Bolero was built by Andy Engwirda of Tweed Heads, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. This centre board yawl was designed by John Alden (Margaree 1959) and her construction took place over a period of eleven years. She was launched in 1985.
Andy and his wife, Margaret, sailed the East Coast of Australia extensively on Bolero, including voyages to Tasmania and Lord Howe Island. They also completed numerous major voyages: Tweed Heads, Australia to New Zealand; Australia to Alaska (60 days non-stop); Australia to Amsterdam via Cape Horn (134 days non-stop); Plymouth to Gold Coast, Australia, via Cape of Good Hope (109 days non-stop); Australia to Tahiti; and a single-handed circumnavigation of Australia (60 days non-stop). For their circumnavigations via the five Southern Capes, Andy and Margaret were awarded the Cruising World Medal for Outstanding Seamanship in 1997.
Andy and Margaret Engwirda sold Bolero to Philip and Michelle Whistler in 2004. Philip and Michelle have since sailed several times from Gold Coast, Queensland to Lord Howe Island, to Tasmania, and up and down the East Coast of Australia.
Bolero has been entered into a number of wooden boat shows and has consistently been awarded Supreme Prize. Bolero is currently berthed at Versace Marina, Southport, Queensland.
