explore the history
Our Renovated 1978 Sailing Yacht
Eternal Tides was established in 2017 by husband and wife team Kelsi and Patrick Nichols on the island of O’ahu. The team offers photography and videography adventure elopements across the islands. In 2021 the couple expanded their business to purchase a 1978 Sailing Yacht, Blue Planet, to create a sustainably focused sailing charter. Kelsi has a background in environmental health and graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with an MPH in epidemiology. Patrick is a marine biologist studying coral reef ecology and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The team hopes to add science communication and community partnerships within the charters to contribute to a more eco-friendly island while helping create a model for what eco-tourism in Hawai'i could look like.
Our goal is for Eternal Tides to be a trusted name in hospitality and tourism through our adventure photography and sailing charters, science communication, and research. We want to bring together the two in an environment that fosters learning and stewardship of our oceans. We hope to use this business as a platform to teach guests about how they can help protect the marine life, reefs, and coastlines in which we live and play. Our passion for creating beautiful images is matched only by our desire to engage with clients in a way that connects them to the 'āina and helps protect the ʻāina for generations to come.
A Few Facts About Blue Planet
41'
7
3
1978
Knots,
max speed
Sails
Blue Planet is a “ketch”
Length of boat
(plus 5' bow sprit)
Year Blue Planet was built
A Tour through Blue Planet's History
Designed for open-ocean cruising in the 1970's
The Islander Freeport Yacht is a classic sailing vessel designed and built by Robert Perry in the 1970s. Known for its exceptional seaworthiness and comfortable interior, the Islander Freeport has become popular among sailors looking for a reliable and spacious cruising boat. With a solid fiberglass hull and a variety of layout options, the Islander Freeport offers the perfect balance of performance and livability on the water.
The Islander Freeport came in a variety of layout options. Blue Planet was originally configured with two or cabins, a large salon, and a spacious galley. The Islander Freeport also features large windows, providing plenty of natural light and excellent sailing visibility.
The Islander Freeport is a well-balanced sailing vessel that provides a great combination of performance and livability on the water. The yacht is equipped with a powerful sail plan, which gives it excellent performance in various conditions. The yacht's steering and handling are also very responsive, which makes it easy to sail and maneuver. The Islander Freeport also comes with a variety of safety features, such as a well-equipped navigation station and a sturdy cockpit, which provide peace of mind for sailors while cruising.
Purchased for total renovations in 2021
Blue Planet, underwent a comprehensive renovation between 2021 and 2023. The entire interior of the boat was gutted and completely redesigned to create a more spacious and comfortable environment for passengers. Despite the extensive changes, the original layout of the boat was maintained. The renovation included the addition of a new galley and seating area, providing more room and comfort for guests. Both bathrooms were also fully renovated, featuring modern fixtures and updated design. The aft stateroom and v-berth were retrofitted to enhance the overall experience of the boat. Additionally, the exterior of the boat, which was already in great condition, received modern updates such as new sails to keep the boat in top condition.
We absolutely adore the Blue Planet boat for its many impressive features, but none quite as much as the large windows that offer 360-degree panoramic views. These windows truly provide an unparalleled experience when it comes to taking in the surrounding waters and all of the natural beauty that comes with it. This feature alone makes for an immersive and expansive experience while on the water.
The bow sprit is also a highlight of this boat, as it provides the perfect spot for a dramatic, “Titanic” moment. You can imagine yourself standing at the front of the ship, arms outstretched, as you take in the vast ocean ahead. In addition to its functional features, the Blue Planet also boasts sleek black lines that give off a pirate ship vibe. This unique design element adds a touch of adventure and excitement to the overall boating experience, making it all the more memorable.
A glimpse at the original schematics
The original schematics for the Islander Freeport 41 are a treasure trove of maritime history and engineering brilliance. Crafted in an era where hand-drawn blueprints were the norm, these schematics provide a detailed roadmap to the inner workings of this classic sailing yacht.
These meticulously crafted diagrams and plans not only showcased the yacht's exterior lines and dimensions but also delved deep into the intricate systems that powered the vessel. From the placement of the mast and rigging to the layout of the interior cabins, every aspect was carefully documented. These schematics acted as a guiding light for shipbuilders, helping them construct each vessel with precision.
Furthermore, the schematics offer a glimpse into the design philosophy of the time. The Islander Freeport 41 was renowned for its spaciousness and comfort, and the schematics illustrate the thoughtful layout and attention to detail that made it such a sought-after vessel. From the keel to the rudder, the original schematics reveal the vessel's engineering elegance and the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Today, these original schematics serve as valuable historical artifacts, providing a window into the past and a deep appreciation for the artistry and engineering prowess that birthed the Islander Freeport 41, a vessel that continues to captivate sailors and enthusiasts alike.
blue planet's before & after's
A modern galley & saloon, perfect for hosting your intimate party
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A soulful morning session with Alger and Maria
Our Renovation Journey
We bought a boat! Introducing Blue Planet
boat purchased june 1st, 2021
In June 2021, we purchased a Blue Planet, a 1978 Islander Freeport 41 moored in Honolulu, Hawaii! We knew the moment we stepped on board that this was the perfect boat to begin chasing our dream to sail away! However, before setting sail, there was plenty of work to be done! Scroll below to see all the work that was done!
Demo Begins: Gutting a 1978 Islander Freeport
demo begins july 2021
In the not-so-distant past, we harbored ambitious dreams of a grand transformation for our 1978 Islander Freeport 41. With plans to gut her entirely, we brought in a skilled contractor for some of the demo and carpentry work, yet our hands were firmly on deck, ready to dive into the project ourselves. As the days turned into weeks, we witnessed a breathtaking evolution, where our beloved vessel emerged from the depths of renovation, ready to sail once more. This video captures the remarkable journey of our Islander Freeport's rebirth, a testament to vision, teamwork, and unwavering determination that turns challenges into triumphs.
Demo Continues: Galley Transformation
august 2021- march 2022
In the episode of our boat renovation series, we were thrilled to share the progress we had made on the galley onboard Blue Planet! We had installed brand-new cabinets, a sleek countertop, and appliances that fit our tiny home lifestyle perfectly. Moreover, we had finally completed the flooring, and it looked amazing. We were so close to finishing the renovation, and we couldn't wait to share the final product with you. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey to sail away and start our new life on the water!
Renovations & Updates: Installing New Plumbing
Renovations & Updates: Random Projects
march 2022-april 2022
april 2022-june 2022
In our ongoing sailboat renovation project, we tackled a crucial area that had been neglected for too long: the plumbing. The old pipes and fixtures on our 1978 Islander Freeport yacht, Blue Planet, were corroded and unreliable. We knew we needed to overhaul the entire system to ensure a safe and comfortable living space on board. This involved removing all the old plumbing and installing a brand-new water tank. It wasn't an easy task, but the end result was well worth it.
The Boat Projects continued! We had finished the major construction on our 1978 Islander Freeport, and we were in the final stages of perfecting the design and completing the small projects we were tackling ourselves before embarking on Blue Planet's maiden voyage!
