Back to "Mariners and their Owners" list
"Ta
Ata Ori"
1970 Mariner 40,
Owners: Lawrence Killingsworth-
Summer 2008. Ta’ Ata Ori has just undergone a major refit. She now has a brand new epoxy bottom, buffed-out topsides, custom-made aluminum spars, all new standing and running rigging and a new set of world-class sails. It was a pleasure to work with the fine crew at MacDonald’s Hudson Bay Resort, the expert riggers from Port Townsend Rigging and the experienced sailors from Hasse & Company / Port Townsend Sails. We completed all the projects in time for our summer sailing season.
Since we re-launched Ta’ Ata Ori in June, First Mate Gail and I have refinished the brightwork with a fresh coat of varnish, polished the brass to an obnoxious shine and stocked up on provisions and cheap rum to serve our summer guests. Second Mate Dawn, Bosun Louis, Polly the Pirate Dog and Cap’n Flint the Taffrail Parrot complete our hearty crew. They can “Yo Ho Ho” with the best of ‘em and they seldom ever need to be keelhauled.
Ta’ Ata Ori handles like a dream with her new spars, rigging and sails. She stands up in a blow better than she did with the old spars. On light air days we just hoist the mizzen stays’l and the humongous spindrifter to squeeze out a bit more speed. She’s a fine vessel. We’re all proud to sail her and share her magic with our family and friends.
With her black hull and gold stripe, Ta’ Ata Ori is also known around the lake as “The Pirate Ship.” When kids come aboard, we break open our treasure chest and hand out souvenir doubloons to their wide-eyed delight.
The following photos illustrate what it’s like to sail the sparkling waters of Lake Pend Oreille in the Bitteroot Mountains of North Idaho. Drop by and visit with us, if you’re passing through.
Fair winds,
Cap’n K.
