WILDFLOWER - TA CHIAO FOR SALE

A world‑class cruising ketch of distinction, this 65‑foot Robert Perry design embodies the grace, stamina, and seakindly balance that have made his yachts revered by bluewater sailors. Launched in 1984 and offered as a 1985 model, she presents in excellent condition and is currently lying in Grenada—perfectly situated for immediate Caribbean passages or as the starting point for a globetrotting itinerary.

Her lines are purposeful and elegant, with a powerful underbody and a deep, confidence‑inspiring draft that delivers superb tracking and a reassuring ride offshore. The ketch rig offers a versatile, easily managed sail plan, enabling balanced performance in a wide range of conditions and making long passages both comfortable and efficient. A broad 17‑foot beam lends tremendous stability and creates remarkable volume below, while the robust fiberglass composite hull and fiberglass decks speak to durability, low maintenance, and strength at sea.

The heart of this bluewater cruiser is its long‑range autonomy. With over 1,000 gallons of diesel on board and a reliable John Deere inboard engine, she offers impressive range under power and the peace of mind that comes with proven, straightforward machinery. A generous 500 gallons of fresh water supports extended periods away from shore, whether you’re crossing oceans or savoring months at anchor. Thoughtful weight distribution and efficient hull form work in harmony to deliver a quiet, efficient motion that reduces fatigue on crew during extended passages.

Step below and you’ll find a warm, inviting interior crafted for life at sea. The saloon is spacious and secure, offering ample seating for dining or relaxation, and abundant stowage for serious voyaging. Two well‑appointed heads serve the accommodations, ensuring comfort and privacy for owners and guests alike. Light, ventilation, and handholds are thoughtfully placed throughout, underscoring a sailor’s sensibility in every detail. The galley is arranged for safety underway and convenience at anchor, with generous counterspace and storage designed for provisioning on long routes.

On deck, wide side decks and purposeful hardware create a safe, confident working environment offshore. The helm offers excellent sightlines and a commanding feel, while the ketch rig’s sail geometry keeps loads manageable for a small crew. With a pedigree that inspires confidence, this ocean‑going sailing yacht is equally suited as a refined liveaboard, a capable world cruiser, or a performance‑minded passage‑maker for those who appreciate classic proportions married to enduring strength.

Poised in the Windwards and ready for her next chapter, this exceptional Perry‑designed ketch offers the rare combination of beauty, range, and true offshore capability. She is an invitation to roam far in comfort—an elegant, long‑legged companion for sailors who dream beyond the horizon.

Bluewater cruiser, cruising ketch, sailing yacht, offshore passage‑maker, world cruiser, liveaboard, performance cruiser, ocean‑going yacht.

Description

The history of care begins with meticulous work by the previous owner prior to the vessel’s sale in 2013, and continues today under an open‑checkbook regime with a full‑time captain; in the Additional Information below you will find every upgrade since 2013. WILDFLOWER is a center‑cockpit, raised‑saloon sailing ketch with three cabins plus a true stand‑up workshop. From 1997 to 2001 she was completely rebuilt under Patton Marine oversight: the interior was stripped to the hull shell and renewed throughout; all integral fiberglass tanks were installed new; every plumbing run and all machinery were replaced; and new wiring was fitted under the supervision of Wards Electric. Systems were designed with redundancy and classed for confident round‑the‑world cruising. At the time of the original major refit, all structural rigging, chain plates and chain‑plate bulkheads were renewed for greater integrity; all original stainless steel was removed and replaced with 316 polished stainless. In June 2023, Turbulence Rigging in Grenada removed, stripped, and painted both main and mizzen masts, removed and inspected all standing rigging and replaced where necessary—including the two ProFurl 520 genoa and staysail furling systems—and removed, inspected, and replaced all running rigging as needed; a detailed rigging report is available on request.

