The Leslie Anne throttles up as she returns to Wrightsville Beach through the Masonboro Inlet.
“When we got her she had carpet everywhere. When we pulled up
the carpet, we saw floors. ... It was like discovering a secret treasure,”
Hales says.
Julie Robinson of Airlie Moon assisted the Haleses with the
interior design. The three staterooms were remodeled in an
understated nautical theme with warm teak wood exposed
throughout. The galley has granite countertops, refrigerated
drawers, custom cabinetry and all of the equipment needed to
prepare elegant meals.
Sam Rowell, of SR Marine Interiors, Stuart, Florida, who
originally worked on the boat’s interiors was called in to consult
during renovations.
The mechanical work restoration was a different story. The
original engines have been rebuilt time and again. And they serve
her well.
“She can run at just 50 percent power and still keep up with
everyone else at 40 knots,” Hales says.
To refurbish the exterior, Hales spent a lot of time talking to
the people who actually built the hull to restore her to her glory.
He enlisted the help of the boat’s original builders to help him
preserve the aesthetics and lines.
“We want to make sure we don’t mess up lines. We don’t
want to disrupt her integrity,” Hales says. “Bringing Leslie Anne
back into shape is only half the battle. Keeping her in top-notch
condition takes continuous attention. We are blessed to have one
of the most dedicated yacht caretakers on the East Coast, Brandon
Floyd. I think he is the finest yacht maintenance and teak person in
the business. He takes as much pride in Leslie Anne as I do.”
Another key person on Leslie Anne’s team is Sandy Thorpe,
captain for the last two years.
“It’s a real honor and a blessing to have her, to be able to care
for her, keep her up and running, and have had a role in bring-ing
her back to her roots,” Hales says, adding that he always takes
care to honor her history and character. “I have so much passion
for her and where she’s been. She’s had more water under her
than boats twice her age. She’s an early adventurer — wandering
the sea that way when nobody else was really doing it. If you’re
going to own a boat like this, you should believe she’s alive.”
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WBM october 2013