance would not cover them. They dreaded the thought of another winter in the cold and wet UK.

So they launched ‘Peace Four’ in Bristol, sailed her one day across the Bristol Channel to Swansea (Wales) and then the next day down the Welsh coast to Milford Haven. Then it was out to sea non-stop 500 miles across the Bay of Biscay. The standing rigging was loose, the running rigging unfamiliar, they had light winds and calms with at times, stronger winds. They averaged 6.4 knots, sailing 535 Nm in 3.5 days. They were also pleased to report that the boat with Jeckells sails tacked through 90 degrees.

On arrival in Camarinas, North Spain they could finally relax. They could do what one should do with a new untested boat. Make many daysails adjust rigging etc. etc. and get to know their boat intimately and each other again after many months of stress.