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9 Stunning Wooden Boats That Blend Classic Design With Modern Tech

These 9 yards are still turning out mahogany boats using hand-crafted methods that started centuries ago. the difference they're using the latest engines and hull designs. call it good wood., kevin koenig, kevin koenig's most recent stories.

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There are few more classic sights in boating than a small mahogany runabout splitting the serene waters of a lake in some picturesque locale—be it northern Italy, Lake Tahoe, or a pristine stretch of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There is something almost primal about being on board a boat built from the first material humans fashioned roughshod canoes with.

Fortunately, there are multiple yards around the world that are still building wooden boats—but with modern hulls and systems that eliminate the hassles of owning a vintage yacht. Some build classic-inspired designs from the 1920s through the 1960s, while others focus on contemporary hulls, but with wood instead of fiberglass.

These builders will tell you that their material of choice offers the softest ride available, thanks to its natural properties. They will also say that the prestige of owning one of these boats is all but unmatched in the world of boating—wooden boats have long been a favorite of kings and movie stars. When you catch a glimpse of the beautiful brightwork and gleaming mahogany from the dock, you’ll find they clearly have a point.

Here are 9 of our favorite wooden boatbuilders.

Grand Craft, Genoa City, Wisconsin

“Our boats are few and far between, so the people who look at our boats often say they resemble a piece of art,” says Patrick Gallagher, president and CEO of Grand Craft Boats. The Wisconsin builder is currently focusing on two different models, the Burnham 26 runabout (opening image) and Winchester 36 commuter (pictured above). “The common denominator among our customers is that they want something that sets them apart from their neighbors without being gaudy or ostentatious,” says Gallagher. “A wooden boat is a way to demonstrate that.”

Boesch, Kilchberg, Switzerland

Jakob Boesch built his first boat in the 1890s, and more than a century later, his family continues to merge new technologies with old-world Swiss craftsmanship. Boesch ’s 28-foot 860 has a classically styled mahogany hull with up to 11 layers of wood laid at right angles, sealed with six layers of epoxy and finished with six layers of varnish. Propulsion choices include modern options such as twin 150 kw electric engines for quiet, emissions-free operation or more conventional gas or diesel engines. The runabout’s meticulous craftsmanship disguises a beast of a machine designed for precise handling, tow sports and speed. Equipped with twin 380 hp Ilmor gas engines, the 860 can hit 48 mph.

Spirit, Ipswich, England

The 111-foot Geist , launched in 2021 by Spirit, is the largest single-masted wooden sailing yacht built in the UK since the 1930s, when the America’s Cup yacht Shamrock V ruled the seas. But Geist is much more than a giant sloop. Her eco-conscious owner mandated systems like the first-of-its-kind electric propulsion by Torqeedo—a 100 kw motor fed by BMW lithium-ion battery banks, which recharge while Geist is sailing—while her Rhoades Young interior elevates wood to its maximum potential, showing off sustainably sourced sipo mahogany, teak and walnut in a series of continuously flowing curves. Even her sails are made of recyclable materials.

HackerCraft, Queensbury, NY

Founded in 1908, HackerCraft is one of the most prominent names in the wooden-boat world. The builder does series of boats such as its Sport, Sterling, and Racer models and also takes on full-custom jobs. “The build method lends itself to customization,” says Erin Badcock, Hacker Craft’s COO. “We build on a jig so anything is possible. Our main focus is to maintain the timelessness of the boat, but at the same time we have the ability to do custom designs.” For a builder with timelessness in mind, Hacker also has an eye on the future with its fully electric 27 Sport , which has a run time of up to three hours and a 30-knot top end.

Shearline, Morehead City, NC

Shearline is one of the cluster of custom sportfish builders centered around North Carolina’s famously rough Oregon Inlet. The builder is not uncommon amongst its peers in that it only turns out one or two boats a year. But the firm stands out among sportfish builders in that it’s still building in wood. Using wood instead of fiberglass is a no brainer. “The strength of a tree is in its ability to bend with the wind,” says Chip King, Shearline’s president. “You come off a wave and wood absorbs the shock, whereas fiberglass transfers it. There’s no comparison between the two materials when you want the softest ride possible.”

StanCraft, Hayden, Idaho

From out west comes Idaho’s StanCraft . This 90-year-old brand was founded in 1933 by W. H. “Billy” Young and his son Stanley C. Young. The company has remained within the family, with new boats now built by the third generation. A fourth generation is coming up in the business as well. The builder offers a line of five models, plus full-custom jobs. The boats are notable for the variations seen in its shearlines, which can be straight, broken, or cambered. The company also prides itself on its fit and finish. Each boat, for example, receives 16 coats of varnish, buffed to a mirror shine before delivery.

GarWood Custom Boats, Brant Lake, NY

GarWood Custom Boats is headquartered in New York State’s pastoral Adirondack region, where the multitude of freshwater lakes make an ideal playground for a wooden runabout. The builder constructs its boats using richly grained mahogany, with low-profile, retro lines. The first version of the brand, launched by Garfield Arthur Wood in 1922, was famous for its 33-foot Baby Gar runabouts. The most recent ownership of the brand continued with its racing pedigree, turning out boats like the 22- and 27-foot Speedsters, which can pass the 60-mph mark, a redline that holds real weight for lovers of go-fast boats. Combine that with beautiful wood and you have a one-of-a-kind runabout.

Vandam Custom Yachts, Boyne City, Michigan

Vandam is a fully custom builder that only creates its wooden boats on commission. “We only build one of each boat,” says Jeremy Pearson, Vandam’s worldwide sales manager. “The people that come to us are usually seasoned and know what they liked in previous boats they owned—the lines, the seats, that kind of stuff. We do a lot of listening to the clients. The concept phase is a lot of fun here.” The Michigan yard has turned out a long list of very different yachts, from the Geromino commuter yacht to the pictured downeast-style vessel, with dozens of other styles in between.

