A tale of a mold-covered wreck transformed into a floating home will leave you inspired and curious!
Janis and Blaine Carmena, a Canadian couple with a unique past, stumbled upon a neglected 76-foot motor yacht that would become their new adventure. Despite their successful careers and life on land, something drew them back to the sea.
The couple's journey is a testament to the power of taking a leap of faith and embracing the unknown.
Blaine, an engineer, and Janis, a former first mate, had met and fallen in love while working on luxury yachts. Years later, they found themselves longing for the sea's peace and decided to take a chance on a vessel in need of love and care.
"It was a kismet moment," Janis recalls. "We knew we could fix her up, and she needed people like us."
The yacht, originally named Wind Barker, was a far cry from its online listing. Covered in black mold, with no working lights or heaters, it was attached to the sea floor with seaweed and mussels. But the couple saw potential and offered a significantly lower price, eventually securing the deal.
"We knew we could do it ourselves," they say.
And do it they did! They renamed the yacht Tangaroa, after the Māori god of the sea, and set about transforming it into their home. From installing heaters to tackling unexpected corrosion, they turned the wreck into a livable space.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Despite their hard work and renovations, Tangaroa remains visibly worn. The couple embraces its rough exterior, preferring to focus on exploration trips rather than maintaining a pristine appearance.
"We're not interested in being the odd duck in a marina," Blaine says. "We'd rather have the freedom to explore."
And explore they have! The couple has gained a dedicated following on their YouTube channel, sharing their journey and inspiring others to embrace the unknown.
"We just do what we normally do, but we make a story out of it," Blaine explains.
Their journey has not been without challenges. Early trips revealed fuel consumption issues, leading to a major power overhaul. But through it all, they've gained a community of supporters and sponsors, careful to maintain their authenticity.
And this is the part most people miss...
Janis and Blaine's decision to live on the water again has brought them immense happiness. They can't imagine returning to 'normal life.'
"There's something special about living on the water," Janis says. "The sounds, the wildlife, the freedom... It's a simple life, and we love it."
Their daughter and dog Maggie join them on board, while their son has returned to land. But the couple's adventures are far from over.
They're planning their next big trip, aiming to explore the world on their hybrid electric Tangaroa.
"If you wait for perfection, you'll never leave the dock," Janis wisely advises.
This couple's story is a reminder that sometimes, taking a chance on a mold-covered wreck can lead to an extraordinary life.
What do you think? Is their decision to embrace the unknown something you could see yourself doing? Share your thoughts in the comments!
