All of the structure specifications of the hull and deck have been through American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) "plan certification" as well as "CE" Certification (category " A - Unlimited Offshore") both of which are internationally recognised certification processes.  ABS, in particular, places an emphasis on structural detail

Hull, Deck & Superstructure Construction:

·         The general skin laminate is clad in an Oyster (off-white) isophthalic-npg gelcoat finish.

·         Just inside of the gelcoat, a mat layer laminated with vinylester resin begins the hull skin laminate. 

·         The laminate continues with isophthalic resin laminated biaxial rovings. 

·         The hull bottom is solid fibreglass up to the design waterline. 

·         Underwater sections treated with 3 coats of epoxy prior to original commissioning

·         The hull topsides are cored above the waterline with Baltek balsa core.  While it is a costly process the balsa core augments panel stiffness, and increases thermal and sound insulation.  The increased stiffness-to-weight ratio improves the payload carrying ability.

·         Non-slip GRP mouldings to deck and cockpit surfaces finished in Off White gelcoat (non-slip deck areas) or Arctic White (general mouldings)

·         The hull and deck flanges are bedded in polyurethane and through-bolted with stainless steel bolts. The joint is then sealed with a teak capping rail.

·         Double thickness rubbing strake.

·         Chain plates for the cap shrouds and intermediate shrouds are through-bolted into the hull, and the lowers bolted to the deck with backing plates.

·         Primary bulkheads are bolted as well as bonded to the hull and deck, and internal mouldings bonded in with mat and woven rovings.

·         The underside of the deck, bilges and inside of the hull are gel coated to facilitate cleaning.

·         Dark blue sheer stripe and boot line.

·         Lightening ground system.

·         SSB radio copper ground system.

·         The waterline has been raised to allow the yacht to carry a larger inventory. This increases the draft by approx 12cm and also increased the waterline length (further improving windward performance).

Keel & Rudder:

·         The deep draft ballast keel is cast of antimonial lead. It is attached externally to provide the maximum righting moment for a given amount of ballast. Since it is mounted externally, the lead can also sustain impact and abrasion from grounding without damage to fiberglass surfaces.

·         The ballast is attached with ten 1" keel bolts and bedded in epoxy at the joint with the solid fibreglass keel boss.  Each bolt is attached on the inside of the hull with a stainless steel backing plate bedded in epoxy, washers and nuts locked with epoxy.

·         The rudder skeg forms a protective foundation for rudder attachment and an aperture for the propeller and shaft to protect them from damage and fouling.  There is a ½” steel spine inside the skeg encased in filled resin.  A molded- in recess at the bottom of the skeg accepts the heavy bronze gudgeon that supports the lower end of the rudderstock.

Engine & Gearboxes:

·         Yanmar 4JH3E 56hp 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated marine diesel engine

·         Fresh water engine cooling via raw-water inlet and heat exchanger

·         Tuff Torq KBW20-1 ATF transmission connected to shaft drive via PSS carbon/stainless steel shaft seal.

·         The transmission was serviced in 2008 by Mack Boring, NJ, USA as a precautionary measure following an ATF leak.  They reported normal wear and tear but were instructed to carry out full rebuild service.

·         Shaft seal gaiter replaced 2014

·         New split SS shaft coupling fitted 2014

·         Twin Racor fuel filters with changeover valve for service or emergency changeover with filter blockage.

·         Secondary electric fuel pump inline to assist in servicing and ensure good fuel flow if tank volume well depleted.

·         Single lever throttle/gear control on steering pedestal.  Morse cables replaced 2008.

Maintenance & Performance:

·         Engine hours: 4735

·         Engine last serviced: October 2014

·         Cruising speed – approx 6.4/6.5 knots @ 2,400/2,800rpm

·         Maximum speed – approx 7 knots @ 3,000rpm

Propulsion & Steering:

·         3-bladed fixed prop

·         Rope cutter on shaft

·         Rack & pinion steering system

·         Whitlock steering pedestal with for B&G instruments

·         36” hide-covered stainless steel wheel

·         Hydrovane wind vane steering system at stern with detachable Raymarine 1000 autopilot on adapted stainless steel tiller driving Hydrovane rudder.