Streblow, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Streblow has been building handmade wooden boats for 73 years. Each boat is framed using white oak, with a marine plywood bottom and Philippine mahogany for the outer planking. The attention to detail seen aboard these boats has gained an almost cult-like following, with customers often purchasing consecutive Streblows. Part of this loyalty stems from Streblow’s storage facility, a 17,000-square-foot structure that the builder says can extend the lifetime of a wooden boat indefinitely.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

How (and why) wood is making a comeback in yacht building

• Rupert Holmes
• May 30, 2023

Rupert Holmes reports on latest developments in wooden yacht construction, and why this ancient material is being used for hi-tech contemporary design

Why would a naval architect and structural engineer used to working with cutting edge materials for America’s Cup teams, including INEOS Britannia , and companies like Airbus, be excited about working with wood?

“It’s quite simple for me,” says French designer Thomas Tison, “Modernity does not neglect where we all come from – on the contrary it makes the best of it. In a way a boat is a heritage, so to ignore wood would be to ignore the essence of yacht design and building.

“Carbon fibre is only an evolution from this heritage and reinstating wood as a modern material increases the number of options a naval architect has for creation and performance.”

Tison designed the stunning, contemporary 48ft offshore racer Elida which launched last year, and currently has a timber/epoxy 40ft high-end daysailer on the drawing board. To optimise Elida ’s weight and stiffness Tison tested three different timber and glue laminates at an Airbus facility. “What we found was very interesting,” he told me. “The existing data was 20 years old, but now we can carefully select the glue and timber, so the figures for our laminates were stiffer than predicted, with the sitka spruce an order of magnitude better than expected.”

Elida is built of diagonally planked sitka spruce covered with a 3mm mahogany veneer. Additional internal stiffening is provided by local layers of 200g carbon fibre. The result is a very stiff structure – projected forestay loads match those used on TP52s, yet the total weight of the 48ft hull shell is only 1,000kg.

Tison’s next project is a very high end 40ft daysailer. Construction will be an evolution of Elida ’s, giving a strong and stiff structure that meets Category A requirements, yet total displacement is only 3,700kg. He also has a concept under way for a 45m superyacht built in a similar manner.

Outlier is a cold-molded custom 55-footer designed by Botin. Photo: Billy Black

Traditional skillset

The enthusiasm naval architects young and old have for wood/epoxy composite construction is striking. Many of today’s stand-out new designs on both sides of the Atlantic are built this way and it’s often the best option for one off builds and short production runs. Key advantages include stunning aesthetics, stiff, lightweight structures and excellent longevity.

Today British yard Spirit Yachts is perhaps the most well-known specialist in this form of construction and their wood-as-art concept is well documented, including the sculptural approach taken with the Spirit 111 Geist . However, examples of other yachts abound, including Rob Humphreys’ Tempus 90 superyacht. This was built in Turkey, which unlike many countries never lost its wooden-boat building industry. As a result plenty of yards today are familiar with working with epoxy/timber composites. And many other top-notch recent wooden yachts have been built there, ranging right up to superyacht size, including Andre Hoek’s PC Yacht range and a number of his Truly Classic designs.

Britain has its own strong tradition of wooden-built designs: the Elephant Boatyard on the River Hamble has a long history of building, and maintaining, timber/epoxy yachts, including the Barracuda 45 built for Bob Fisher in the late 1980s.

Wood was the medium successful IRC raceboat designer John Corby made his name with in the 1990s and 2000s. And it was the choice of one of the UK’s most successful yacht designers, Stephen Jones, for his own 46ft one-off Meteor , launched in 2006. She was built in Grimsby by Farrow and Chambers, which also built two cedar epoxy yachts for former Yachting World editor Andrew Bray.

On the other side of the Atlantic, several New England yards are active in building new custom and semi-custom yachts in wood/epoxy. Notable recent examples include the Lyman-Morse 46, Brooklin Boat Yard’s Jim Taylor-designed 44ft Equipoise , and the Botin custom 55-footer Outlier . A long list of other notable recent launches include Anna , a 65ft Stephens Waring design built by Lyman-Morse and launched in 2020.

The beauty of wood inside a hand-crafted Spirit. Photo: Paul Wyeth

Build techniques

UK-based designer Rob Humphreys has a long association with this build method, having designed his first vessel in wood in the late 1970s, followed by a string of others, from 22-footers to superyachts, over the following decades. Humphreys remains keen to design more: “The only thing that’s holding us back really is an issue of market education,” he told me.

The medium is often poorly understood, with few people realising the benefits and many assuming it has the same drawbacks as traditional timber construction, or that the technology hasn’t moved on since cold-moulded wooden boats of the 1960s. These were built with resorcinol glues that were originally developed in the early 1940s, but required considerable clamping pressure to create a reliable bond and couldn’t be used as a coating to protect timber.

The epoxy revolution, driven enthusiastically by brothers Meade, Joel, and Jan Gougeon in Michigan in the early 1970s, marked a turning point for boatbuilding. “They got chemists to reconfigure epoxy to be runny enough to saturate the wood rather like a varnish,” explains Stephen Jones.

Even though epoxy doesn’t penetrate deep below the surface of timber, it sticks so well that, unlike paint and varnish, it forms a genuine barrier that keeps water out of the timber in the long term. As a result these boats have potential to last as long as any fibreglass structure.

Lyman-Morse 46 hull completed and being turned outside the boat shed. Photo: Alison Langley/Lyman-Morse

There was another key advantage. “It could also be thickened as required for glueing and, most importantly, gap filling,” adds Jones. This significantly speeds up the build process. These vessels are generally inherently stiffer and lighter than conventionally built fibreglass yachts and it was a preferred build method for performance yachts before cored composites became reliable.

Meade Gougeon’s 35ft trimaran Adagio , launched in 1970, was the first large all epoxy bonded and sealed wooden boat built without the use of mechanical fasteners (and is still sailing on the Great Lakes over 40 years on). Three years later the brothers built the Ron Holland-designed 41ft IOR Two Tonner Golden Dazy , ahead of a slew of further designs including a 60ft trimaran for Phil Weld’s 1980 OSTAR single-handed transatlantic race , before race organisers imposed an upper size limit. Weld subsequently had the 50ft timber/epoxy tri Moxie built by Walter Greene, in which he won the OSTAR.

Over the years precise construction methods have varied, although all but a handful of boats are built with several layers of timber with the grain running in different directions to create a stiff structure. Some have a purely cold moulded construction, with larger boats often employing four or more layers laid at around 90° to each other. This creates a lightweight and stiff structure that can be protected from impact damage with epoxy and glass cloth. The Lyman-Morse 46, for instance, is built of four layers of vacuum glued Douglas fir and western red cedar.

