SEILmagasinetvideo
Thomas Gude used confirmation money for a wooden boat
16 November 2025 · 6 min · 426 views · Blandeholm
What this video covers
A 16-year-old sailor bought a 1968 Koster K32 wooden sailboat named Saritsa using his confirmation money and has spent the past year restoring it.0:10 The boat arrived at Holmen Slipp last autumn with heavy cosmetic damage — deteriorated varnish, worn teak, and seams opening up — and Thomas completed what repairs he could under a tarp before moving it to Blandeholm for more serious work.0:42 Despite having no engine, he sailed the boat solo to Zon in gusts reaching 12 knots, managing sail area progressively: starting reefed, shaking out the main reef as conditions allowed, then gradually unrolling the jib until carrying full sail at speed.3:13 Entering harbour without a working motor proved difficult; a small electric outboard failed in the wind.2:56 At the Zon regatta he placed first among the smaller boats on corrected time, an unexpected result in his first season.4:29 Winter plans include scraping and refinishing all topsides, fitting a new engine, rewiring the entire electrical system with new chargers and cabling, and investigating suspected rot in the bow and cracks in the hull.5:22 His goal for next season is an extended summer cruise.6:10
More from SEILmagasinet
From SEILmagasinet — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.