Voltage Systems:

·         12vDC domestic system and 220v ring main from shorepower, inverter or generator.

Battery Banks:

·         1x 105Ah 12vDC AGM Lifeline engine start battery

·         4x 205Ah 12vDC  AGM Lifeline service batteries joined in parallel to supply 820 Ah @ 12v

Battery Charger/ Inverter:

·         Heart "Freedom 25”  inverter/charger integrating a 130-amp battery charger with a 2500-watt inverter system. 

·         Spare Freedom 25 unit for backup, unused from new in 2005.

·         Mastervolt 40 Amp backup charger for domestic batteries (2004)

·         Xantrex Echocharge (replaced 2011) 4-stage 12v DC charger for engine start battery.  This unit senses voltage and charging cycles in service bank and uses this to top-up the starter battery.

·         Heart Interface Link 2000R (Xantrex - replaced 2005) for monitoring battery condition, charge rate and DC amperage load. Also controls DC charging rates and inverter usage. The alternator control circuit is wired in parallel to the Balmar regulator system and can be easily connected with a failure of the Balmar regulator unit.

Generator:

·         Northern Lights 6Kva 240v generator – 3 cylinder diesel with Racor fuel filter and in-line electric fuel pump to ensure good fuel flow and facilitate servicing. Access via locker cocoon and through service side door in wet locker

·         Generator hours: 3070

·         Date of last generator service: October 2014

Alternator:

·         Balmar 90 Series 160Amp 12v DC high-output alternator

·         Balmar Maxcharge 4 state regulator with adjustable output control (2005)

·         Heart Interface (Xantrex) Link 2000R as above

Shore Power:

·         220vAC shorepower with 50/60 Hz 16amp input connection

·         110vAC shorepower 50/60hz 32amp input via same connector when appropriate to use the step-up transformer.

·         Victron 50/60 Hz AC isolation transformer. The unit is able to provide 240vAC 16 Amp to 240vAC 16 Amp conversion when using 240v AC shorepower. This can be changed to 120v AC 32 Amp to 240v AC 16 Amp conversion when in ports with USA voltages. Shore power cables for both situations included. The system uses earth (ground) isolation when afloat and a residual current ground fault protection – helps eliminate stray currents in marinas and prolong anode life. When ashore, the ground (earth) is connected to the shore supply for safety.

Other Electrical:

·         DC and AC switch panels with indicator LEDs and gauges

·         240v AC sockets internally in cockpit locker and throughout cabins

·         12v DC sockets both internally and externally

Fresh Water & Water Heating System:

·         Pressurised hot and cold fresh water via 12vDC pressure pump

·         Hot water generated by engine-driven calorifier or via 240vAC immersion heater element in 23 litre hot water storage tank (Replaced 2008)

·         Seagull IV X-1F water purifier at galley sink (Replaced 2009)

·         Manual fresh water supplies at galley and heads sink via footpumps

·         Manual sea water supply at galley via footpump

·         Hot & cold pressurised shower in cockpit with removable hose and shut-off valves in cockpit locker

·         Fresh water manifold raised in bilge with direct access from behind saloon settee. Allows switching for all tanks and manual pumps

Watermaker:

·         Katadyn Power Survivor 80 12vDC  watermaker producing approx. 13lph plumbed to under-floor tank (tank 2).

·         Watermaker hours: approx. 800.  Membranes replaced and motor/gearbox rebuilt 2009

·         Y-valve to galley sink for sampling prior to switching to tank.

·         Watermaker serviced and pickled annually while not in use. Servicing is more frequent when in use.

Bilge Pumps:

·         Jabsco 12vDC electric belt-driven bilge pump in cockpit locker (automatic/manual)

·         2x Whale Titan 108lpm manual bilge pumps (at wheel and at chart table)

Grey & Black Water:

·         Grey discharged directly overboard manually or via 12vDC pump out

·         Blackwater discharges directly overboard or to holding tank

·         Jabsco 12v macerator pump for discharging from holding tank

Gas System:

·         Gas bottle locker with overboard vent

·         2x 6kg propane bottles with switch-over (automatic or manual).

·         Supply lines available for Camping Gaz and USA POL fittings available.

