CUSTOM MOTOR SAILER KETCH  

This twin screw motor-sailer was built by Thomsons Yard of Buckie, Scotland 1971. They specialised in fishing vessels for the North Sea and this was the only pleasure craft they launched. Its' lines are similar to the many working boats they built over 5 generations before the business closed.
Southern Cross London was commissioned by Major Frederick W. Cunduff, then Managing Director of Gardner & Sons Ltd. The British builder of diesel engines. It was the fifth Southern Cross he owned. This was his downsized version (his previous 100' steel version is now on charter in the Mediterranean.
She has circumnavigated the globe, sailed to the Sub Antarctic Islands, and cruised the Pacific ending up in Dunedin, New Zealand in the mid '80's from where Alex Black, her new owner, undertook many voyages including South America. Alex sold her to Martin Beck who based her in Hobart and sailed the South Pacific. The next owner, Braye Sutherland, undertook a year-long family cruise in the Pacific before putting the vessel into Australian 2B Survey and operating cruises in Southern Tasmania.
John and Ruth Wylie purchased her in 2017 and sailed her to Sydney, then Brisbane and on for a 12 month stay in Papua New Guinea. A 3 year refit saw all of her systems, structures and accommodations overhauled and upgraded.
Powered by twin, mirror image, 6L3B Gardner main engines and a Gardner 3LW generator - "Southern Cross London" epitomises a small ship.
Cruising at 7kn @ 700rpm, 8kn @ 800rpm & 9kn @ 900rpm she offers excellent range from her 3500L - 1200nm or 6 days endurance at 8kn. Extended range is available sail plan and reserve tankage of an additional 1000L.
Constructed of 2´´ Teak on Oak 4´´ sided at 15´´ centres, featuring an expansive laid deck in 1&3/4´´ x 3´´ teak with high bulwarks all around, at 84 tonnes she is a delight to work on at sea.
Her large wheelhouse has been thoroughly modernised with new electrics and a comprehensive Raymarine electronics package - featuring a skipper's chair at the large ships wheel, raised bench seating for the off-watch and small ships desk, along with a standup chart table.
Aft from the wheelhouse, a stairwell leads to the owner's cabin with centreline double and ensuite bathroom, a walk-in dressing room and walk in engine room. Her forward lower accommodations include a port single cabin, starboard single cabin/pantry with fridge, freezer and pantry cupboards, forward wet head and forward V berth cabin.
Her aft deck features a large, varnished table over a varnished butterfly hatch - the perfect space for entertaining. There is also a built-in BOSCH washer/dryer. Heading forward her raised saloon and galley offers ample space for guests, enjoying excellent visibility and great ventilation.
After returning to Brisbane in late 2023, a post trip maintenance program has been undertaken in preparation for this sale.
Contact John for a private inspection.