Kialoa III
is Donated to Orange Coast College School
of Sailing & Seamanship
We picked up a rental car at the Orange County Airport and headed for Newport Beach. We had not been to the Newport Harbor Yacht Club since the launching of the 12-meter, Eagle, in 1986, and I wanted to check things out before the dinner. Kialoa III had not yet arrived but we did spot a big powerboat named Kialoa VI tied up at a dock. I thought that I could see Jim Kilroy standing in the aft cabin. As we walked down the dock, Jim spotted us and invited Pat and I on board. Two people from the Orange Coast College School of Sailing & Seamanship were there with Jim reviewing some Kialoa III video tapes for possible use at the dinner that night.
Not wishing to interrupt their work, we started to leave. Jim said to wait and disappeared below. He came back with white Kialoa III crew T-shirts for us, with the suggestion that we wear them tonight.
We returned a couple of hours later as Kialoa III was being tied up. Kialoa III was built in 1975 and was replaced in 1980 by Kialoa IV, which was replaced in 1985 by Kialoa V. However, Kilroy kept Kialoa III and used her for his extensive cruising over the world. As we watched, I wondered what must be going through Kilroy's mind. What would my own feelings be when I have to give up my Ranger 23, Kittiwake? I asked Jim how he felt about the day and he said that he was comfortable with it all. It was time; Kialoa III will continue to see good use.
The presentations included a showing of a movie of the famous 1975 Sydney-Hobart race in which Kialoa III set a course record that lasted 20 years. This was followed by a selection of beautiful slides of the boat in various races around the world. Jim explained the relationship that he had with his crew (all amateurs) and his use of the boat both in sailing and in his business.
At the end, he invited all of his crew present to share the stage as the camera flashes went off. All of those who had been given small tickets were told to stop by the club entrance as they left to pick up their new Kialoa III red crew shirts.
Many thanks to Jim Kilroy and the Orange Coast College people for including us in this memorable gathering!
Jim Kilroy has donated Kialoa III to the Orange Coast College School of Sailing & Seamanship. The formal turnover of the boat was accomplished in a celebration at Newport Harbor Yacht Club on Friday, July 8, 2005. The invitation for this event included the above images on the cover. Kialoa III was truly a special boat. We planned a quick trip to California!
Like many of the other crew members who were at the celebration, I was anxious to see what the boat looked like below. I had somehow anticipated sitting at the navigation station just as I had in 1975, only 30 years older now. However, the navstation was completely changed with all new modern electronics. I had not thought about the fact that the boat had primarily been used for world cruising for the last 25 years, and I was not prepared for all of the changes below. Several former crew members had the same reaction as I did: "The galley used to be right here", "There were bunks over there", etc. We could hardly recognize the boat. Everything had been modified or moved. A number of changes had also been made on deck. However, she looked in pristine condition.
In recognition of her outstanding offshore racing performance, Kialoa III has been awarded a new sail number. She is no longer 13751. She is now US-1.