If humans could turn into fish to save themselves from life on land, they probably would. Since that isn’t possible, Blaine, an aircraft mechanic turned yacht engineer, and his wife Janis, who went from being a first mate on a 123-foot sailboat to serving 20 years as a police officer in Saanich, BC, did the next best thing. They bought an abandoned 1969 yacht and turned it not only into a dream boat but also into a permanent home.
Built by Stephens Bros, Tangaroa was one of the shipyard’s earliest aluminum yachts and originally measured 65 feet before being extended to 78 feet. Over the decades, it changed hands and names several times before being left derelict, until Blaine and Janis rescued it in 2019. The name Tangaroa, drawn from the Polynesian god of the sea, now perfectly symbolizes their life’s new rhythm.
Part of their decision came from their deep connection to the sea, and partly because life on land has been getting more expensive every passing year. The adventurous couple, along with their daughter Izzie and their rescue dog Maggie, decided to take the road less traveled and sail their yacht Tangaroa from the coast of Canada, running the “Great Siberian Sushi Run” all the way to Japan.
It all sounds easy, especially the part where they save around $150,000 by living on a boat, but the process of getting there was anything but smooth. They bought a yacht that had been abandoned for several years, a complete mess in their own words, requiring a total overhaul. They poured “hundreds of thousands” of dollars and countless hours into the refit, stripping decades of bottom paint to save the aluminum hull, sourcing parts on eBay to stretch their dollars, and even buying batteries from Alibaba.
They replaced the Detroit Diesel 12V71Ns with a documented plan to repower with Cummins engines. They have now completed their first 700 nautical miles aboard the ship. On their maiden journey, they paused at Anyox, British Columbia, a haunting, boat-access-only ghost town, an experience made possible only by Tangaroa.
While they showcase their new normal that involves no traffic, grocery runs, or supermarket hauls, they instead deal with mechanical challenges like transmission shifts, grid heaters, and crankcase issues. Thanks to Blaine’s engineering background, these are everyday matters he takes in stride. “Things are working pretty well now, and I’ve been really happy with it,” he said.
The shift to sea life hasn’t just brought freedom; it has also made financial sense. Without rent, property taxes, or utility bills, their cost of living is far lower than it would be on land. Instead of expenses tied to city life, their investments go into maintaining a self-sufficient, seaworthy home.
As they continue getting their 78-footer in ship shape, the future holds more sailing adventures to far-off destinations, particularly Japan, running from Alaska through Canada, Siberia, and Eastern Asia. Their story can be followed on their YouTube channels, Onboard Tangaroa and The Never-Ending Sea Trial, where they share everything from breathtaking voyages to hands-on lessons in making a yacht truly one’s own.