Hand-built expertise at the Spirit yard in Suffolk. Photo: Spirit Yachts

Others start with a layer of narrow planks, termed strip planking. This had been a construction method long before the use of epoxy, but it became much more popular thanks to the development of the Speed Strip technique by Sunderland timber merchant Joseph Thompson & Co (now renamed NYTimber) with help from Farrow and Chambers. The planks have a loose tongue and groove profile, allowing them to neatly conform to the hull shape and giving space for thickened epoxy glue.

Speed Strip also eliminated the need for scarfs to be cut where planks are joined and reduced the number of mechanical fasteners needed. This reduced planking time by a quarter, and clean up and fairing time by 70%. An additional advantage, Jones says, is the “predominance of fore and aft timber strips/planks increases global hull stiffness – the ability of the hull to resist rig loads.”

Around the same time Humphreys was also working on ways to reduce build times. The hull of his H22 sportsboat, which was available as a flat-pack kit with CNC cut components, could be assembled from scratch in a few hours by one person. I know of 40ft offshore racing yachts that were planked up in a week.

Strip planked boats can be built over laminated frames that become part of the final structure, and don’t require a mould that is subsequently discarded. These frames are surprisingly quick and easy to create – at Spirit Yachts, for instance, they’re assembled on full-size print outs of the boat’s plans laid over a plywood floor. This allows each piece of timber to be bent by hand into exactly the right shape and held in place using spikes driven into the floor. They’re then clamped together in situ while the epoxy cures.

The Lyman-Morse 46 interior shows off its timber construction, with plenty of white painted surfaces for an airy feel. Photo: Alison Langley/Lyman-Morse

Originally cedar was used for Speed Strip planks as it’s lightweight yet very resistant to rot, although other species with similar properties, including Douglas fir and sitka spruce, are also suitable. Typically two thinner outer layers of double-diagonal planking are added outside the strip planking.

In the case of Zest , our 36ft Rob Humphreys design built by Farrow and Chambers in 1992, this forms a 20mm-thick tri-axial construction with the grain of the timber oriented in three different directions. Larger yachts may have four or more layers outside the strip planking and a few boats have an additional transverse skin to help strengthen the area around the keel.

Impact protection

In all cases the whole lot is glued together and sealed from water ingress with epoxy. Therefore no more maintenance is needed than for a fibreglass hull and it will never succumb to osmosis.

Jim Taylor, designer of the 44ft Equipoise and 50ft Rascal , both recently built by Brooklin Boat Yard in Maine, says that in North America this construction is likely to be referred to as cold moulded, with the term referring to the outer layers, rather than the inner skin of strip planks.

Modern wooden builds created using latest CAD at Spirit Yachts. Photo: Spirit Yachts

Equipoise was built with a first layer of fore-and-aft tongue and groove larch planking which is epoxy bonded to the laminated keel, keel floors, bulkheads and ring frames. Outside of that two layers of diagonal 3/16in (5mm) paulonia were vacuum bagged at +/-45° to the initial planking. Then a further layer of tongue and groove larch was laminated over the paulonia, again in a fore and aft orientation. Outside that is a protective layer of epoxy/glass. Displacement is little more than six tonnes, despite an unusually large 44% ballast ratio, allowing a large rig without the drawbacks of excessive draught.

“There is a whole lot to like about this type of construction,” Taylor says. “The approach is cost effective and the result is extremely attractive on many levels. The boats are light, strong, tough, quiet and well insulated thermally. A bright finished inside skin can be integrated into an especially elegant interior, the construction materials are environmentally sustainable, and there’s not a lot of waste. They’re not as light as carbon skins over lightweight core, but they are much more liveable and not nearly as fragile or as expensive.”

The outer glass/epoxy sheathing can vary from light cloth for impact protection, through to heavier laminates that add structural strength in high load areas such as around the keel. A few boats have glass only outside, rather than additional layers of timber, but these heavier laminates need more work and filler to create a fair surface.

Carbon stiffening for Elida. Photo: Emeric Jezequel

Of course, if the outer sheathing is punctured, then it will need to be repaired quickly, but a quick application of epoxy filler is all that’s needed until a neat long-term repair can be made.

Developments and refinements over time include vacuum bagging the various layers of timber together, along with the external protective layers of glass cloth. At the high end carbon reinforcement is increasingly used strategically to add further stiffness where necessary, without a significant weight penalty.

Elida ’s varnished topsides look stunning, while those of the 1987 Humphreys-designed Apriori and 1988-built Old Mother Gun of 1988 still look great. There’s therefore a huge temptation for anyone building a wooden yacht to opt for similar finishes. However, it’s important to note in these cases the epoxy needs a more traditional varnish for UV protection and that can require a lot of maintenance. On the other hand, today’s polyurethane paints can last up to a decade in dark colours and Meteor ’s original white paint from 2006 still looks almost new.

L’Été is a new 40ft daysailer design by Thomas Tison.

Modern look

On the other hand, varnished bright work on deck and coachroof sides are subject to less wear and tear than topsides. Jones says these are easy to prep for varnishing if designed with simple surfaces without fiddly detail. The cleaner style of modern classic deck structures also reduces water retention, so surfaces dry quickly. “It can still look the part but becomes less onerous to keep,” says Jones.

Below decks it’s easy to fall into a trap of showing off so much natural timber that the interior becomes dark; a strategic mix of white painted panels and clear timber finishes gives a much brighter result. The Spirit 72 , for instance, has satin painted panels and a carefully planned LED lighting system to enhance the warmth of the natural timber.

The Spirit 111 has a sculptural cockpit and interior. Photo: Spirit Yachts

Hull windows are possible and, even if maintaining a classic external appearance is a priority, it’s possible to allow a lot of light in from the deck. Spirit Yachts’ trademark fantail window is an excellent example of this.

Alternatively, interiors can be absolutely contemporary in style, as seen in RM Yachts’ 29-43ft range of plywood/epoxy performance cruisers. Plywood also offers excellent stiffness in relation to weight and is an ideal medium for today’s chined hull shapes. At RM all the pieces for an entire boat are delivered on pallets, ready for immediate assembly. Hulls are built over frames of substantial chipboard set up on jigs. Assembling a hull is therefore a straightforward process that doesn’t require a full mould.

