L'EQUIPE - LITTLE HARBOR FOR SALE

Perfect for the dedicated cruising duo or clan pursuing a pedigreed bluewater cruiser that still slips along the ICW and tucks into shoal moorings. Little Harbor 53s seldom surface—this one’s exquisite.

Introduction

L’EQUIPE is an exceptional Little Harbor 53 center-cockpit sailing yacht crafted by the iconic Ted Hood, seamlessly blending blue-water performance with unparalleled luxury. Her reduced rig height makes her ICW-friendly (Intercoastal Waterway), broadening cruising possibilities while preserving superb capability. She presents an extensive equipment list and a rich history of recent updates, and is offered at US$ 375,000, presently located in Freeport, ME.

Key specifications and dimensions

Crafted by Little Harbor and designed by Ted Hood, this Little Harbor 53 is a ketch-rigged, center-cockpit yacht built in 1988. She measures 53' length overall (LOA), with a 42' 2" length at waterline (LWL) and a 15' 1" beam, and carries a displacement of 49,000 lbs. Versatile draft capabilities range from a minimum 5' 8" with the board up to a maximum 11' with the board down, enabling confident access from shallow anchorages to deep-water passages. The hand-laid fiberglass hull incorporates an Airex foam core with internal cast lead ballast for strength and stability, while the hand-laid fiberglass deck features a Divinycell core and a 5/8" teak overlay that blends enduring durability with timeless elegance.

Engine, mechanical and tankage

Power comes from a 2009 Yanmar 108 HP diesel engine with 2,228 hours (as of June 2026), delivering a steady cruising speed of 8 knots. Onboard autonomy is provided by a Westerbeke 8 kW generator showing 1,156 hours (2026). Precision maneuvering is assured by an integrated Sidepower bow thruster and a three-blade Gori propeller with an overdrive system. Climate comfort is maintained by a reverse-cycle marine air conditioning and heating system of approximately 30,000 BTUs. Endurance is enhanced by 175 gallons of fuel in molded-in fiberglass tanks and 335 gallons of water in molded-in fiberglass tanks. Practicality underway and at anchor is further supported by a built-in oil change pump system serving both the main engine and the generator.

Recent maintenance and upgrades

In 2025, a brand-new Garmin radar, plotter, and GPS with AIS were installed at the helm, the Reckmann headsail furler was completely rebuilt, and the centerboard system was renewed with the centerboard pennant and sheaves completely replaced. In 2022, sail power was enhanced with the addition of a Quantum 135% genoa, the bimini was upgraded with new protective side enclosure sides, and the electrical system was refreshed with a bank of eight house batteries delivering 1,050 amp hours. Completing the safety suite, 2025 also saw the yacht outfitted with a brand-new life raft packed in a convenient soft valise.

Accommodations and luxury interior

Thoughtfully arranged for extended cruising comfort, the yacht offers three private staterooms and two heads, each with dedicated stall showers, all enveloped in premium-grade hand-crafted teak joinerwork set against timeless teak and holly cabin soles. The main saloon welcomes guests with a deep circular seating area to starboard surrounding a custom teak dining table, balanced by a portside settee that converts to a berth; three Lexan hull ports on each side bathe the space in natural light, while an integrated twenty-bottle wine locker stands ready for refined entertaining.

Aft, the master stateroom is configured with oversized twin berths to port and starboard, a central settee, and cedar-lined hanging lockers, complemented by a master head featuring marble countertops and an electric toilet upgrade completed in 2018. Forward, the guest quarters provide two distinct cabins with upper and lower bunk arrangements, both served by an electric guest head, ensuring privacy and comfort for family and friends.

The walk-through galley is comprehensively outfitted with Grunert 110V AC refrigeration and freezer compressors, a Frigoboat 12V secondary cooling unit, a separate bar fridge, a four-burner stainless steel Force 10 propane stove with oven, a double stainless sink, and dedicated spaces for a microwave and toaster. Adjacent to the companionway, the full-sized, aft-facing navigation station integrates a deep-storage nav desk with full electrical panel access and comprehensive helm instrumentation. Forward, the fore’c’sle workspace functions as a massive storage locker and practical tool shop, complete with a vise, power tools, shore power adapters, and a dedicated paint locker, ensuring shipshape readiness for every passage.

Rigging, sails and deck inventory

A purposeful ketch rig by Hood Stoway Spars combines an electric Stoway main mast with a manual Stoway mizzen mast, all supported by heavy-duty stainless steel rod rigging. Control and trim are refined by a Navtec hydraulic boom vang and backstay, while a removable inner forestay expands sail plan options and folding mast steps ensure sure-footed access aloft.

The sail wardrobe is extensive and versatile, featuring a Stoway main, a Quantum 135% genoa, a 95% yankee, a 100% jib, a Stoway mizzen, a fore staysail, an MPS, a spinnaker, a gennaker with sock, and a storm staysail, providing the right canvas for every point of sail and condition.

Power to handle it all comes from an upgraded Barient self-tailing package comprising two #32 electric primaries, two #32 electric main/outhaul winches, two #28 secondaries, and four #21 halyard winches. On deck, a 75 lb. CQR anchor paired with 250' of all-chain rode and a Maxwell 200H anchor windlass delivers secure holding and effortless retrieval. Comfort and conviviality are assured by a large teak cockpit table seating eight, complemented by cockpit cushions and a deck shower, while a rigid dinghy (no outboard) stands ready for shore runs. Canvas protection includes a robust dodger, a full bimini with enclosure sides, cockpit covers, and complete varnish protective covers running from stem to stern.

Exclusions

The sale expressly excludes the owner’s personal effects.