Fuel:

·         238 litres (52 gallons) aluminium fuel tank located under the centreline in the main saloon with access port for cleaning.

·         114 litres (24 gallons) aluminium fuel tank located under the aft seat in the main cabin with access port for cleaning.

·         Fuel tank gauges

Fresh water:

·         462 litres (101 gallons) in three water tanks (216 litres forward (GRP), 82 litres mid (stainless steel) and 163 litres aft (GRP)

·         Tank selection may be made on the basis of flotation trim, and water usage may be monitored effectively. A valve manifold is located conveniently at the dinette to allow easy tank selection.

Holding tank:

·         72 litres (16 gallons) blackwater holding tank with Y-valve from toilet to bypass tank where permitted.

·         The holding tank may be evacuated through the deck or pumped through the hull using the 12v macerator pump.

·         Tank monitoring via Acu-Gauge Ultra-8 monitor. System has spare channels as used now. Tank vent has carbon filter to prevent smells from holding tank reaching cockpit, crew or neighbours.

Summary of Accommodation:

·         7 berths in 2 cabins and the main saloon where table can be lowered and a cushion infill placed to make a double berth.

·         The design seeks to ensure light, air, warmth, comfort and security are the requisite elements of a livable offshore interior.

·         Four overhead hatches, and fourteen opening ports and two dorade-type cowl vents provide light and ventilation

·         The warmth is in the ambiance of the interior combination of matt finished hand crafted teak joinery work, light laminate surfaces, soft headlining, and a wide selection of interior fabrics.

·         Headlinings zipped throughout for access to deck fitting fasteners.

·         Louvered locker doors and cabin doors

·         Chromed bronze push-button locks on all lockers and drawers

·         Teak & holly sole boards with positive locks for added safety at sea

·         Corian galley surfaces in Sierra/Sandstone finish with high Corian splashbacks

·         Sierra/Sandstone Corian in heads

Description of layout from forwards:

Forward Cabin:

The island double berth in the forward cabin is accessible from both sides and features a bank of deep drawers in its face.  Extra depth cushion. Shelves extend port and starboard over the berth and book shelving has been added. Two opening ports and a Bomar reversible hatch bring light and ventilation into the forward cabin. Two bulkhead swivel lights, 2x LED deckhead lights. Fittings are incorporated for use of a secure fruit and veg net above the berth.

Main Saloon:

A U-shaped settee converts to a double bunk sleeping area by lowering the dinette table on its pedestals.  The space below and behind the settees is available for storage port and starboard.  There are alcoves with removable fiddles, as well as enclosed lockers with louvred doors port and starboard. Four bulkhead swivel reading lights, 2x Alpenglow (red/white) deckhead lights. Mast has leatherette, padded cover for insulation, protection and decor.

Galley:

Aft of the galley to starboard is the U-shaped galley.  The galley layout is secure on either tack, with convenient "leaning" surfaces to free up hands – no galley strap required. The inboard section of the galley counter locates the double sink over the centerline for the best possible drainage on either tack. The double sink is polished stainless steel. The drain incorporates a Y-valve for the chart table manual bilge pump. The stove is a “Force 10” 3-burner with a foldaway door, broiler and thermostatically controlled oven. (Burners replaced 2011) Large fridge/freezer with top and front access. Galley storage is plentiful with a bank of drawers that includes a cooking utensil storage drawer, top loading dry goods locker, outboard lockers and underside locker.  An additional eye-level locker was also added at build which houses plates etc, secured by a net while at sea. Fruit and veg net can be conveniently suspended below this unit. A laminated cutting board to span the sink LED deckhead light above fridge and Alpenglow (red/white) deckhead light.

Chart Table Area:

Large forward facing chart table and comfortable seating, beneath the slanted working surface there is a deep storage area, and a sturdy folding support will hold the lid in a “browse” position, or level for athwartship chart work, or an auxiliary serving area.  An additional custom-built pod was added during commissioning to mount the chart plotter at eye level. An Alpenglow red/white deckhead light  is mounted above the table.