The Ace 30 scow bow short-handed IRC raceboat also employs plywood/epoxy construction. It’s an approach the builder says considerably reduces the carbon footprint of building each boat.

Matt Newland of Swallow Yachts tells me their Whisper 300 retro-style planing motor cruiser has demonstrated that at sizes above 30ft an epoxy/timber construction can compete directly on labour hours with conventional fibreglass boatbuilding. The company’s next model, the Bay Cruiser 32, will be a traditionally styled, but very lightweight and quick, 32ft trailerable weekender made of clinker-style plywood and epoxy.

Other forthcoming projects include a range of 45-70ft modern classics by Stephen Jones and illustrator/designer Jonty Sherwill that will be built by the Elephant Boatyard.

These boats will also be more sustainable than their contemporaries built using conventional glass fibre or more advanced composites. The quantity of epoxy used for the build is small and bio-sourced resins can be used without the requirement for a full size mould. The result is that the carbon footprint associated with building the Ace 30, for instance is 1.9 tonnes, but would be more than three times that value for a boat of conventional construction, even before accounting for building the moulds.

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ABOUT WOODEN BOATS

Wooden boats are timeless and often elegant, whether it’s a traditional sailboat or a sleek motorboat. Both new and used wooden boats honor age-old seafaring traditions, as well as offering one of the smoothest rides of any boat. Search for wooden boats for sale by style, age, price point, or length to find the perfect one.

Main Characteristics of Wooden Boats

Wooden boats have always held a special place in sailor’s hearts, and they’re steeped in tradition and heritage. Wooden boats come in all styles and sizes, from tiny wooden rowboats up to ocean-going galleons. While materials such as fiberglass and aluminum are today most widely used in boat-building, there are still manufacturers building new wooden boats combined with modern technology and engineering. And with classic models to be found on the used market, owning a wooden boat is certainly achievable.

While wooden boats often need considerably more maintenance than those built of other materials, they are renowned for offering a soft ride thanks to the natural shock absorbing and flexible properties of timbers such as teak and mahogany. The interior of a large wooden boat can also be much quieter than composite or aluminum boats going through the waves.

Types of Wooden Boats

Wooden sailboat.

Wooden sailboats run the gamut of styles and sizes, from 12-foot sloop to large cutter and everything in between. While the majority of wooden sailboats today are classics , there are still some companies building new models including boats ranging up to superyacht size (100 feet long) using a combination of cold-molded/epoxy wood construction with judicious use of carbon fiber. Large ocean-going cruising yachts will have cabins, galleys, and heads, as well as navigation equipment, while gaffers, with their long bowsprit, and sporty keelboats are typically day cruisers or racers.

Wooden Runabout

Sleek and elegant, wooden sport boats or runabouts glide effortlessly across lakes such as Michigan, Como, and the French Riviera. Whether made by Riva, Chris-Craft, or others, they are head-turners reminiscent of classic cars, often with twin or triple cockpits, long, slim lines, and high-end finishings and leather upholstery. Modern versions can be combined with electric engines for a quieter, smoother ride.

Wooden Cabin Boat

Wooden cabin cruisers were popular styles in the early 1900s, with brands such as Chris-Craft building models around 28 feet that allowed for protection from the elements in the small cabin. Other types, such as small clinker cabin boats can be found all over the world and are especially traditional in the Mediterranean countries where they were built as (and are often still used as) coastal fishing boats. They are ideal for coastal cruising as well as being popular features on rivers and inland waters.

Wooden Trawler Boat

Today trawler boats offer stability and comfort, with plenty of interior space and excellent long-range seakeeping abilities. Classic wooden trawler yachts are a slice of heritage, harking from a time when they were used as fishing vessels designed to withstand harsh sea conditions. Today they are often sought after as liveaboard vessels due to their modest prices, albeit a large amount of maintenance may be required.

Best Wooden Boat Brands

Wooden boats fall into two broad categories; classic models and new-build boats. Classic or used wooden boats can be highly collectible, especially those from prominent boat-builders. Brands such as Chris-Craft , who are still in operation today with their selection of luxury fiberglass bowriders and sports boats, were once one of the most highly regarded builders of wooden motorboats in the early 1900s. Century Boat ’s classic mahogany runabout inboards are sought-after too, as are Italian brand Riva ’s classic wooden models. When it comes to classic wooden sailboats brands such as Spirit and Herreshoff stand out.

There are a few dedicated brands still building wooden boats combined with modern engineering and innovation. Swiss brand Boesch builds a range of exquisite sports boats (some with electric engines), as do HackerCraft with their timeless sport and racer models. Other brands include Streblow, Grand Craft, and Shearline, whose unique range of custom wooden sportfishing boats stand out from the crowd. When it comes to new wooden sailboats, brands such as British-based Spirit Yachts , Artisan Boatworks (Maine), and Working Sail are just a handful of brands keeping the centuries-old traditions alive.

Why Choose a Wooden Boat?

The main reason to own a wooden boat is to honor the traditions it represents, and to be part of a group of people preserving that centuries-old seafaring heritage. They are often beautiful vessels, can offer a smooth ride, and turn heads wherever they go. It’s important to keep in mind that wooden boats need a lot more upkeep and maintenance than boats built from modern materials, and they also cost considerably more to purchase and insure.

Should I Buy a Wooden Boat?

Wooden boats are a commitment, and owning one involves ensuring it is well-looked after and has a very regular maintenance schedule. There is a prestige and joy that comes with owning such a beautiful and timeless vessel, but wooden boats, whether new or used, are best suited to experienced boat owners and not ideal first-time boats unless DIY work already comes easily to you.

This article was written by Samantha Wilson in February 2024.

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Sailing Yachts For Sale

Do you want to realise a long-standing yachting dream or take the family out on the water with style? Whether you’re searching for a small sloop or a large sailing yacht, we can help you find your ideal vessel.