Accommodations

The master cabin lies aft with a king‑size berth, four stainless‑steel opening ports on the transom with screens and shades, one side port light (port and starboard), two fans, and six drawers beneath the berth. Entertainment is by a Sony TV, Alpine radio, and CD player, and storage includes one double‑door hanging locker. The ensuite head features a granite counter and backsplash, a Jabsco toilet, a shower, and a small overhead hatch. Moving forward, the renewed galley offers tremendous stowage and a Broadwater 4‑burner propane stove with oven. Refrigeration is by holding plates served by one engine‑driven compressor and two 110 V compressors, all independent, feeding one freezer and two refrigerators—one top‑loading and one both top‑ and side‑loading. Natural light and ventilation include three port lights in the hull and two cockpit port lights, complemented by a granite countertop and backsplash, microwave, purified water, and regular water. Opposite the galley, the stateroom presents a king‑size bed set above the freezer and additional storage. The exceptionally large saloon places a generous chart table and inside nav station forward to starboard, with additional stowage and entertainment aft to starboard, and is framed by nine stainless‑encircled fixed windows with 1/2" tempered glass, complete with blinds and shades. To port, the guest cabin offers a king berth with a propane dryer beneath and an electric washer beneath, plus an overhead opening hatch, fan, and reading light. To starboard, the workshop provides a stainless‑steel workbench, abundant storage for spares and tools, and a large walk‑in closet, all served by an overhead opening hatch. The forward head follows, with an extra‑large sink and an overhead opening hatch to starboard; to port, behind a closing door, is the toilet with its own overhead opening hatch, and a separate shower. Furthest forward, the cabin includes a double berth with storage beneath.

Electronics and navigation

The navigation suite is comprehensive, beginning with a dedicated Garmin GPS alongside an additional GPS feed, Simrad Broad band radar and a separate Garmin radar complemented by a radar detector, and a Cortex weather fax for synoptic intelligence. Charting is delivered via a Nobeltec electronic charting system on a full navigation center with plotter and log‑speedometer, while an Interphase Twin Scope forward‑looking depth sounder adds confident pilotage. Autopilot control is by Simrad, also noted as Autopilot: Simrad, and communications include an ICOM M700 SSB with Radio: SSB capability, two ICOM VHF radios and a VHF set, plus AIS via Garmin 9001 and onboard Wi‑Fi. For comfort and entertainment there is a flat screen TV, a Fusion 5 CD player driving six cockpit speakers, and the suite is rounded out by a compass, depthsounder, wind speed and direction instrumentation, and a neatly integrated plotter within the navigation center.

Electrical

Primary ship’s power is 110 V at 60‑cycle with 12 V DC throughout, supported by three battery banks consisting of three AMG 8D 12 V batteries in each bank, three new AGM batteries, and six new Lithium batteries. Charging and inversion are handled by two Trace 2500‑sine‑watt inverter/chargers and one Northern Lights 20 kW generator, with fresh‑air blowers supplying the battery compartments, engine room, and inverters. High‑output alternators include two 400‑amp units for the house banks and one 200‑amp alternator for the engine bank, and shore power inlet is fitted.

Winches

Power on deck is generous and carefully specified: two Barient 36 self‑tailing primaries handle the sheets, backed by two Lewmar three‑speed secondaries. At the mizzen, three Barient 24 self‑tailing units serve topping lift, halyard, and sheet, while the mainsheet is on a Barient 27 self‑tailing and the staysail sheet on a Barient 27 self‑tailing. Traveler duties are managed by two Barient 21 self‑tailing winches, with a Barient 27 self‑tailing on the vang. For heavy lifting, there are two Barient 27 self‑tailing electric halyard winches for main and staysail, plus a Lewmar 48 self‑tailing furling winch. Forward, two Barient 27 self‑tailing headsail halyard winches and three Barient 27 self‑tailing units for pole and spinnaker keep sail handling smooth, while seven Antal stoppers organize the cockpit, and two Barient 27 self‑tailing winches are mounted on the davits.