Aft Heads:

The head and shower compartments are at the base of the companionway allowing shedding of foul weather gear before moving through the cabin.  The head is mounted on a fiberglass pedestal with a drain for easy cleaning and maintenance. The vanity counter top is Corian and has a stainless steel sink. Two opening ports and one deck vent hatch allow effective ventilation under any conditions.  Teak seat in the shower stall. Alpenglow red/white deckhead light.

Aft Cabin:

Quarter cabin with double berth, dressing area, hanging locker and two drawers beneath berth. Excellent lighting and ventilation with escape hatch opening into the cockpit and port opening window. Alpenglow red/white deckhead light.

Galley:

·         Force 10 3-burner gimballed propane gas stove with oven & broiler

·         Panasonic 220vAC microwave

·         Skandvik polished stainless steel sinks with pressurised and manual water supplies

·         240vAC Seafrost fridge/freezer with two large holding plates in the freezer and one in the fridge compartment. A thermostat in the fridge governs the run time for a BG1000 240v external compressor located in the stern cockpit locker. This is seawater cooled and very efficient. Power can come from shorepower, genset or inverter (when motoring). Manual pump out to galley sink for defrost.

Heads/Showers:

·         Groko Type K bronze manual sea toilet

·         Electric shower drain

·         Skandvik polished stainless steel sink

Heating & Ventilation:

·         Espar (Eberspacher) diesel-fired hot air cabin heating with 4 outlets and timer control

·         8x 12vDC Hella Turbo cabin fans

·         Bomar opening deckhead hatches with mosquito screens

·         Chromed-bronze portlights with mosquito screens

Entertainment:

·         Kenwood Stereo/Radio with I-pod connection, USB port, mini-stereo input port, 10-disc CD autochanger input from DVD player and remote control.  All replaced 2010.

·         Stereo speakers in saloon and cockpit

·         ViewEra 19” HD flat computer screen in saloon with input from Humax digital TV tuner (UK) and multi-region DVD player. US digital TV and cable system also available. Separate sound system for TV use only.

Lighting:

·         12vDC deckhead lighting system with 7x Alpenglow house lights, 7x reading lights & 3x LED house lights

In cockpit:

·         RL80CRC slave unit under cockpit canopy. Spare RL70CRC slave unit. (Both serviced B&G UK 2011)

·         B&G Network Pilot PLD Type II electric/hydraulic autopilot system (with spare ram) – feedback unit replaced 2013

·         B&G Network Wind speed & direction display  (New masthead transducer 2014)

·         B&G Network Tack display (CH/dead run)

·         B&G Network Depth display

·         B&G Network Speed/Log/MFD display

·         Ritchie Globemaster SP-5  binnacle-mounted steering compass

·         Raymarine ST1000 tiller pilot for hydrovane

·         Vesper Marine Watchmate monochrome AIS display.   Signals from Icom MXA-5000 receiver.

·         Automatic foghorn unit.  Can be used as distress alarm from cabin.

·         Digital and analog TV antennae with Cable TV connector in stern locker.

At chart table:

·         Raymarine RL70C monochrome radar/plotter (Serviced B&G UK 2011)

·         Raychart 630

·         B&G Network Data repeater

·         B&G GPS Plus 12 Network display/control

·         2x Raymarine 300GPS receiver (displays to chart plotter, B&G GPS Network unit and other NMEA devices)

·         McMurdo Navtex Nav6+ navtex display (Replaced 2009)

·         McMurdo Ocean Sentry radar transponder/alarm

Communications Equipment:

·         Icom MC-605 VHF radio with cockpit command mic handset and DSC at both stations

·         Icom MC-710 SSB radio (UK approved)

·         Icom 501 Euro VHF radio and DSC with cockpit speaker

·         SCS PTC-II Pro Pactor III modem for email and weather fax worldwide

·         Stealth mini-computer and display at chart table for wifi, SSB email, weather fax etc

Rig:

·         Single Hander’s package from factory

·         Forespar cream powder-coated aluminium alloy keel-stepped masthead cutter rigged spar with 2-sets of inline spreaders

·         Forespar cream powder-coated aluminium alloy boom

·         Rod vang adjustable from cockpit

·         Harken genoa furlers for staysail (Unit 1.0) and staysail (Unit 2.0)

