Life aboard Elixir wasn’t just about restoring a boat—it was about the relationships built along the way, including with two beloved cockatiels, Tiki and Kiwi. From their early days of hand-feeding and playful antics to their unexpected nesting adventures, these feathered companions brought joy and laughter to life in the islands. But as boat life demanded change, fate intervened, leading them to a new home where they could fly free once more. Join us as we revisit this heartwarming journey of friendship, adaptation, and new beginnings.

Restoring Elixir meant tackling every challenge head-on, including the structural damage hidden beneath the surface. Discovering rot in the stern led to months of careful reconstruction, from replacing the keel deadwood to fabricating a new sternpost and counter timber. With skilled craftsmanship and patience, Tosh pieced it all back together, reinforcing the boat’s strength and integrity. Just like in life, every part was connected—making this restoration a true labor of love and resilience.

Restoring the old bronze portholes for Elixir was a meticulous yet deeply rewarding process. These once-dull, weathered ports were transformed back to their original golden brilliance through careful disassembly, polishing, and sealing. With new glass and fresh gaskets, they were not only functional but became stunning focal points on the ship. Join us as we walk through the steps of this restoration—breathing new life into classic maritime craftsmanship.

Restoring a neglected dinghy into a seaworthy companion for Elixir was no small feat, but it was a labor of love. What started as a weathered, abandoned hull became Elixir II, a sturdy, handcrafted sailing dinghy and lifeboat. From structural reinforcements to custom sails and oars, every detail was carefully crafted to bring new life to this essential vessel. Join us as we share the transformation process—reviving history, embracing craftsmanship, and setting sail once again.

Restoring Elixir’s rusted mast bands—sandblasting, identifying, and reviving these essential rigging components for our sailing journey.

Dive into the intricate rebuilding process of Elixir, focusing on the essential structural components of a wooden boat—the keel, stem, stern timbers, frames, and floors.

Rekindle friendships and relive cherished memories in this heartwarming tale of reconnecting with old friends in Maui during a shakedown cruise aboard Elixir.

Escape to Kauai's hidden coastal gem, where ancient caves, vibrant windsurfing, and breathtaking landscapes converge. Explore the magic of this secluded beach south of Nawiliwili, a serene haven away from Kauai's bustling tourist hubs.

Discover the extraordinary story of the Elixir Project—a four-year journey of grit, creativity, and audacity. From hauling massive 65-foot masts with a Mazda truck to crossing the Pacific Ocean without prior sailing experience.

From vegetarian roots to hosting a traditional turkey dinner, this heartwarming tale reflects on the joy of adaptability, gratitude, and the special connections formed through sharing meals with family. A lesson in hospitality, flexibility, and the meaning of giving during the holidays.

Discover the unique homeschooling journey of a 10-year-old in 1987 Hawaii, navigating distance learning through mailed assignments, library explorations, and life lessons in a boatyard.

Explore the challenges of restoring Elixir as we uncovered extensive rot, sought rare hardwoods for structural repairs, and transformed prized rosewood into a hidden masterpiece.

Follow our journey of restoring the schooner Elixir on Kauai, starting with gathering scattered parts, tackling piles of sails, and using ingenuity (and a Canadian dime) to piece together a vision of the ship’s rigging. A story of determination, discovery, and diving into the world of boat restoration.

Dive into the challenges of restoring Elixir, from evolving workshop setups with tarps and tools to tackling unexpected rot and redesigning the deck layout. Discover how a simple plan grew into a four-year journey of creative problem-solving and synchronized steps—all before the days of digital project management!

Explore the magic of Sundays spent on Kauai's Secret Beach in the 1980s, accessible only by a jungle trek through guava-slick trails. Discover the joy of swimming with playful dolphins in the bay, a breathtaking experience of connection with nature.

Daily swims in Nawiliwili Bay, near the Jurassic Park breakwater, and life in a stunning cliffside rental overlooking Kauai Lagoons Golf Course made for unforgettable moments—including the time I unknowingly asked a celebrity golfer to move his car!

Discover the challenges of removing cement ballast from a boat’s bilge during a restoration project. Learn how we tackled tight quarters, a jackhammer, and embedded debris like engine parts and steel shot while preserving balance and addressing structural rot.

We arrived in Kauaii at the beginning of the year, January 1, 1988, and stayed at a friend’s

beach cottage until we found our own place. Of course, we went to Nawiliwili Harbor to visit our

new project right away.

As with some projects, this one began a few years before we knew it did, with a trip to the boatyard on Kauai. On that original visit, Tosh visited with the previous owner. Walking under the stern, he looked up to touch her planking and felt an overwhelming wave of wonder and magic at the beauty and symmetry of her lines. Little did he know how that moment would determine the course of the next chapter of our lives.