EYE of the World: What's In A Name?

EYE of the World's base of operations, a Cheoy Lee built Rhodes Reliant sailing yawl is an exceptional and well renowned boat designed for bluewater cruising. "[Reliants] are secure under all conditions at sea, and have a classic beauty of form and detail. They have explored the harbors and islands of both coasts, cruised Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as inland lakes, circumnavigated the globe, and have been comfortable homes at anchor and at docks. They are, as Arthur Beiser said, 'proper yachts.'" - Ben Stavis.

Hull #1700, has a unique history of its own. EYE of the World board members came upon the vessel through an online listing. The prior owner had passed away and the boat was being sold by the estate. Very little direct information was available. Upon inspection however, it was obvious that a major refit had recently been undertaken. Aluminum spars and new high-quality standing rigging were added, the hull was de-blistered with an additional 6 mm of fiberglass applied below the waterline, and a new teak deck was installed (among other improvements).

The prior owner was a man named William Thomas Piquette. He lived in Coral Gables, Florida and worked as a professional captain, park ranger, horologist, and photographer. He was an avid intellectual and man of the sea. The boat came with his personal library which took up every nook of every cabin and included literary works by Thoreau and Tolstoy; books on celestial navigation; a complete set of sight reduction tables; practical guides to boat maintenance; cruising guides to Cuba; as well as a few unexpectedly entertaining gems such as "Sod's Law of the Sea." Each book contained, on the inside cover, a sticker identifying it as part of William's library. The stickers implored every reader to immerse themselves in the language, take knowledge from its pages, and most importantly, return the book when finished.

Old photo albums showed William volunteering to rebuild a dock, working on his prized Rhodes Reliant, and nourishing his penchant for classical violin and cello music. His attention to detail and appreciation for the finer things in life are widely evident.

The major refit that William began on the vessel was specifically for a major voyage. The improvements made were by no means the outcome of a hobby or investment scheme - they were done so that the boat and its passengers could cross wide oceans and survive the worst seas imaginable.

Unfortunately, he was unable to finish his work. About two years after completing the most drastic and impressive modifications, William was diagnosed with cancer. He spent the last few months of his life splitting his time between the boat and his home and was never able to take the grand voyage he had prepared so much for. He passed away on February 22nd, 2007 at the age of 55.

William's hard work was not in vain. While exploring the boat after acquiring it, EYE of the World board members realized that they had stumbled upon a true treasure that would serve the program and its participants extraordinarily well. It could not be more appropriate than for the fruits of William's labor to carry the minds of American youth on a trip around the world. His legacy will inspire a generation.

Out of respect for his character, personality, and dedication - with due consideration for maritime protocol - it is our great privilege to announce that the EYE of the World home vessel will be named the "William T. Piquette" in his honor. His hard work, memory, and spirit will carry and protect the program and crew around the world.