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The Story Behind TAMSEN: Steve Firestone on Fifty Years of Sailing, Friendship and Family
What began as an adventure aboard a wooden schooner in California eventually led to the ownership of TAMSEN, a 52-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht. For Steve Firestone and a group of childhood friends, the journey has spanned more than five decades, several circumnavigations and generations of family life.
In an interview with David Seal for Yachts For Sale Blog, Firestone shares the extraordinary story of how eleven teenagers sailed around the world in the 1970s, went on to build successful careers and eventually commissioned their own Perini Navi. He also speaks candidly about the tragedy involving BAYESIAN, the importance of maintaining friendships at sea and the emotional reasons behind the decision to sell TAMSEN.
What began as an adventure aboard a wooden schooner in California eventually led to the ownership of TAMSEN, a 52-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht. For Steve Firestone and a group of childhood friends, the journey has spanned more than five decades, several circumnavigations and generations of family life.
In an interview with David Seal for Yachts For Sale Blog, Firestone shares the extraordinary story of how eleven teenagers sailed around the world in the 1970s, went on to build successful careers and eventually commissioned their own Perini Navi. He also speaks candidly about the tragedy involving BAYESIAN, the importance of maintaining friendships at sea and the emotional reasons behind the decision to sell TAMSEN.
What began as an adventure aboard a wooden schooner in California eventually led to the ownership of TAMSEN, a 52-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht. For Steve Firestone and a group of childhood friends, the journey has spanned more than five decades, several circumnavigations and generations of family life.
In an interview with David Seal for Yachts For Sale Blog, Firestone shares the extraordinary story of how eleven teenagers sailed around the world in the 1970s, went on to build successful careers and eventually commissioned their own Perini Navi. He also speaks candidly about the tragedy involving BAYESIAN, the importance of maintaining friendships at sea and the emotional reasons behind the decision to sell TAMSEN.
From a Wooden Schooner to Sailing Around the World
Firestone's connection with boating began at the age of four, when he accompanied his father on trips aboard a small powerboat in California. In the early 1970s, five families purchased an unfinished wooden schooner measuring approximately 70 feet on deck.
The children helped complete the vessel and learned to sail alongside their parents. In 1975, the group crossed the Pacific to Hawaii with around 28 people aboard, relying on celestial navigation and gaining their first real experience of offshore sailing.
The following year, eleven teenagers aged between 14 and 19 departed California on a circumnavigation that would last until 1979. Firestone was 17 at the time, and the young crew spent approximately half the voyage sailing without their parents. Severe weather, limited communications and equipment failures made the journey particularly demanding. "It was life-changing," Firestone recalled.
"At that age it was sort of this kind of coming of age for all of us." He explained that learning to communicate openly and resolve disagreements became just as important as learning to navigate, creating the foundation for friendships that have endured for more than 50 years.
From a Wooden Schooner to Sailing Around the World
Firestone's connection with boating began at the age of four, when he accompanied his father on trips aboard a small powerboat in California. In the early 1970s, five families purchased an unfinished wooden schooner measuring approximately 70 feet on deck.
The children helped complete the vessel and learned to sail alongside their parents. In 1975, the group crossed the Pacific to Hawaii with around 28 people aboard, relying on celestial navigation and gaining their first real experience of offshore sailing.
The following year, eleven teenagers aged between 14 and 19 departed California on a circumnavigation that would last until 1979. Firestone was 17 at the time, and the young crew spent approximately half the voyage sailing without their parents. Severe weather, limited communications and equipment failures made the journey particularly demanding. "It was life-changing," Firestone recalled.
"At that age it was sort of this kind of coming of age for all of us." He explained that learning to communicate openly and resolve disagreements became just as important as learning to navigate, creating the foundation for friendships that have endured for more than 50 years.
From a Wooden Schooner to Sailing Around the World
Firestone's connection with boating began at the age of four, when he accompanied his father on trips aboard a small powerboat in California. In the early 1970s, five families purchased an unfinished wooden schooner measuring approximately 70 feet on deck.