The team at Wooden Ships is very fortunate to have some of the world’s most beautiful sailing yachts for sale. We consider it both a pleasure and a responsibility to guide you in selecting the boat that is your perfect sailing match. Browse our portfolio of some of the most elegant, traditional and classic sailing boats for sale today, or contact us to find out more about the sailing boats and yachts in our books.

Enquire about Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

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Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

Built by Luke Powell and his Working Sail Yard to the lines of the original Falmouth Pilot Cutter 'Vincent'. Launched in 2020, she is now operating as a successful charter vessel. Built solely with charter and sail training in mind, she was constructed to MCA Category 0 standards enabling her to sail worldwide with guests/trainees plus the crew. Oak on oak hull, all bronze fastened and designed to last. 8 comfortable guest berths plus a crew cabin aft. 3 watertight bulkheads. 2 electric-powered bronze capstans on deck aid handling the rig and mooring lines. A hugely impressive and elegant sailing boat, proven to be fast, easily handled and an excellent charter platform. Pellew is an 'as new' sailing yacht for sale for half the new build cost.

• Designer: Traditional
• Builder: Working Sail Ltd
• Location: United Kingdom
• Length on deck: 68'
• Draft: 9'8"

Enquire about Westcountry Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen

Westcountry Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen

Bessie Ellen could be considered the flagship of UK traditional sailing boats. Built in Plymouth in 1904, she has been operating as a commercial charter vessel in the present ownership for over 20 years. Licenced to a very high standard under MCA with the following tickets: MCA Category 0 for 12 passengers plus 6 crew. Class VI passenger licence for 60-day passengers. Cargo licence for 50 tons of cargo.

Fully equipped and operational 118ft sailing boat with a thriving charter business, this is a totally unique opportunity to acquire a top-class traditional charter vessel. We're excited to list her in our exclusive sailing yachts for sale.

• Builder: W.S. Kelly, Plymouth
• Length on deck: 84'
• Beam: 20'4"
• Draft: 7'10"

Enquire about Tall Ship Phoenix

Tall Ship Phoenix

Built in Denmark as a Baltic Trader, she was first converted to her current configuration in 1988. Used mainly for film work and maritime festival appearances, Pheonix has become a well-known classic sailing ship in many parts of the world. Two-masted brig, a major overhaul of the rig in 2019 including new lower fore and main masts. Volvo Penta 235hp diesel, major rebuild in 2019. Well-documented refit history going back many years. Licensed under MCA Category 2, out of water survey in January 2021. An unusual, impressive and capable sea-going sailing ship, capable of many different roles but particularly well suited to period film work with which she has been particularly busy throughout 2022.Phoenix is the most famous of our yachts for sale.

• Builder: Hjorne and Jakobsen of Frederikshavn, Denmark
• Length on deck: 78'
• Beam: 22'7"
• Draft: 8'6"

Enquire about G.L. Watson Gaff Cutter

G.L. Watson Gaff Cutter

launched in 1887, she was designed by the great G.L. Watson with inspiration from the Scottish Loch Fyne Skiffs. Her interior was designed by her first owner, Robert Cowan Robertson, who was an artist in the Glasgow area and created a spectacular interior design that has survived the passage of time and is nearly all original today. Her saloon joinery has been carefully restored to keep all the original panelling and features and needed only minimal repairs. Her saloon is a completely unique work of art. The yacht was totally rebuilt between 2009 and 2017 with 80% new planking and frames, new deck and all new systems. The restoration was sympathetic to the original design and has resulted in a very special and unique vessel that is in superb condition.

• Designer: G.L.Watson
• Builder: Thomas Orr Jr.
• Location: France
• Length on deck: 45'10"

Enquire about 56′ Ed Burnett Pilot Cutter

56′ Ed Burnett Pilot Cutter

£ 300000 inc. VAT

Constructed in 2008 to an Ed Burnett design, specifically for sail training with The Island Trust in Plymouth who specialise in taking disadvantaged young people to sea. Sadly the Trust has reached a point where 2 of their 3 vessels need to be sold so they can consolidate costs. Pegasus has proved very successful since her launch with many thousands of sea miles covered. She has commercial licence under the MCA of Category 2 for 10 guests + 2 crew (60 miles from safe haven) The vessel is fully equipped to this standard and will come with all the gear and equipment for commercial sailing activities. 12 berths in 4 cabins with 6'6" headroom in the saloon. Capable of being sailed by 2 people but comfortable space on a passage for 12. Ideally suited for charter sailing but would make a first class private adventure cruising yacht. Asking price is inclusive of UK VAT.

• Designer: Ed Burnett
• Builder: Bristol Classic Boat Company
• Location: Devon
• Length on deck: 56'1"
• Beam: 14'9"

Enquire about Brixham Sailing Trawler DEODAR

Brixham Sailing Trawler DEODAR

Brixham sailing trawler BM 313, launched in 1911. After years of fishing and commercial operations, she started a long rolling rebuild under the present ownership which started in 1983. The boat has been sailed every season since 1972 with the present owner. Now presented in great condition and evidently well maintained. 15 berths. Volvo Penta 230hp diesel. Based in Stockholm, viewing through our Scandinavian representative.

• Builder: Robert Jackman & Sons Shipyard
• Location: Sweden
• Length on deck: 78'10"

Enquire about Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

One of our premium sailing yachts for sale. The 44-foot Luke Powell gaff cutter sailing yacht built by Working Sail and launched in 2009. Planked in Oak and Larch on oak frames, all bronze screw-fastened. Beta 75hp diesel, 10 berths including 2 doubles. All the reassurance of a recent sailing boat with the benefits of one which has been sailed properly. Operating as a successful charter yacht since her launch, the business aspect is available for purchase. Full documentation of her build and working life so far and a current MCA Category 2 coding certificate. She would make a perfect turnkey charter operation for a new owner or be sailed as a private family sailing yacht.

• Designer: Powell, Luke
• Builder: Luke Powell
• Location: Hants
• Length on deck: 44'
• Beam: 13'6"

Enquire about Luke Powell Gaff Cutter

Luke Powell Gaff Cutter

Number 8 of the sailing yachts built by Luke Powell, based on the Isles of Scilly Pilot Cutters and launched in 2012. Built for the current owners, this 64ft boat has been cruised as a private sailing yacht covering over 25,000Nm, much of it with a husband and wife crew. Planked in larch and oak fastened with bronze screws to sawn oak frames. Gaff cutter rig, Beta 35hp diesel. 5 berths including a double. Maintained to a very high standard and presented in immaculate condition, Freja is a lovely example of Luke Powells cutters, fully equipped and well prepared for new adventures. British flagged classic sailing boat, currently sailing west towards the UK and she will be based in the UK and France for this summer.