·         1x19 stainless steel wire standing rigging with bronze rigging screws (2009)

·         Mechanical adjustable wire insulated (for SSB) backstay – replaced 2009

·         Checkstays for use with staysail with leather anti-chafe boots – replaced 2009

·         Toerail mounted genoa tracks

·         Side-deck mounted inboard tracks for reefed genoa or reaching staysail

·         Storm trysail track on mast

·         Spinlock rope clutches

·         Harken blocks with halyards led aft to companionway

·         Harken mainsheet system on coachroof with adjustable track

·         Fully-battened mainsail system with Harken high-load batten-car system

·         Three reefs in mainsail

·         Forespar lazyjack system

·         Mast-mounted telescopic aluminium whisker pole with associated equipment and twin in-line pole fittings

·         Deck-stowed indentical aluminium telescopic whisker pole and equipment for twin headsails

·         Cruising chute lead blocks

·         Two folding mast-steps mounted at masthead

Winches:

·         Winch package is from Harken and are all 2-speed self-tailing manual units. These include:

1.       2x 56.2 primary winches in cockpit

2.       1x 46.2 mainsheet winch

3.       1x 44.2 main halyard winch

4.       2x 40.2 staysail sheet & utility winches at companionway

5.       2x 40.2 headsail halyard winches on mast

Sails:

·         Parker & Kay (Onesail) fully battened mainsail – 2014

·         Parker & Kay (Onesail) 120% roller furling high-clew genoa – 2014

·         Parker & Kay (Onesail) roller furling staysail – 2014

·         Parker & Kay (Quantum) lightweight 150% genoa with integral twin dyneema stays and removable furling gear (similar to Code 0) – 2004

·         Parker & Kay (Quantum) 4oz 120% genoa for use as twin headsail in trade winds (2004)

·         Ullman Sails storm jib with adapter to sleeve over the furled staysail – 2000

·         Ullman Sails cruising chute with snuffer – 2000

·         Parker & Kay (Quantum) storm trysail - 2005

General:

·         Stainless steel pushpit with reinforcing struts for davit mounting (2008)

·         Pushpit mounted stern navigation lamp

·         Stainless steel pulpit with port and starboard navigation lamps

·         Stainless steel wire guardrails (replaced 2011) and stanchions with side boarding gates

·         Offset swim ladder with access from water

·         Teak dorade boxes with dorades vents

·         Stainless steel mast pulpits (granny bars)

·         Teak varnished Cockpit table

Anchoring & Mooring Equipment:

·         60lbs Manson Supreme primary bower anchor with 100m+ of 9mm BB chain

·         45lbs CQR second bower anchor with chain/octoplait with 30m or 8mm secondary anchor chain with 100m octoplait line.

·         Fortress FX16 stern anchor with chain/octoplait

·         Twin stainless steel bow rollers

·         Muir VRC1200 12v 1.2kw electric anchor windlass with chain/rope gypsy and deck foot switches (Motor and gearbox replaced 2009).

·         Anchor deck pipe for second anchor

·         Flo-Jet 12vDC raw water anchor/deck wash

·         Fenders and warps with fenders stowed within stainless steel fender holders at pulpit

Covers, Canvas & Cushions:

·         Canvas sprayhood with zippered front window – 2014

·         Cockpit tent with zippered rear window and removable side planels - 2014

·         Bimini

·         Riding sail for backstay

·         Mainsail cover 2014

·         Storage bags for line and blocks

Dinghy & Outboard:

·         Kato Marine folding or removable stainless steel davits with pulley purchases and lead to winch (2008)

·         Forespar Lift (300lbs) for outboard, stores or MOB

·         Tinker RIB – 4-man – folds and fits to custom foredeck fittings with cover beneath staysail

·         Full sail rig for Tinker

·         Suzuki 5hp outboard engine (2000) – 2-stroke. Serviced annually. Uses external fuel tank and/or internal smaller tank or both.

Safety Equipment:

·         GPS EPIRB

·         Avon Ocean ISO 4  C  4-man liferaft (2004) maintained to manufacturer and legal schedules (next service 2017)

·         Horseshoe buoy with light

·         Danbuoy with light

·         MOB trailing harness with light

·         Echomax  radar reflector

·         Drogue with yoke and trailing line for running in storm conditions. Ideal for canoe stern and uses primary winches.

