Bermuden Canoe Stern Ketch

Solace - A Timeless Classic Bermudan Ketch Ready for Her Next Adventure

Considering all offers. The owners wish for Solace to go to a good home, above all else, in honour of her late owner.

The Yacht:

"Solace" is a truly stunning 36ft carvel-planked Bermudan ketch, designed by the renowned Captain W. D. Bailey and professionally built by R. T. Searles and Sons in Birkenhead, SA. Launched in 1939, the yacht was commissioned by Dr. Joseph Stanley Verco, a prominent figure of the time, and has since been cherished and cared for by her current owners for over 30 years.

In that time, Solace has undergone numerous adventures, including a successful circumnavigation of Australia, with an extended period spent exploring the remote and rugged Kimberley region. During this incredible journey, Solace proved herself as a truly capable and seaworthy yacht, handling varied and often challenging conditions with exceptional comfort and grace. She has also sailed to numerous wooden boat festivals in Tasmania, becoming a well-loved and respected vessel among the classic yacht community.

Her story is as much about the people who have loved and sailed her as it is about the boat itself. Many of the crew who have sailed aboard Solace are available and deeply knowledgeable about the yacht's history, workings, and maintenance. This wealth of experience ensures that Solace has been lovingly maintained, keeping her in immaculate condition.

Condition & Features:

Solace is in beautiful condition, inside and out. The boat is kept clean with dry bilges, and the brightwork is well-protected by covers. She presents extremely well, with a well-maintained interior that balances classic charm and practicality.

Her impressive voyages have proven her seaworthiness, reliability, and comfort. Whether navigating through the wide open ocean or participating in festivals, Solace has never faltered.

She is ready and waiting for her next adventure, whether that be cruising the coast, embarking on more distant passages, or continuing her legacy as a cherished classic yacht.

Specifications & Key Features:

Hull Material: Timber (Jarrah with Queensland Hoop Pine topsides)

Designer: Captain W. D. Bailey

Builder: R. T. Searles and Son

Launch Year: 1939 (not 1936 as referenced earlier)

Length: 36' / 10.97m

Beam: 10' 6" / 3.2m

Draft: 5' 3" / 1.6m

Displacement: 14 tons

Keel/Ballast: Lead keel, lead ingots in bilge

Deck Material: Baltic pine covered with ½ inch plywood sheathed in epoxy glass fibre, with stainless steel pulpits and stanchions

Engine: 2008 Yanmar 4JH4S 75hp with heat exchange, presenting as new

Max Speed: 8 knots | Cruise Speed: 6 knots

Fuel: 56 gallons (in 2 x stainless steel tanks)

Water: 60 gallons (2 x stainless steel tanks)

Berths: 5

Galley: Well-appointed with ample bench space, cleverly integrating the navigation desk

Refrigeration: Coolmatic 12v with separate freezer

Toilet: Equipped with holding tank

Sailing & Navigation Equipment:

Mast/Rigging: Both masts constructed from Oregon

Sail Inventory:

Mainsail with 3 reefing points (good condition)

Mizzen sail (fair condition)

Furling genoa (recently refurbished)

Spinnaker

Heavy-dut y inner jib

Deck Gear:

2 x Arco two-speed self-tailing winches

Fleming wind vane self-steering system

Electronics & Navigation:

VHF Transceiver: Icom

GPS/Chart Plotter: Furuno GP31

Depth Sounder: Raymarine Axiom

Autopilot: Simrad TP3

Ground Tackle:

Muir anchor winch

Main anchor: 1-60 lb Admiralty/Trotman

Secondary anchor: 45 lb Danforth

300ft of ½ inch galvanized chain with rope warp

Bilge Pumps:

Auto bilge pump

Manual bilge pump

Electrics:

4 x House batteries

1 x Start battery (750 CCA)

Battery monitor

80amp alternator

Solar panel

History & Legacy:

Solace's owners are considering all offers, and they wish for this yacht to find a good home--a place where she will continue to be loved and appreciated, in honour of her late owner. Her extensive cruising history and reputation for being a well-maintained, reliable yacht make her an exceptional offering for anyone seeking a classic cruising yacht with an impeccable pedigree.

Her legacy and beautiful craftsmanship make her a very special vessel. With her superb condition, well-equipped systems, and ability to handle any conditions, Solace is ready for her next owner to take her on new adventures.

Adelaide Boat Sales offers the information on this vessel including condition, in good faith as provided by the Owner/Vendor. While confident about the accuracy we cannot Guarantee or warrant it. All information is to be verified and checked during the purchase process, this includes inspections, sea trials and surveys.

Adelaide Boat Sales is South Australia's largest and most active Brokerage, dealing in the sale of second hand yachts and powerboats we can offer tailored solutions to assist with the sale of your vessel. Contact us today for a free no obligation appraisal and see what we can do for you.