1970-2007
Thalassa is a 1970 Cheoy Lee Offshore 40 (O40), built in Hong Kong at the Cheoy Lee Shipyard. (A brief history of the Cheoy Lee company can be found at the Cheoy Lee Association website.) Thalassa was put up for sale in 2007.
Looking down from the masthead.
The size of the O40’s cockpit is impressive.
We can see about half of Thalassa’s cockpit here. Note the folding captain’s chair on the aft deck. This photo was taken by her previous in New Harbor in Block Island.
Most RR/O40s were yawls with wooden masts. In the photo below, Thalassa’s masts have been painted with a white epoxy. Epoxy is an excellent moisture sealant, the white paint makes it impossible to see the condition of the wood beneath.
Here Thalassa’s masts have been painted with epoxy with a white pigment.
Thalassa was in a dilapidated state in 2007, but it is difficult to assign blame for her condition. Certain aspects of her design and 37 years of use conspired to make maintaining her original form a significant challenge. Even a meticulously maintained RR/O40 will eventually require a thorough restoration to see her through another 40 years.
The following photo was taken in Branford, CT.
By most definitions, the RR/O40s have a full keel. Looking aft, from under the bow, we can see its width.
The boat was moved from Bransford to Wickford with stops at Westbtook and Stonington.
A satellite image of Duck Island and the entrance to Westbrook Harbor.
Thalassa at Stonington Yacht Club. March 2007.
Sailing up Narragansett Bay.
Thalassa docked at Wickford Yacht Club (possibly for the first time).
Kathleen
06/02/2014 — 5:57 pm
Hi Mike,
The work that you doing is amazing! Wow.
Kath
Michelle Kloczkowski
06/08/2023 — 4:56 am
I may not pass the test, but wow! The work, effort and overall dedication to such a magnificent restoration is admirable. Cheers to you and your sailing endeavors! ⚓️⛵️