·         3x machinery space fire extinguishers

·         3x cabin space fire extinguishers

·         Fire blanket

Please note:  The owners have an extremely comprehensive list of extras, spares and additional items, of which a list can be obtained on request.

The hull is classically shaped without distortion for the sake of interior volume.  The shape of the hull is driven by the dimensional proportions that have proven over the years to contribute to seaworthiness.  The moderate beam results in an angle of positive stability greater than 140 degrees, and reduced asymmetry at heel.  The combination of moderate beam and the clean lines of the stem, keep the rudder immersed at higher heel angles, contributing to greater directional stability and easier steering.  The low freeboard presents a lower profile and less surface area to breaking waves.  The overhangs of the bow and stem contain reserve buoyancy to dampen pitch and lengthen waterline.  A designer such as Bill Crealock can use the proportions necessary to achieve comfort and seaworthiness in a hull shape that can go to windward effectively, be driven easily by smaller increments of sail, and have the same proportions describe the shape of a beautiful yacht.

“Outwardly, the new Pacific Seacraft 40 closely resembles its larger and smaller sisters, but in fact each model in the line incorporates modifications to the shape and refinements aimed mostly at improved performance and safety.

The 40 retains the general form of split underbody with ventral fin between keel and large skeg. As before, the primary aim throughout is ease of control by a small crew in bad conditions. I believe that in the 40 the beam proportion have come close to the practical limit. Balance and ease of handling are among the principal requirements of a cruising boat, and beam can be an enemy of balance; so we add it a little at a time to make sure that handling characteristics are not threatened. All reports indicate the 40 is a very well-balanced boat. My own belief is that one should not travel only to arrive; the passage itself should be relaxing and fun. We formed the underbody for this purpose, and we have had numerous reports from owners of other boats in the line of surfing down waves in heavy weather at speed/length ratios of over 2 with easy control.

The deck is straightforward with most lines led aft, with a raised king plank for better footing on the foredeck and with tall bulwarks for their practical and psychological advantage. The lower shrouds are inboard for easier walking and sheeting and the watertight cockpit sole is easily removable for engine access. The 40 has a short bow platform; it allows a longer base for sail plan, permits the use of a longer waterline, and increases the work area for anchoring. It will be noticed that the Pacific Seacraft bow platform is of unusually strong construction.

The accommodation is slanted towards offshore use. The choice of island berth of V-berth in the forecabin is a matter of personal preference. The settees have fairly tight corners rather than sweeping curves for greater comfort when the boat is heeled. On passage, I like the a galley which supports the cook without having to rely on straps and which, if possible, allows the cook to stand clear of any overturning pots. Separate stall shower space is well used for local cruising and the less fastidious can use the shower stall as an extra wet locker on passage which, with its overhead hatch, forms a giant dorade vent.

The Pacific Seacraft 40 appears to be a moderate to heavy displacement boat, but one must remember that a boat with considerable overhangs will tend to have an artificially high ratio, and we also realise that the published figures for many boat are, shall we say, somewhat optimistic. I also believe that speed on passage is quite different from speed round the buoys, and that a small crew should be able to sail an offshore cruiser to its full potential without exhaustion.”

W.I.B Crealock

On the Pacific Seacraft 40 just about everything has been thought through. A yacht like this could be taken off the production line and confidently sailed straight off into the sunset without another thought. We understand what Bill Crealock means about getting there quickly, but comfortably.

She’s no round-the-cans sprinter, but once she gets the scent she will chew through 150 miles a day easily. We can’t help feeling that he has got his sums just right with this boat.

Yachting Monthly – Feb 1998

Lady of Lorien is a Pacific Seacraft 40’ designed by Bill Crealock and was hull 41 built in Fullerton, California by Pacific Seacraft Corporation.

She was commissioned in Falmouth, England in April 2000. Since then she has safely cruised over 30,000 nautical miles including the UK, Baltic, NW Europe, Spain and Portugal.  She crossed the Atlantic in 2005 and returned 2011.  She cruised the Caribbean and the East Coast of the USA migrating with the seasons.

