After a 5 day truck ride from Muskegon MI, launching her at New Port Beach, outfitting her in a Wilmington marina, our training vessel m/v EL ENCUENTRO has set out on her first test sail with the School of Navigation and Seamanship students on  board to lend a hand and begin their practical assignments.  Here are some photos of this shake down week which began Sept 14th 2012 off the coast of Orange County, CA – USA.

Preparing to leave, checking charts

One down two to go


Sammy swabbing decks before voyage


Jon Hausermann finishing up the cockpit

Paul Cleath getting ready for El Encuentro to set sail


Leaving on maiden voyage!

Sarah Malcomson – steward on board maiden voyage

Matthew West – skipper

First shot out at sea!

Thank you Jim Pollard for being so generous to YWAM Ships. May God richly bless you dear friend for your kindness to YWAM.  This beautiful new ocean going ketch yacht is beautiful.  She will be used to train students on board in seamanship, launching them into God’s navy, bringing evangelism and mercy ministries to isolated communities around the Pacific Rim.


Interested in knowing more? Contact us. We’d love to chat!




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