Pina Colada of Harwich is a beautiful steel pilothouse sloop designed and ready for extensive cruising. Built in 1994, she was very lightly used in her first 5 years and underwent an extensive re-fit in 2001. She is 14.95 m long, with a 4.6 m beam and a draft of between 1.1 and 2.8 m.

She appeals on many levels:

Safety: 

• She is constructed in Corten Steel which is 40% stronger than normal steel. This gives you complete peace of mind when cruising shallow waters. The front fender locker is also a bulkhead so that in the worst situation of an impact, water is prevented from entering the boat.
• With the benefit of the lifting keel depths can be as little as 1.1 metres, but fully extended at 2.8 metres, the sailing counterbalance is ideal. If you go aground you simple press the button on the electric keel lift and you are out of a disaster.
• The Pilothouse adds a completely separate living space, which is essential for long-term cruising. It is also ideal for bad weather and night sailing, where the autopilot can be used to steer the boat and all instrument information is shown.
• Pina Colada has a high freeboard which means that you are incredibly protected from waves and with a deep cockpit, it is rare for the crew to get wet even in high seas.
• Pina Colada has been fitted with two completely separate autopilot systems so that if the main one fails, you simply press a button to revert to a back-up whilst still maintaining all the instrument information.
• A 2 litre per minute watermaker is both a safety feature and a luxury. It provides you with peace of mind in case of an emergency water shortage but also means that you can remain on anchor for months.

Ease of Sailing:

• With brand new Main Sail and recently purchased main Genoa, she sails comfortably at 7 knots in a force 5.
• It has been designed to be crewed easily and comfortably by two due to the fitting of electronic winches, in-mast furling Main and furling Genoa matched with its gentle motion at sea.
• The two light and strong carbon fibre Genoa poles are extremely easy to set which makes downwind sailing a dream.
• You can furl the Main Sail without having to go head into the wind which takes all the hassle out of reefing.
• The integration of the onboard electronics means that navigation can be done on a PC or radar and information relayed to all instruments. Two radar and chart displays are connected so that you can see one at the helm position and one in the pilothouse. The laptop can be used to overlay the radar information with C-Map and Navionics electronic charts to provide the very best electronic navigation possible.
• Communication and weather downloads are easy with a combination of the SSB radio data modem and satellite phone. This provides a global communication system that can be used economically but ensures nearly 100% coverage when required.

Luxury:

• The galley provides all your home comforts with large double enamel sink, ceramic hob, oven/grill/microwave, fridge, freezer and masses of storage space. It is also incredibly safe to use under sail as it is narrow with good handholds. Both bacon sandwiches and pizza have been made perfectly in a force eight!!
• With a full sized shower cubicle and powerful hot water shower (60 litres hot water tank), your crew with never be forced to shower ashore. Real luxury headroom and vacuum free-water WC gives the heads a truly unique feel of luxury with none of the usual nasty niffs! It even contains a normal sized washing machine/tumbler drier.
• The Saloon has six eye-level windows so that the environs can be monitored easily whilst seated below decks. This prevents the claustrophobic feeling you often get with other boats. It can seat 14 guests for dinner but is equally an ideal relaxation space for two adults wanting to lie down fully to watch DVDs together. It can also be converted into two double berths.
• With air-conditioning throughout and hot water radiator heating, you can ensure that the temperature of the boat is perfectly suited to your environs and preferences.
• With 800 litres of water capacity and a watermaker, there is rarely the need to be anxious about water preservation.
• Stainless steel anchor chain is an undisputed luxury because it rarely knots and you can rely on it flowing out of the boat when mooring stern to. The chain is extremely high quality German marine grade steel for peace of mind and long-life expectancy.

Ease of maintenance:

• The Workshop has a bench with a vice and significant storage space which means that boat maintenance is isolated and never need impact the integrity of your living space. 
• With ample storage space in a separate aft lazerrette, access to tools and ropes is hassle free.
• The decks are uncluttered and so are easy to wash down

So if she is such an amazing boat, why is she up for sale?

She was recently prepared for going to India with lots of spares, new rigging and Main Sail as well as stainless steel chain. Then the previous owners had an unexpected family tragedy which meant that they were forced to stop sailing. They are extremely sad to part with her.

She is a complete bargain at €350,000 but unfortunately they do need to sell her.

How can I see her?

She is being marketed by De Valk Yachts, Hindeloopen in Holland and all enquiries should be addressed to them. They will be delighted to help you make arrangements to visit her. They have known the boat for many years. If you wish to contact us directly plese use the contact page.