She was being re-commissioned this year in Ipswich for a return across the Atlantic and more cruising.  Unfortunately due to ill health, her owners’ plans have had to change.  

We have been sailing together since our late teens, starting in National 12 Foot dinghies and moving to International Hornet dinghies.  From 1980 we started to cruise in a Moody 33S with our 4 children.  As they grew we needed more space and privacy and we bought a Moody 376.  This lasted us until we started to plan for long term blue-water cruising in 1998.

We started to look for a 40-ish foot cruiser that could be handled by a retired couple, had a good turn of speed and would handle any weather the oceans could throw at us.  At the time our choices were either the Bowman 42 or the Crealock 40.  We had sailed on a Bowman 40 in the past and had seen a Crealock 44 at the London Boat Show.  The build standard of the 44 was incredible but we realised it was too big and expensive.  We were able to view and test sail a 40 in Falmouth in a full gale and will always remember making comfortable rapid progress to windward without fuss.  The return reaches and runs showed the full power of the rig and we were convinced.

We contacted Nigel Calder (Marine Journalist) and met up with him.  In writing his second book for long-term cruisers he had recently explored the performance figures of his own Crealock 40 and was able to show why it was a best buy at the time.  The US dollar took a dive and we placed our order for delivery in 2000.

Having experienced lots of cruising in Europe we were able to specify the boat design and equipment in detail.  We were fed up with scraping around for 12 volt power and determined to dispense with this issue.  “Lady of Lorien” is equipped to the maximum.  Over-specified winches,  6KVA diesel genset, Hydrovane, watermaker, extra diesel tank, etc., etc..

We took delivery in April 2000 and undertook our maiden voyage back to the East Coast amid fog, gales and storms!  When we finally had a patch of good weather to pass through the Solent we reached at over 8 knots almost all the way.  The next 4 years were spent getting to know her and cruising into the Baltic for summer holidays.  In 2005 we had retired early and were ready to go.

Living aboard her full time we quickly came to appreciate her sailing qualities and her comforts.  We were using the genset for about an hour twice a day to heat water, charge batteries, keep freezer deeply frozen and make water.  In the tropics we added another short period at midday.   The genset is quiet and never introduced extra heat to our living space as the installation is very good.  When we took part in the ARC the skipper hosted the twice daily radio net and soon acquired other nets who could not hear their controllers.  We had paid extra attention to the SSB installation and it was now paying off.

We never found the need for air-conditioning as the array of Hella fans were effective and the available ventilation very efficient.  A big freezer allows for storage of meat for up to 3 months and space to put all those fish that cannot be immediately consumed.  The Mate found the galley excellent and dry storage space ample.  We were renowned for the standard of our meals when entertaining in anchorages! 

Our Yanmar engine is reliable and powerful.  It has always started instantly without pre-heat and has no smoke.  We have found that we can motor at 2,000 rpm for at least 660 nautical miles when needs arise.  The need for a feathering propeller has never been apparent even in light weather.  We have used our full inventory of sails to good effect and never needed our storm canvas.  When we did the Chesapeake Bay, Bermuda, Azores, Falmouth route in 2011 we had appalling weather most of the way.  “Herb” told us this was the worst Atlantic weather season he had encountered in all his years of weather routing.  Beating for days in 45 Knots true wind and 6 metre seas we used our staysail and three reefs in the main.  The Hydrovane did most of the steering and her sea-kindliness was obvious.  We averaged about 5 knots through the water and only once fell off a wave with no ill effects except the Mate bruising her face.  All our faith in “Lady” was justified.  Other boats around us suffered major rig or equipment failures. We would commonly see mileages covered in a day of 160Nm and our record is 176Nm.

Having acquired 10 grandchildren we took a couple of years before deciding to head off again.  We were almost through our refit when the Skipper became very ill with what turned out to be Lymphoma.  Following chemotherapy we are left with further therapy over the next 2 years and we need to let “Lady” go to new owners who will appreciate her qualities and reward her with further ocean travel.  Believe us, she can go anywhere and she wants to get on with it.  Her beautiful new sails have only been used once.