The children helped complete the vessel and learned to sail alongside their parents. In 1975, the group crossed the Pacific to Hawaii with around 28 people aboard, relying on celestial navigation and gaining their first real experience of offshore sailing.
The following year, eleven teenagers aged between 14 and 19 departed California on a circumnavigation that would last until 1979. Firestone was 17 at the time, and the young crew spent approximately half the voyage sailing without their parents. Severe weather, limited communications and equipment failures made the journey particularly demanding. "It was life-changing," Firestone recalled.
"At that age it was sort of this kind of coming of age for all of us." He explained that learning to communicate openly and resolve disagreements became just as important as learning to navigate, creating the foundation for friendships that have endured for more than 50 years.
The Dream of Owning a Perini Navi
After completing their voyage, the young sailors pursued careers in technology, telecommunications, property investment and other professions, but continued exploring the world's oceans together. Their original wooden schooner was followed by a 77-foot steel yacht and later a 100-foot sailing vessel.
The ambition to own a Perini Navi emerged after the group encountered ANDROMEDA LA DEA in San Francisco. Several of the friends placed photographs of the yacht on their desks as a reminder of what they hoped to achieve. "That's the goal. That's why we're coming to work every day," Firestone remembered.
Their first Perini Navi was the 46-metre LIBERTY, which they inspected in the Seychelles before completing the purchase offshore following a survey in Viareggio. Firestone described the experience as "probably the most exciting day of my life". Eventually, the group's business success allowed them to commission TAMSEN, delivered in 2007.
The yacht was designed around their experience of living together at sea, with a large country-style kitchen, generous communal areas and flexible accommodation. When Seal asked whether the numerous owners had disagreed over the unusual layout, Firestone explained that decades of shared experiences had made them remarkably like-minded.
The Dream of Owning a Perini Navi
After completing their voyage, the young sailors pursued careers in technology, telecommunications, property investment and other professions, but continued exploring the world's oceans together. Their original wooden schooner was followed by a 77-foot steel yacht and later a 100-foot sailing vessel.
The ambition to own a Perini Navi emerged after the group encountered ANDROMEDA LA DEA in San Francisco. Several of the friends placed photographs of the yacht on their desks as a reminder of what they hoped to achieve. "That's the goal. That's why we're coming to work every day," Firestone remembered.
Their first Perini Navi was the 46-metre LIBERTY, which they inspected in the Seychelles before completing the purchase offshore following a survey in Viareggio. Firestone described the experience as "probably the most exciting day of my life". Eventually, the group's business success allowed them to commission TAMSEN, delivered in 2007.
The yacht was designed around their experience of living together at sea, with a large country-style kitchen, generous communal areas and flexible accommodation. When Seal asked whether the numerous owners had disagreed over the unusual layout, Firestone explained that decades of shared experiences had made them remarkably like-minded.
The Dream of Owning a Perini Navi
After completing their voyage, the young sailors pursued careers in technology, telecommunications, property investment and other professions, but continued exploring the world's oceans together. Their original wooden schooner was followed by a 77-foot steel yacht and later a 100-foot sailing vessel.
The ambition to own a Perini Navi emerged after the group encountered ANDROMEDA LA DEA in San Francisco. Several of the friends placed photographs of the yacht on their desks as a reminder of what they hoped to achieve. "That's the goal. That's why we're coming to work every day," Firestone remembered.
Their first Perini Navi was the 46-metre LIBERTY, which they inspected in the Seychelles before completing the purchase offshore following a survey in Viareggio. Firestone described the experience as "probably the most exciting day of my life". Eventually, the group's business success allowed them to commission TAMSEN, delivered in 2007.
The yacht was designed around their experience of living together at sea, with a large country-style kitchen, generous communal areas and flexible accommodation. When Seal asked whether the numerous owners had disagreed over the unusual layout, Firestone explained that decades of shared experiences had made them remarkably like-minded.
Why Life at Sea Brings People Together
Although TAMSEN has travelled extensively, including voyages through the South Pacific, California and the Mediterranean, Firestone explained that the destinations themselves were never the group's greatest priority. "Where we were became secondary," he said, emphasising that the opportunity to spend time together was what mattered most. Seal asked why the family preferred gathering aboard a yacht rather than at their large ranch in California, where relatives and friends already spend considerable time together. Firestone's answer revealed the philosophy behind TAMSEN's ownership.
