Shearwater Sailing: a Pandemic Dream Realized

In 2020, after an early sailing and racing career in California, Europe and the Caribbean, Kevin Wasbauer was eager to return to the water. Encouraged by friends and family, he hatched a plan to create a new sailing charter business based on the West Coast, which would provide both local sailing trips on Monterey Bay as well as offshore adventures along the coast and across the Pacific Ocean.

Atalanta rainbow — Kevin soon found Atalanta for sale in Sausalito, embarked on a year-long refit, launched Shearwater Sailing, and the rest is history.

Atalanta: the Rebirth of a Modern Classic Sailing Yacht.

In 1988, New Zealand’s storied McGaffin Boatbuilders was commissioned to build Design 154 from one of the world’s leading naval architecture firms, Farr Yacht Design. The design brief called for a strongly constructed yacht capable of sailing comfortably in all conditions, with a versatile sail plan, an excellent turn of speed and a luxurious interior hand-crafted of Tawa, a prized New Zealand hardwood.

Upon completion, Atalanta cruised the South Pacific before traveling to her new home in Annapolis. She then voyaged through the Caribbean, transited the Panama Canal, and sailed north to San Francisco Bay, where between trips to Mexico she occupied a prime slip in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club for the next 20 years.

Graceful model adorns the St. Francis Yacht Club

In 2020, Kevin acquired Atalanta and undertook a major restoration, upgrading and replacing nearly all of the boat’s systems: rigging, hydraulics, windows, canvas, electrical, lifelines, electronics, rudder bearing, steering systems and deck hardware.

At 32,000 pounds, Atalanta glides through the ocean without pounding, but is still significantly lighter and more nimble than many cruising yachts her size. She is right at home on Monterey Bay and is now the proud flagship of Shearwater Sailing, LLC.

Twin cockpits provide ample seating and dining options on deck.

Atalanta is equipped with all the amenities to make coastal and offshore sailing safe and comfortable, including a custom cockpit enclosure, leather upholstery, large fridge and freezer, suite of high-tech instruments, Fusion sound system, and 10 individual sea berths (including two doubles).