Simpson Liahona 42

"Mika" is a trimaran that offers a discerning buyer the opportunity to get a safe, fast and comfortable long range cruising multihull at roughly half the cost of a comparable catamaran alternative.

This is possibly the best value cruising multihull offered for sale in Australia at the moment.

While not offering the accommodation volume of a catamaran it does offer the same multihull cruising advantages of safety, speed, comfort at anchor, and shallow draft, allowing entry to all anchorages. It also has the trimaran advantage of a comfortable action through the water. Many experienced sailors believe that the trimaran's action, which is part way between that of mono and catamaran, is the most comfortable of all.

"Mika" is a 42ft trimaran based on the Liahona 40 design by Roger Simpson. Built in western red cedar strip plank, epoxy and fibreglass in Brisbane by boat builder Rod Young for his own use, and launched in 1989. The original design was lengthened to 42ft and the detailed layout and fit out was designed around the owner's intended use of cruising in North Queensland waters.

After completing the build the boat was launched as "Skewif" and Rod divided his time between boat building and an annual cruise of north Queensland waters.
Some of his design criteria were:
* Comfortable accommodation for two, berths for 4 more when required
* Cool in summer heat - insulated deck, limited sun penetration and excellent ventilation ensure "mika" stays as cool as possible without a/c
* Shallow 3ft draft with centreboard up, 6ft with it down - great upwind
* Centre cockpit under solid wheelhouse
* The boat to last forever (or at least his lifetime), durable and strong. Rod was an early user of the WEST system of epoxy saturation of timber that ensures durability and structural integrity
* Good performance with modest sail area
* Quality timber fit out in Queensland red cedar and silky oak

"Mika" has only had two owners, and in 2008 Rod sold "mika" to the current owners, John Kehoe & Gill Chidgey, who have used it to cruise in NSW, Queensland, Coral Sea, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

"Mika" has been well maintained and extensively upgraded. Some of the more recent improvements and major maintenance items include:
* 12V/240V water heater
* diesel air heater ducted to cabin and bathroom
* Rainman water desalination unit
* Rutland 1200 wind gnerator
* new trampoline netting
* new standing rigging
* new engine mounts, shaft seal and cutlass bearing

Sail wardrobe is extensive with main (& spare), staysail, 2 jibs (Yankee & #3), Code 0, asymmetric and symmetric spinnakers. Code 0, jib and staysail on furlers make it easy to "chage gear" and match sail area to the conditions. A great advantage on ocean passages.

Jordan series drogue provides the severe storm survival method and a Sea Squid drogue calms things nicely in moderate conditions.

She has was slipped for annual maintenance in October 2025 and presents in sail away condition ready to continue cruising.

Additional details are available from the owner on request:
* The "mika" story - detailed timeline of construction, use, refits, upgrades and maintenance
* Additional photos
* Technical documents
* detailed inventory
* 2024 out of water survey by Geoff Cruse and 3 earlier surveys/inspections