At sea, everyone participates in the daily routine, from standing watches and preparing meals to cleaning and caring for younger family members. "You feel like maybe your own little village, if you will," he explained. This shared responsibility creates a closeness that he believes is difficult to reproduce on land.
The conversation also addressed the tragic sinking of the Perini Navi BAYESIAN. Firestone described the loss of life as deeply distressing and expressed concern about speculation before the circumstances were fully established.
He confirmed that TAMSEN's owners subsequently reviewed aspects of their own yacht's stability and safety arrangements, while remaining confident in the vessel.
Why Life at Sea Brings People Together
Although TAMSEN has travelled extensively, including voyages through the South Pacific, California and the Mediterranean, Firestone explained that the destinations themselves were never the group's greatest priority. "Where we were became secondary," he said, emphasising that the opportunity to spend time together was what mattered most. Seal asked why the family preferred gathering aboard a yacht rather than at their large ranch in California, where relatives and friends already spend considerable time together. Firestone's answer revealed the philosophy behind TAMSEN's ownership.
At sea, everyone participates in the daily routine, from standing watches and preparing meals to cleaning and caring for younger family members. "You feel like maybe your own little village, if you will," he explained. This shared responsibility creates a closeness that he believes is difficult to reproduce on land.
The conversation also addressed the tragic sinking of the Perini Navi BAYESIAN. Firestone described the loss of life as deeply distressing and expressed concern about speculation before the circumstances were fully established.
He confirmed that TAMSEN's owners subsequently reviewed aspects of their own yacht's stability and safety arrangements, while remaining confident in the vessel.
Why Life at Sea Brings People Together
Although TAMSEN has travelled extensively, including voyages through the South Pacific, California and the Mediterranean, Firestone explained that the destinations themselves were never the group's greatest priority. "Where we were became secondary," he said, emphasising that the opportunity to spend time together was what mattered most. Seal asked why the family preferred gathering aboard a yacht rather than at their large ranch in California, where relatives and friends already spend considerable time together. Firestone's answer revealed the philosophy behind TAMSEN's ownership.
At sea, everyone participates in the daily routine, from standing watches and preparing meals to cleaning and caring for younger family members. "You feel like maybe your own little village, if you will," he explained. This shared responsibility creates a closeness that he believes is difficult to reproduce on land.
The conversation also addressed the tragic sinking of the Perini Navi BAYESIAN. Firestone described the loss of life as deeply distressing and expressed concern about speculation before the circumstances were fully established.
He confirmed that TAMSEN's owners subsequently reviewed aspects of their own yacht's stability and safety arrangements, while remaining confident in the vessel.
The Original Teenage Crew Returns to the Pacific
One of the most remarkable revelations from the interview was that the original group of teenage sailors had recently returned to the Pacific to fulfil an ambition dating back to 1975. During their first crossing to Hawaii, they had heard about the Transpacific Yacht Race and promised themselves that one day they would participate.
Fifty years later, in 2025, they finally competed aboard a 52-foot Santa Cruz racing yacht. Eight members of the original teenage crew were among those taking part, now in their sixties. Although they did not finish among the leading competitors, they completed the demanding crossing and received an award for the oldest average crew age.
Firestone explained that they had deliberately chosen to sail the yacht themselves rather than recruit younger professional sailors. The experience demonstrated that the friendships and enthusiasm established during their teenage years remain very much alive, with further racing adventures already being considered.
The Original Teenage Crew Returns to the Pacific
One of the most remarkable revelations from the interview was that the original group of teenage sailors had recently returned to the Pacific to fulfil an ambition dating back to 1975. During their first crossing to Hawaii, they had heard about the Transpacific Yacht Race and promised themselves that one day they would participate.
Fifty years later, in 2025, they finally competed aboard a 52-foot Santa Cruz racing yacht. Eight members of the original teenage crew were among those taking part, now in their sixties. Although they did not finish among the leading competitors, they completed the demanding crossing and received an award for the oldest average crew age.