• Designer: Luke Powell
• Length on deck: 42'
• Beam: 12'2"

Enquire about International Six Meter GBR31

International Six Meter GBR31

Designed by Tore Holm and built in Sweden in 1939. SILVERVINGEN had a major professional rebuild in Sweden 2004-2013 put the hull back into first class condition. In recent times she was bought by the current owner who put the boat through a no expense spared refit to bring her up to the best racing standard possible. Together with her stable mate ABU she has been tested and raced very thoroughly to perfect every facet of the hull and rig. A superb yacht, fully equipped for top flight racing on the 6m circuit.

• Designer: Tore Holm
• Builder: Hagerstens Batvarv, Sweden
• Length on deck: 37'1"
• Draft: 5'5"

Enquire about Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Breeze

Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Breeze

Built by Coopers of Pill in 1887, she is the only remaining Pilot Cutter from this yard's sailing yachts. Totally rebuilt by RB Boatbuilding of Bristol, launched in 2016. The rebuild was very thorough with only a few small parts of the original boat left, the work has been done to a very high standard and the yacht is in excellent condition. She is smaller than most pilot cutters making her much easier to handle so she can be sailed with only 2 people. 7 berths including a double in the saloon. Twin electric motors with an 11kva generator. A very smart example of one of our traditional sailing yachts for sale, in as new condition but with all the history and pedigree that comes with a working boat of this age. 2017 survey available.

• Builder: Coopers of Pill
• Length on deck: 39'6"
• Beam: 12'6"
• Draft: 6'6"

Enquire about 65′ Danish Gaff Ketch

65′ Danish Gaff Ketch

65' Danish gaff ketch, currently with a commercial licence under the MCA to Category 2 for 15 persons total, plus a 1 ton cargo licence. Shipwright owned vessel since 2015, major refit of hull, rig, machinery and interior to create a rather special ship that is commercially licenced and working regularly this season. The deck house is a clever addition that hugely increases the useable interior space of the ship and makes life aboard much easier for the crew when on passage by having a sheltered and warm space. A super ship, fully up together and ready for the next chapter of her life.

• Builder: Jensen and Lauridsen
• Location: North Wales
• Length on deck: 65'

Enquire about Sparkman & Stephens Sloop

Sparkman & Stephens Sloop

Designed by K. Aage Nielsen of the S&S office, built in Cuba for a wealthy yard owner in 1942. The owner had big aspirations for his yacht racing career and had a number of successes including beating 'Stormy Weather' in the 1948 Miami Nassau race. Honduras mahogany hull all bronze fastened. 7 berths with much original panelled joinery. A superb elegant 54ft sailing boat with a well-documented history, perhaps capable of taking on the big boys in the classic sailing yacht regattas but equally at home cruising with the family. Inspected, photographed and videoed by Wooden Ships in November 2016. One of our most elegant sailing yachts for sale.

• Designer: K. Aage Nielsen
• Builder: Remigio Hernandorena, Havana, Cuba
• Location: Cyprus
• Length on deck: 51'8"
• Beam: 11'6"

Yachts for sale

Sailing yachts are one of a kind in regatta capabilities and eco-friendly performance. Nothing quite beats relaxing on your boat with an ice-cold drink and the sound of sails flapping gently overhead. Several advantages come with owning sail boats, including freedom and adaptability to sail wherever and whenever you want and travel the world at your own pace. In addition, one of the many benefits of sailing boats is harnessing the wind’s power.

Many of the classic yachts for sale by Wooden Ships have the timeless elegance and speed of a traditional sailing yacht, whilst others combine this with all the contemporary convenience of a modern yacht, ensuring that every voyage is as pleasant as possible. Whether you want a sailboat to leisurely cruise between some of the world’s most famous and colourful ports in amongst the luxury boats, explore remote spots off the beaten track, or participate in regattas, our sailboats for sale give you the freedom to do it in stylish elegance.

Sailboats for sale UK

Many people think that owning a yacht means buying a perfect, ready-made boat. However, at Wooden Ships classic yacht brokers, we know there is a boat for everyone, and many people find the best sailing boats are to take on an old classic as a project. You can usually purchase used project yachts for a much lower price than a new one. You’ll have the opportunity to put your stamp on them by carrying out any necessary repairs and renovations.

Of course, taking on project boats is not for everyone. It requires time, effort and patience to return an old boat to its former glory. But if you’re up for the challenge, a project boat can be a great way to get a unique classic yacht. We hope that you enjoy our selection of vintage and classic sailing yachts.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any of the boats featured on our website, or if you want to sell your classic boat . Here’s some information about what to expect when you sell your boat .

Wooden Ships classic yachts brokers have an extensive database of sailing boats for sale. With a wide range of classic yachts , motor yachts and small classic boats , Wooden Ships has one of the largest selections of traditional wooden boats and yachts for sale in the UK. 

Latest listings

Saga 20 Motor Launch

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26′ Cabin Boat

Gaff Cutter Golden Vanity

Percy Dalton Gaff Cutter

Arthur Robb Lion Class

Grand Banks 42

45′ Laurent Giles Bermudan Cutter

Camper and Nicholson Motor Launch

Laurent Giles Vertue V54

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How to Sell a Yacht

September 5th 2022

How to sell a classic yacht – 10 things to expect from your broker.   Selling a classic yacht can be daunting, but working with a broker can simp…

WOODEN SAILBOATS FOR SALE

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Vintage boats from absolute classics marine.

Own your own piece of history with an antique, classic boat from Absolute Classics. You’ll find virtually every classic brand of classic boat, including Chris-Craft, Riva, Century, Shepherd, Garwood, Hacker-Craft, Grand-Craft, Stan-Craft, and more. We want to be your partner on your classic boat quest. Our dedicated team will help you find the right boat at the right price, so you can share a piece of the history with the next generation. If you are looking for a boat, and want to get an insight of what is in our inventory, email us at: [email protected]

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Absolute Classics sources the finest of classic, vintage boats to help people make memories and fulfill their dream of owning a piece of history. We’ll answer any questions you have about a particular make and model of boat. We also have photos, documentation, and history of the boat from the previous owner so you can be happy with the boat you are purchasing.

