From SHIPWRECK to Research Vessel

Our first Video!! Meet the team and catch the first glimpse of Cielo, our vintage beauty with a bright future as a marine research hub. Join us on the deck as we share our vision to sail along the stunning East African coastline, turning a dream into a vessel of discovery and education. In this introductory video, we invite you behind the scenes to meet the passionate crew-Ben, Honett, and Greg-and witness the beginning of Cielo’s transformation. From her historic charm to the cutting-edge research she will enable, you're a part of this journey from the very first knot to the final launch.
Watch as we lay down our plans, share the challenges ahead, and reveal how Cielo will contribute to vital marine conservation efforts. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to us-and to the oceans we aim to protect. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to join the crew and follow Cielo's journey every nautical mile of the way. Together, we're not just restoring a boat; we're setting sail for a better tomorrow.
GoFundMe: gofund.me/b7cc...

[@martyspargur5281]

I am so happy that you've taken ownership of this little ship. It is a very powerful and seaworthy design. It was heartbreaking to see her in Patrick Childress' (Brick House)video right after the accident. I have logged many thousands of miles in this design, and can assure you that it would be difficult to find another boat that is as safe, fast, Comfortable and as seaworthy as this one. It is a very powerful design. Van de Stadt had good reasons for everything he did here. The biggest and most regrettable mistake made by some owners of this design is they disable (glass over) the keel mounted trim tab. For God's sake Don't Do It! After using the trim tab under sail while passagemaking will convince you why. You can use it to easily dial out weather helm on a long, hard reach. You can use it to neutralize the load on the autopilot so it draws less power and lasts much longer. Use it to easily allow the boat to steer herself under sail. And so much more. IT IS NOT JUST AN IOR GIMMICK! Try to rig her as close to her original sailplan as possible. Keep the round boom but please shitcan the roller reefing. Never rig a solid vang on this type of boom and gooseneck, Always rig a traditional Main Boom Topping Lift. Personally, I would never rig a jib furler if she were my boat, instead have an assortment of headsails made for different conditions. Skip the Solent, by their nature they All have one horrible flaw that nobody seems to ever mention. If you want me to elaborate just write me because I'm not going to rant on this forum LOL. Never convert her to in-the-mast or any other vertical axis mainsail furler. That will Destroy the balance between effort and resistance and she will be unable to sail to weather forever after. Your Gibb (Lewmar) chariot (traveller) should be rebuilt not replaced with some modern POS RCB model. The Chariot that you have is better than Anything available these days. Get parts from Rig-Rite.com. Congratulations! You won the lottery with this design. Yes I'm opinionated. Because I'm tired of seeing boats like this being destroyed by well-meaning owners. Thank You! I would love to discuss via email ways to support your mission, if you could post an email address on your home page.

[@cielosquest]

Love the enthusiasm and the information! We would definitely want to reach out and pick your brain a little more on some of the ins and outs of the boat. Excited to take you along with us on this journey!

[@cielosquest]

I've added the email to our Channel page

[@gregwillcocks1]

Would love to hear more about what you know about this boat!

[@arendzen]

I once owned a 32ft Van de Stadt Sprinter which had a very similar hull profile to the Gallant. She sailed to windward extremely well but had a heavy helm on this point of sail, only alleviated by putting a reef into the main (to bring the centre of effort forward). My boat didn't have the optional trim tab fitted which I regretted - this however was a decision taken by the original owner of the vessel when commissioning it. So, I'd agree - if the boat has a trim tab (it's not obvious from the picture whether or not it has one fitted), it's there for a reason.

[@RenegadeADV]

That Gallant 53 is a pretty amazing boat, the first woman to sail solo around the world did it on one. They are pretty stout, that damage being pretty severe will be quite a chore to make right again, but if you can do that you will have a solid boat on your hands there. Going to be mad expensive putting her back together though, I suspect the new rig for her is going to be around 70k USD. Will be watching to see what you do with her.

[@cielosquest]

Thanks for watching! We're excited to have you along for the journey.

[@robertgold2643]

Have at it mates, keep each other going and you’ll get her squared away in a timely fashion 🤙

[@cielosquest]

Absolutely, we know we've got quite the task ahead of us, but we're all extremely excited about it! 🌊🌊

[@thesailinghebrew9061]

Nice boat, Cherish her

[@cielosquest]

Thank you, we will!

[@andymaclennan4485]

Looking forward to seeing you bring her back to life!

[@cielosquest]

Great to hear! We'll get the next video up soon.

[@mjcooke2sailingmostly]

Naomi James sailed around the world via the southern ocean in one of these. The boat was called Express Crusader.

[@cielosquest]

That's right! First woman to do so single handedly, definitely an inspiration.