Firestone explained that they had deliberately chosen to sail the yacht themselves rather than recruit younger professional sailors. The experience demonstrated that the friendships and enthusiasm established during their teenage years remain very much alive, with further racing adventures already being considered.
The Original Teenage Crew Returns to the Pacific
One of the most remarkable revelations from the interview was that the original group of teenage sailors had recently returned to the Pacific to fulfil an ambition dating back to 1975. During their first crossing to Hawaii, they had heard about the Transpacific Yacht Race and promised themselves that one day they would participate.
Fifty years later, in 2025, they finally competed aboard a 52-foot Santa Cruz racing yacht. Eight members of the original teenage crew were among those taking part, now in their sixties. Although they did not finish among the leading competitors, they completed the demanding crossing and received an award for the oldest average crew age.
Firestone explained that they had deliberately chosen to sail the yacht themselves rather than recruit younger professional sailors. The experience demonstrated that the friendships and enthusiasm established during their teenage years remain very much alive, with further racing adventures already being considered.
The Emotional Decision to Sell TAMSEN
Towards the end of the interview, Seal raised the question of why the family had decided to sell a yacht with such an extraordinary personal history. Firestone explained that the decision reflects changing circumstances rather than any loss of affection for TAMSEN.
For many years, the group spent as much as six months annually aboard, but younger family members now have careers and responsibilities that make extended cruising more difficult. The pandemic also disrupted their established travelling routine. Another significant factor was the death of Firestone's father, who had been central to the family's sailing adventures since the 1970s.
Firestone described him as the patriarch of the family, someone whose ability to bring people together had helped shape their shared way of life. During his final years, the family even arranged for dialysis equipment to be installed aboard TAMSEN so he could continue enjoying time at sea. His passing marked an important change for everyone involved.
Nevertheless, Firestone made it clear that the family's connection to sailing will continue, even if their next adventures take place aboard a different vessel. TAMSEN may be offered for sale, but the friendships, experiences and family bonds that inspired her creation remain a legacy far greater than the yacht herself.
The Emotional Decision to Sell TAMSEN
Towards the end of the interview, Seal raised the question of why the family had decided to sell a yacht with such an extraordinary personal history. Firestone explained that the decision reflects changing circumstances rather than any loss of affection for TAMSEN.
For many years, the group spent as much as six months annually aboard, but younger family members now have careers and responsibilities that make extended cruising more difficult. The pandemic also disrupted their established travelling routine. Another significant factor was the death of Firestone's father, who had been central to the family's sailing adventures since the 1970s.
Firestone described him as the patriarch of the family, someone whose ability to bring people together had helped shape their shared way of life. During his final years, the family even arranged for dialysis equipment to be installed aboard TAMSEN so he could continue enjoying time at sea. His passing marked an important change for everyone involved.
Nevertheless, Firestone made it clear that the family's connection to sailing will continue, even if their next adventures take place aboard a different vessel. TAMSEN may be offered for sale, but the friendships, experiences and family bonds that inspired her creation remain a legacy far greater than the yacht herself.
The Emotional Decision to Sell TAMSEN
Towards the end of the interview, Seal raised the question of why the family had decided to sell a yacht with such an extraordinary personal history. Firestone explained that the decision reflects changing circumstances rather than any loss of affection for TAMSEN.
For many years, the group spent as much as six months annually aboard, but younger family members now have careers and responsibilities that make extended cruising more difficult. The pandemic also disrupted their established travelling routine. Another significant factor was the death of Firestone's father, who had been central to the family's sailing adventures since the 1970s.
Firestone described him as the patriarch of the family, someone whose ability to bring people together had helped shape their shared way of life. During his final years, the family even arranged for dialysis equipment to be installed aboard TAMSEN so he could continue enjoying time at sea. His passing marked an important change for everyone involved.
Nevertheless, Firestone made it clear that the family's connection to sailing will continue, even if their next adventures take place aboard a different vessel. TAMSEN may be offered for sale, but the friendships, experiences and family bonds that inspired her creation remain a legacy far greater than the yacht herself.
