Port Macquarie’s Ivo Bozanic spent the past 12 months restoring his 1980 Hans Christian yacht.

He completed most of the work himself and had some help from a local shipwright.

A crane came in to launch the yacht from the Hibbard Maritime Boatshed into the Hastings River on June 19.

The Hans Christian, designed to cruise the world, has a reputation as a good ocean-going yacht.

“They have a bit of a nickname as a Land Rover of the sea,” Mr Bozanic said.

He says the yacht, named Quarter Moon, was worn and a bit neglected before the restoration.

The project included internal teak restoration, new hoses, paint work and electrics.

“It is beautiful now,” Mr Bozanic said.

Mr Bozanic thanked the Hibbard Maritime Boatshed and Port Macquarie Marina for their support during the project.

A mast will be added to the yacht in the next couple of weeks.

Mr Bozanic plans to set sail in Quarter Moon for a couple of smaller trips this year followed by a period of extended cruising in 2018.

A lifelong interest in sailing led Mr Bozanic to first take part in twilight races at St George Sailing Club in about 2008.

That sealed his love of the water.

He said time stopped out on the water.

“It is just my happy place,” Mr Bozanic said.

“As soon as I get out there, it puts a smile on my face.”