Perini Navi 171

It began in 1973 when seven California families, inspired by clinical psychologist and author Robert Firestone, pooled their resources and bought an unfinished wooden schooner, Vltava. The purpose was to provide the group’s teenagers with a healthy energy outlet and to nurture
parent-child connections. Adults and adolescents alike worked and sailed on the boat, which became a petri dish for revitalized relationships. They created an environment that encouraged—in fact, required—authentic self-expression. The highlight of the venture was a circumnavigation that began in 1976 during which 11 teenagers, ages 14 to 19, served as permanent crew. Under the leadership of their elected skipper, then 16-year-old Steve Firestone, Robert’s son, their successful epic voyage made headlines when they returned to San Francisco in 1978. (Click image to enlarge)

Click on the Specs tab at top to see complete list of resources.

"The boat was a vehicle for self-discovery and growth. We left [as] teenagers and came back adults," noted Steve, who in many ways still helms Firestone Family and Friends. When the trip was over, the bonds formed were so tight that marriages, children and business partnerships ensued.

Top: There is nothing to interrupt the flow of group conversations in the massive salon. Bottom: Robert Firestone’s art graces the dining area’s wall and chair backs. (Click images to enlarge)

---

As businesses flourished, from real estate development and computers to psychology practices and design businesses, and the group expanded with family and friends, it purchased a 104-foot yacht. "We kept learning things on the boats, then we would bring that back home," reflected Mike Wolfe, an original Vltava crewmember. "To this day, the best part of our lives is usually on the boats. People are the closest, feel the best and develop the most on those voyages."

The 104-foot yacht was later sold to make way for the group’s first Perini Navi, the 46-meter Liberty, renamed Tamsen. Given the financial stretch its members made, it was inconceivable to the group at that time that it would ever be in a position to build its own, even larger boat.

"When we bought Vltava we sailed to Catalina, then to San Francisco, then a crossing to Hawaii," said Robert. "We didn’t think we would go around the world. It just evolved."

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | >>

Related Articles
Royal Road
A Series of Fortunate Events
Landfall: Pure Polynesia
New & Notable: Worth the Wait
No One Can Have Just One