Gaff Rigged 61 Topsail Schooner
USCG Inspected Charter Vessel

For Sale by Waterline Boats Seattle

Benefit from an immersive experience, featuring 7 Virtual Tours, 1 Video, and 104 photos, along with comprehensive specs and expert broker's commentary. All of this is available for the Spike Africa - Contact our Waterline Boats Broker!

Boat REF# · 316160
Length · 61'0"
Year · 1977
Construction · Wood
Underwater profile · Long Keel
Sleeping berths · 10
Engine · 1 x diesel 230hp, John Deere 6068AFM85 six cylinder diesel (2018)
Lying · San Juan Islands, WA USA - Shown by Appointment

Broker's Comments:
SPIKE AFRICA has become an icon in the world of active schooners. Bob Sloan, the builder, took seven years working mostly alone to complete the construction of the boat. He took time away from other builds taking place in his boat yard to prioritize completion of this vessel.

Upon completion he set out operating her in a traditional way as a long distance cargo vessel, hauling racing sail boat gear for boat races like the Transpac and others in Mexico. He also used SPIKE AFRICA to tow the racing sailboats back to their home ports as well as providing commercial towing for the insurance companies. This boat also towed a 115' Feadship motor yacht across the the Atlantic from the Mediterranean Sea. SPIKE AFRICA traveled more than one million sea miles and transited the Panama Canal more than 50 times.

The current owner has completed a total re-build and re-fit and has used SPIKE AFRICA as a very successful charter schooner in the Pacific Northwest and includes a current USCG Certificate of Inspection (COI) for continued charter work. This level of certification requires a diligent inspection for vessel structural and mechanical condition and safety compliance annually.

The surveyor commented favorably on the vessel in his 2022 report summary:

"SPIKE AFRICA presents the appearance of a well designed and constructed wooden sailing vessel that is structurally sound and in very good condition. The overall impression is that the vessel was initially well-built to robust scantlings, and has been extensively restored starting in 2009 then culminating in 2019."

Wooden Boat Magazine #70 (available on-line) has a wonderful article about the builder, Bob Sloan and the story of the schooner SPIKE AFRICA. She's an exceptional historic vessel in outstanding condition, ready for continued service and truly representing an exceptional opportunity for her next owner.