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Model ship kits & model boat kits.

Wooden model ship building & model boat building is a rewarding and creative hobby. Whether you’re building a wooden ship model kit or model boat kit for the first time or you’re an experienced modeler, you’ll find a historic ship model kit here from the golden age of sailing ships that will bring you many hours of enjoyment. We have high quality wooden model ship kits & wooden model boat kits that everyone can afford. We have ranked the skill level difficulty for each model from 1 ( beginner ) to 5 ( advanced ).

We import our quality products directly from international wooden ship model kit and model boat kit manufacturers including:  Amati , Corel , Dusek , Disar Models ,  Mamoli , Mantua , Modellers Shipyard , Occre , Turk Model , Vanguard Models and Victory Models . As specialists suppliers we are able to bring you the latest ship model products available.

All of our model ship kits for adults and children & model boat kits for adults come with all timbers, fittings, model plans and instructions to complete the model ship. Also all our ship model kits & boat model kits have two layers of planking (double planked) except where identified.

Our ship model range includes wooden model sailboat kits, navy ship models, scale model ships, sailing ship model kits, model steamships, tall ship building kits, scale model boat kits, large model ship kits, Man of War models, historical ships, and wooden yacht model kits.

Some of the most popular model ships are Cutty Sark , Viking Drakker , Mayflower , USS Constitution , Golden Hind , HMB Endeavour & HMS Victory .

All kits come with written building instructions, drawings and plans. European kits come with written building instructions in multiple languages. In some kits the translation of the written building instructions from the primary language to English may not be immediately apparent – however with some examination of the kit’s contents, reading the instructions in conjunction with the plans/drawings the modeler with be able to interpret the instructions.

Popular Model Ship Kits

SHACKLETON’S JAMES CAIRD

Essex Whaling Ship

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Beginner Wooden Ship Model Kit Starters Packs

Our beginner wooden model ship Starter Packs are aimed at introducing those wishing to step into the wonderful world of wooden model ship building as easy and straight forward as possible. 

Amati has been manufacturing ship model kits since the 1920s. They blend the principle of old world craftsmanship and modern design techniques. Amati ship model kits are faithful interpretations of the original vessel. All materials are of the finest available and plans and instructions are always excellent and easily followed. Amati has integrated computer design and the latest materials to produce high quality ship model kits.

Corel Model Ships

Corel have been manufacturing wooden model ship kits since 1971. Their historic ships are historically accurate and all ship model kits contain the highest quality parts, cast metal fittings and photo-etched brass parts, and the best available timbers. Wherever possible all parts are pre-cut and ready for assembly.

Disar Model create wooden ship model kits that reflect the rich maritime history of Spain. Disar Model has a team of model building professionals with over 20 years’ of experience in model ship design and building. Disar models are known for bringing to the market new and unique models which are faithful replicas of the original ship, based on available plans and documentation.

Dusek ship model kits come complete with excellent English instructions and highly detailed drawings. Laser cut plywood, timber and all parts are fittings are of the highest quality. Dusek ship model kits are well presented and historically accurate.

Mamoli Model Ship Kits & Mamoli Model Boat Kits are concerned with historical accuracy and fidelity of scale. Mamoli wooden model ship kits offer a large variety of subject matter to please almost everyone. The materials used in their wooden model ship kits are always first class and the plans are highly detailed.

Mantua Models

Mantua has built its reputation on large, elaborately detailed ship model kits. Their ship model kits use photo-etched brass, cast metal fittings, cast metal and machined turned brass fittings. The detail on Manuta boat model is exceptional.

Modellers Shipyard has been manufacturing ship model kits since 1986. They are the only manufacturer of wooden ship models in Australia. These historically accurate ship kits are faithful interpretations of the original vessels. Each model kit comes with highly detailed English building instructions with color photos which will assist you through the whole building process. 

Nordic Class Boats is a Swedish manufacturer of unique wooden model ship and boat kits based on existing ships from Scandinavian countries. Their kits have laser-cut wooden parts and quality parts and fittings.

Occre Model Ships

Occre ship model kits use high quality materials, made with precision and a great degree of detail. To ensure easy, enjoyable ship model kit assembly, all our ship model kits are accompanied by detailed instructions, subdivided into assembly stages with full colour photographs. All ship model kits include wooden parts and double planking to make the perfect hull.

Ship in a Bottle Model Kits

These wonderful ship in a bottle model kits contains everything you need to build the ship in a bottle you have always dreamed of. Pre-cut wooden parts, detailed fittings and a beautiful glass bottle are included in each ship in a bottle model kit.

Turk Models

Turk Models produces extremely well designed and detailed wooden ship model kits. All ship model kits have laser cut plywood, timber planking and highly detailed parts and fittings. The building instructions are in English and are well presented with detailed colour photos to assist the building process.

The Vanguard Models range of model ship kits are clearly the highest quality model ship kits currently on the market. They are for the discerning model ship builder wanting to build a quality model that is a “cut above” all the other brands.

Victory Models Ship Model Kits make extensive use of laser cutting for all the wood sheets. The fittings, parts and timbers are only the best available.  Victory Models are at the forefront of innovate ship model kit manufacturing producing some of the highest quality ship model kits available.

We have a large range of Yacht model ship kits complete with English instructions and all fittings, making for great yacht model kits. If you are interested in building a ship model kit yacht make sure to have a look at our great range of kits. We offer model kit yachts to build that have featured at the Olympic games, sailed in Americas Cup and more. All yachts offer an elegant reminder of yesteryear.

Children's Wooden Model Ship Kits

Our Children’s Model Ship Kits come from Amati and Mamoli. They are suitable to be built by a child with the guidance of an adult. Each model kit comes with written instructions and plans that will need to be followed closely.

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The yacht-spotter's guide to the F1 Monaco Grand Prix

Every year, Monaco’s Grand Prix pulls in some of the fleet’s finest superyachts for a weekend of adrenaline-fuelled F1 action and A-lister events in the heart of the principality. Yachts moored stern to the circuit have a premium vantage point over the cars tearing around the track, while superyachts at anchor can enjoy all the Formula One buzz with the added benefit of privacy and seclusion. 

