Lena’s Story and Her Treasured Tides Out Map
At Tides Out Maps, we often hear how our handcrafted artworks become more than just décor — they become symbols of deep connection to place, memory, and legacy. One story that recently moved us comes from Lena Meehan, whose love for the Marlborough Sounds is woven through generations of family adventures, sailing journeys, and heartfelt tradition.
A Childhood Shaped by the Marlborough Sounds
For Lena, the Marlborough Sounds isn’t just a destination. It’s the backdrop to a lifetime of treasured memories. Her very first trip there happened at just two months old — aboard her parents’ yacht. Every school holiday and summer after that was spent exploring the intricate inlets, soaking up the serenity, and disconnecting from the rush of the outside world.
“The Marlborough Sounds has always held a very special place in my heart,” Lena writes. “The serenity and peace of being able to hide away from the world and switch off is bliss!”
It’s a connection built not just on stunning landscapes and wildlife, but on family, tradition, and the rhythm of the sea.
A Father’s Legacy of Sailing
The heart of Lena’s story is her father — a seasoned sailor whose life has been inextricably tied to the ocean. He took to the sea at just 14 years old, going on to complete solo yacht races across the Atlantic, the Tasman, and even around England and New Zealand’s North Island. He built his own yacht — Navigator — in their backyard and later captained the Interislander ferry for over two decades.
“He estimates he has done over 9,200 crossings of Cook Strait,” Lena shares. “Getting to go up to the bridge during crossings in the 90s was always a special treat!”
Passing the Helm to a New Generation
That passion didn’t stop with her father. Lena, her husband, and now her two sons are proudly carrying the family’s sailing tradition forward. In 2021, they bought back a yacht once owned by her parents in the 1990s and sailed it from Auckland to Wellington, then into the Sounds — a full-circle moment.
“Our sons, who are 8 and 6, now get to enjoy the same childhood my sisters and I did — on the same yacht.”
Why Tides Out Maps Was the Perfect Gift
When Lena discovered Tides Out Maps, she immediately knew a map of the Marlborough Sounds was the perfect way to honor her family's connection to the water. The detailed bathymetry, the contours of the coastline, and the dramatic depth of Cook Strait made the map not just art — but a story in itself.
“This piece will be treasured and proudly displayed front and centre in our house. Although it’s only been a few months, it’s been the topic of conversation multiple times!”
Lena’s kind words about our craftsmanship, service, and communication mean the world to us. It’s exactly why we do what we do — to help families celebrate the places they love most.
Looking for a Sentimental Gift That Tells a Story?
Whether it’s for a wedding, anniversary, or meaningful gift, our custom ocean and coastal maps are designed to bring stories like Lena’s to life. Each map is handcrafted right here in New Zealand with love, care, and attention to detail.
➡️ Explore our Marlborough Sounds maps
➡️ Create your own bespoke map
Let us help you celebrate your connection to the water — just like Lena did.
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