JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Capt. Luke Rehberg says he’s given up on his efforts to get his 40-foot sailboat back into the ocean. He realizes the reality is that the sailboat will have to be taken apart piece by piece and hauled away by salvage crews hired by wildlife officials, who are making the captain pay the bill.
Rehberg said that bill could cost as much as $30,000, and Rehberg’s cousin started a GoFundMe account to help pay for state officials to remove the boat. You can donate here.
It’s the end of an era for Rehberg, of Thomasville, Georgia, who said his fondest memories of his boat will be “standing on the deck and looking out at the water.”
He said that while he was out at the beaches to watch the recent air show, he hit some rough water and the boat’s engine failed, its sails ripped because they were old and the anchor couldn’t keep the vessel from running ashore in high surf.
“It’s the end of a long watch and the end coming soon is something to be grateful for at this point,” Rehberg said.
He’s been living on the boat 24/7 since it came ashore Oct. 23, saying he’s ready for the comforts of heat, air conditioning and dry covering. He said even on rainy days, dozens of people try to board his vessel for various reasons, which is why he’s been standing guard.
“There are a lot of people who want to take advantage of you, thieves,” Rehberg said. “But far overwhelming -- it’s been a positive experience, the people of Jax Beach have been positive and helpful, and I’m glad I’ve met them.”
Rehberg, who told News4JAX he plans to move permanently to Jacksonville Beach, said he’s been working hard to make it as easy as possible for salvage crews to remove the sailboat from the beach, which could begin this week.
“I will get an Airbnb this weekend and be in an apartment, hopefully, soon and return to normal life,” Rehberg said.
He dismantled the rear mast that has a sail inside of it, broke down booms that hold the sails and removed rigging, rope, block and tackle, and took out the safety pod.
Rehberg explained that the removal process includes making sure the boat does not have any contaminants that can spill onto the beach before moving it, then dragging it up the sand far enough from the water that crews can break it apart or cut it into pieces to haul it away on a truck. He said removal could take just hours as long as the crew has adequate equipment.
“This used to have two masts and all the rigging that you can see here that went along with that. I’m going to take down the other one, in other words, have the deck slick and clean so there’s nothing over their head and nothing to go on the ground or in the water when they get here,” he said.
He’s not looking forward to the bill from the State of Florida but remains grateful for the experience.
“Sad to see her go, but I’m glad I was able to do what I said I was going to do and stay here until it’s removed and no longer a hazard,” Rehberg said. “It is a very good vessel. I am sad because of what has happened, but it is a small victory and a hard lesson learned. The victory being that I am seeing it through to the end.”