BOAT takes a closer look at the superyachts spotted near the event...

Renaissance

Length : 111.9m Builder : Freire

Renaissance is the largest private yacht built in Spain and one of the world's most expensive charter yachts . Which is quite the feat for Freire, a commercial shipyard that has built only one private yacht in the past. With 7,200GT to play with, her list of amenities include a sushi bar, a dedicated hair and beauty salon, a ballet bar with a mirror for stretching and two cinemas – one indoor, one outdoor. The owner's deck is described as "palatial" and comes with its own a media room, a lounge with bar and dining and a private terrace with a Jacuzzi for six.

Length : 52.1m Builder : Sanlorenzo

Spotted pulling into port with a Bugatti on the aft, Seven Sins is the perfect yacht for soaking up the Formula One action. She is part of Sanlorenzo's hugely successful 52Steel series, with features including a glass-bottomed pool on the aft that floods the beach club below with light. Her palatial interior design offers plenty of space for kicking back and watching the races in a more relaxed setting and her sharp Officina Italiana Design exterior is sure to attract attention in Monaco harbour. 

Length : 90m Builder : Benetti

Lionheart was launched in 2016 as the shipyard's largest build to date, though she was surpassed by the 107-metre Mar (ex Lana ) four years later. She was the third yacht to be ordered from Benetti by the same owner, Sir Philip Green. While her curvy exterior and private balconies will be visible to those visiting Port Hercule this weekend, interiors have always been shrouded in secrecy. It is known that  Stefano Natucci  collaborated with Benetti on the exterior design and Green & Mingarelli Design  is responsible for the interior design.

Fountainhead

Length : 87.8m   Builder : Feadship

Created with family use in mind, Fountainhead features a recreation room and library that can be converted into cabins to supplement the six existing guest cabins and owner's suite. She was designed by De Voogt Naval Architects and Sinot Yacht Design , though "a signature blend of art, antiques and aesthetics" by Belgian artist Axel Vervoordt are also displayed throughout.  Leisure highlights include a fully-equipped gym with health club, a contra-flow swimming pool and a tender garage that houses wave runners, kayaks, surfboard and diving equipment, among others. The superyacht is named after the famous novel by Ayn Rand.

Coral Ocean

Length : 72.6m Builder : Lürssen

A World Superyacht Award winner, Coral Ocean earned the judges' commendation following a sensitive, multi-million refit that converted the heritage vessel into a successful charter platform. All deck spaces were upgraded, including a reimagined sundeck that now houses a glass-sided spa pool, sunbathing and observation deck and a central deckhouse with a television lounge, dining area and bar. Coral Ocean was one of the largest launches of 1994 and her secrecy for the first two decades of her life solidified her as an icon for the German shipyard. She is owned by Australian garbage waste disposal giant Ian Malouf. 

Length : 72m   Builder : Lürssen

Delivered in 2006, Titania  (ex Apoise ) was put up for auction by her owner in 2010 and was snapped up for €33.75 million – roughly half the estimated value – by Phones4U tycoon John Caudwell. He then went on to refit, lengthen and rename the superyacht, which he discusses in an exclusive interview with BOAT International . Designed by Espen Øino and Francois Zuretti , the Lürssen was the star yacht in season six of The Crown and is a popular charter yacht. No wonder, as she sports a beach club that can be converted into a nightclub, an onboard masseuse and beautician and an impressive array of watersports – including a waterpark and a 12.7-metre slide.

Length : 70m Builder : Royal Denship

Force Blue first hit the water in 2002 as the 63.3-metre Big Roi , a trawler-style expedition yacht that has since been refitted to varying degrees. The most recent work was done at Lusben in 2022 and involved a seven-metre stern extension to allow for a large, wrap-around swim platform. The main deck was extended in the process as well. Design highlights include a black-tiled spa (with heated massage table), a cinema, a barbecue and dining area that turns into a disco and a dining room that doubles as a conference space. An elevator serves all decks.

Length : 67.5m Builder : Icon Yachts

The flagship of the Dutch shipyard, Loon (ex Icon ) is now anchored in Port Hercule where she is likely to cause another social media sensation . She was delivered in 2010 to a design by RWD , with clean, contemporary interiors by Studio Linse . A raised main deck pool is one of her many highlights with two panels of glass that filter natural light into the beach club below. A bar, gym, massage room and sauna are also found at this level. Loon was sold to a new owner in April 2023, after which she joined the charter fleet with IYC .

Length : 66m   Builder : Oceanco

AHS has undergone numerous name changes (she was sold and renamed mostly recently in January ) but started life as Dilbar in 2005. A successful charter yacht, she can be easily distinguished in port by her classic canoe stern. An interior by the late Alberto Pinto provides accommodation across eight cabins, including a full-beam owner's suite with its own lounge and adjoining private office. Other highlights include an outdoor cinema, a beamy sundeck with 19,000-litre pool and a helipad that transforms into a sun lounge.

Length : 49.9m Builder : Zepter

The Croatian yard's first superyacht offering, JoyMe is usually berthed in Cap d’Ail but has been sighted in Monaco for the past two Grands Prix. She’s one of the most recognisable yachts at the event, with her custom red and white exterior and unusual eye motif – said to be the eyes of the commissioning owner’s daughter. Leisure highlights include a Pop Art-inspired interior by  Marijana Radovic , a sundeck with a 3.5-metre Jacuzzi and a lower deck arranged with a gym, Finnish sauna and Hammam spa with sea views. Accommodation is across five cabins, including the "VIP deck" owner's cabin which has a walk-in bathroom, lounge and private sunbathing platform on the bow.

Length : 45.2m Builder : Royal Hakvoort

The most recent delivery on the list, Milele is one of this year's World Superyacht Award winners . According to the judges, she stood out thanks to her "incredible build quality” and surprising spaces on board. Most notable of these is the innovative foredeck garage, which stores a submarine and crane, and has a full entertainment suite with a large television screen built into its hatch. She was designed inside and out by Omega Architects with an efficient hull design by Van Oossanen Naval Architects .

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