Sargasso was commissioned by east coast sailor and built in brazil in 1964. Carvel planked and no butt joints as lumber choice was readily available and part of the reason boat is in such amazing shape even after almost sixty years. The boat was saved from the wrecking yard, which wanted the 6000lb external ballast, by three crazy sailors who each saw the potential and hated to see her broken up.
Ribs are original (no sisters or cracks), as are bronze fasteners which are in remarkably good shape. Deck has been replaced and all systems have been updated in the last three years. The cockpit was rebuilt in teak and powered by Westerbeke diesel. She sails incredibly well which is a testament to the original designer who went on to start CAL yachts due to the success of this design.
The original owner raced extensively on the east coast and has many trophies that pay tribute to the success it enjoyed in the ’60s and ’70s. The next owner raced and cruised the boat extensively and was based out of Bellingham. Unfortunately, he passed unexpectedly and the boat stayed on the hard for 10-15 years. The current owner is only the third caretaker who has had the boat in the water and has been fortunate to cruise the last two years including a trip up the inside passage to Johnson Strait.
The boat has stayed mostly true to its original intent to be a simple fast sailboat. While updated with safety equipment the boat still has a foot pump for water and hasn’t been weighed down by too many creature comforts. She rides above her waterline which keeps her fast and light and surprisingly responsive. She is a classic beauty which is a joy to sail and unfortunately many of her sister ships haven’t faired as well due to different construction methods.