About Us
Laurence
Laurence Etheredge and Grace Libassi grew up in northern California, left the states in the early 80’s and lived in central Europe, UK, and the Middle East for five years, before settling down for twenty years in Western Australia, where they helped establish Zarephath Wines, a boutique vineyard and winery. During this time, Laurence also laid the keel for Steadfast, a project that was to consume eight years of work before launching in February 2006.
New Zealand presented itself as the right place for operating Steadfast, and Grace made the first move, taking up a position as campground manager for the DOC campground in French Pass, a very beautiful and remote location in the outer Marlborough Sounds. Laurence was meanwhile kept busy getting Steadfast ready for sea, and finally made his departure from WA in December 2006, sailing with a volunteer crew to Melbourne, Hobart, and then across the Tasman to Picton. Laurence continues his love affair with the sea as skipper on Steadfast, while Grace contributes her considerable talents and lively spirit in the galley and on the foredeck.
Grace
It is the aim and purpose of Steadfast Traditional Sail to offer our guests an enjoyable and educational hands-on experience of sailing a traditional sailing ship. Steadfast is a delight to sail, and her detail beautiful in every respect. We hope to complement these assets with a spirit of service that will make our guests feel relaxed and comfortable, while enjoying both the delights of sailing and the ever changing scenery of the lovely Marlborough Sounds.
Grace and Laurence have both spent many years practicing meditation, and are members of The Christ Circle, a contemplative community founded in California in 1974 under the leadership of Arthur Hempel, and following the writings of Joel Goldsmith. The other members of the community are engaged in managing Zarephath Wines in Western Australia, and it is intended that they will in due course join Laurence and Grace in New Zealand.