[@PhillipHogg-n5h]

Good luck guys ❤

[@cielosquest]

Thanks we're gonna need it!😁

[@jerrycallender9352]

New subscriber sends Greetings from Tucson, Arizona USofA. Beautiful design and looking forward to watching the Crew bring this beauty back to life.

[@cielosquest]

Stoked to have you on board!

[@akimmonet]

Craaaaazy ❤

[@billhayward1585]

Sorry to say this but, RUN!!! Its a Grand Dream but its a bigger project than you expect.

[@nigelwhybrow9257]

Yes I hate to say it but there’s far better cheaper boats around than this wreck,good luck ,but don’t let the boat steal you’re money n effort

[@billhayward1585]

@@nigelwhybrow9257 Hi Nigel, thanks for your reply. I hate bad mouthing anyones dreams. Dreams are really important.( especially when your young) I'm afraid these young peoples dream won't go too far, as I doubt the have any money. Hopefully they will lean a lot .

[@benmac940]

Exactly what I was thinking to far gone to be worth the time money and effort

[@billhayward1585]

@@benmac940 Hi Ben, thanks for your reply. I sometimes feel guilty stepping on young peoples dreams. I think this group has plans on becoming sailing Utube stars. Everyone with grand plans of sailing the world should have to go sailing for a couple of weeks in the winter , where there are no beaches or bars and they are anchored in empty coves, rolling with endless swells . .The romance of the sea is the best part. Sorry to be soo jaded but the sunny south is really boring after the first week.( small boats short trips)

[@benmac940]

@billhayward1585 certainly no shortage of those on here, expecting the viewers to fund their lavish island hopping lifestyle. It's not stepping on dreams it's reality this boat requires major structural work, that just isn't worth it for a 50 yo boat

[@leighharris5825]

Keep at it guys! We are in a similar position on an unfinished yacht in Vancouver. Looks easier to work on a yacht where you are!

[@cielosquest]

Appreciate the comment! Would be great to hear about your experiences on your yacht. Working has its perks but it definitely comes with its challenges!

[@darrylrawlings2359]

I am the owner of a 53ft Gallant. I purchased Aglaia in Sweden and the boat is currently in Turkey. I would be happy to answer any questions or try to be helpful as you save your lovely new boat.

[@cielosquest]

Thank you, we will definitely reach out to you with some questions when they arise. we've seen pictures of Aglaia, what a beautiful boat. We hope Cielo will one day be at the level of your yacht!

[@seartube8913]

Im sure yall are going to be getting swarmed with pepole and thier advice so here's my tidly bits: learn from everything you can, getting a boat like that is like college where it will take lots of money but present lots of opportunity to learn. Most money you put into the boat you will likely never get back out of it but make sure not to go cheap on anything that would or could be a safety concern. Lastly the biggest cost enlarger for boats is having someone else do the work on it, anything you need someone else to fix/install/maintenance will cost 10x more than it otherwise would. Anyways hope yall have fun on your journey and make lots of fond memories and learn lots of skills. :)

[@cielosquest]

Thank you for the words of advice, we appreciate the input! We're for sure hoping to do as much of the work ourselves. Definitely getting help with things like restoring our engine and the structural fibre glass work.

[@lorentosi]

Mi comment to this is whait high tide bring tis boat in deep water offshore and bring with you also a canoe, open a seakock and slowely paddle away...this will save you a ton of money 💰 🤑

[@cielosquest]

will do

[@Ciekawosc]

3:12 this is for yerba mate drinking appliance. Good luck in realizing your dreams.

[@cielosquest]

Thank you for positive energy! keep the comments and good vibes coming!🌊🌊

[@danielwhittington]

She’s an absolute horror show, but she has great bones and as they say ”only the brave deserve the fair”. Bonne chance, I’ll be watching with interest.

[@cielosquest]

You're not wrong she was in an absolute state, and she's had us scratching our heads from time to time but we're excited for the mission and we're stoked to have you watching it!

[@mazdarx7887]

Don't mean to burst your bubble, but do you have any REAL idea how much it's going to get that boat in rough sailing condition much less going off shore? Just basic rigging alone is between 10K to 20k depending on quality and where you buy it. Maybe 10K for basic sails unless you can find used ones and repair them yourself. My friend bought a 45 footer, was told it shouldn't cost more than 30K. I told him no, it's more like 70K. 60k later he launched without electronics, anchors, chain, winches, head and galley

[@cielosquest]

Hi, thanks for the comment, we have a pretty realistic approach to this project and we're aware of the expenses both in terms of money as well as our energy and time. We're still extremely optimistic and excited for the journey, we hope you will keep watching and enjoy our content as we move forward with the project.

[@stephransley4371]

Good luck with your project. From a fellow sailor.

[@cielosquest]

Thank you happy to have you aboard!@@stephransley4371