Sails and rigging

Sailcloth is protected by covers on the main, mizzen, and staysail, fully shielding the material, while the two headsails have protection when furled. The wardrobe includes a UK main with two reef points and a UK mizzen with one reef point, plus two Profurl manual furling systems serving the two headsails, a 135% jib, and a 100% blade. All standing rigging is Dyform wire with Norseman terminals, and sailhandling is aided by an electric winch and a responsive steering wheel.

Ground tackle

Primary anchors are through‑the‑hull installations comprising one 100 lbs. galvanized navy Danforth type and one Davis 120 lbs. stainless steel, with the primary set carried as one 75 kg Skeg to port and one 75 kg Danforth to starboard. Primary anchor chain is 7/16" with 300' to port and 350' to starboard, led to chain stowage at the base of the mast and driven by two Lewmar custom 5‑hp DC motors coupled to their two 3000 windlasses. The primary aft anchor system is a CQR 120 lbs. in a custom stainless‑steel chock with 350' of 7/16" high‑test chain and a 3000 Lewmar windlass. Additional anchors include a CQR 45 lbs. and a CQR 75 lbs., both stored on the pulpit, and there are two storm anchors: a Luke 120 lbs. Fisherman type and a 200 lbs. three‑piece galvanized Navy Danforth type. Additional rodes comprise 250' of 1‑1/2" diameter three‑strand anchor rode on a stainless‑steel roller at the starboard bow, and 350' of 1" three‑strand nylon anchor rode on a stainless‑steel roller at the port bow.

Engine and mechanical

Propulsion is by a John Deere model 6068, 6‑cylinder, 225 hp turbocharged engine turning through a Twin Disc transmission with a 2.96:1 ratio, protected by an Aqua Drive anti‑vibration system allowing the engine to sit on soft mounts, and a PSS dripless shaft log. Fuel is polished through two Racor 900 dual fuel filters for the main engine and two Racor 500 dual fuel filters for the generators. Lubrication is supported by a 55‑gallon stainless‑steel engine‑oil tank. Climate control is via air‑conditioning compressors with reverse cycle, 1200 BTU AC units and one 1600 BTU AC. Domestic water is managed by two fresh‑water Shur‑Flow pumps and two back‑up Shur‑Flow pumps selectable by valving, with hot water from a 12‑gallon stainless‑steel tank at 120 V plus a heat exchanger on the 21 kW generator. Watermaker Inc. reverse osmosis watermakers produce 115 gallons per hour; there are four. The driveline features a Max Prop, 30" diameter, with a 60 mm propeller shaft. Bilge management includes two Rule 3700 electric pumps, an Edson hand bilge pump, and a high‑water bilge alarm, while safety is enhanced by two automatic Fireboy fire‑suppression units in the engine room and two sea chests to minimize through‑hulls.

Safety equipment

Safety gear is extensive: a Switlik six‑man canister liferaft with hydrostatic release, eight safety harnesses, two USCG life rings with strobes, and two emergency grab bags with survival gear and one hand‑held GPS unit. An EPIRB 406 MH2 stands ready, with five hand‑held fire extinguishers aboard and eight USCG life jackets equipped with strobes and whistles.

Additional

Upgrades since the 2013 purchase are substantial. Leisure Furl in‑boom furling was added with a dedicated cockpit winch. The 225 HP John Deere diesel was rebuilt and has less than 400 hours. A new 20 kW Northern Lights generator shows less than 300 hours. A custom‑built main‑engine 800 AMO alternator system with inverters allows refrigeration and three AC units to be powered by the main engine instead of the generator while underway. Four 110 V AC conditioners are less than two years old, and one saloon AC unit is less than two years old. Two 12 V refrigeration systems are less than one year old. A bow thruster with an independent charging system was added three years ago. Ground tackle was expanded with a custom 75 kg stainless‑steel Manson kedge anchor on a windlass, a 75 kg stainless‑steel Danforth on a windlass, and three other plow anchors of varied size. An 80‑gallon‑per‑hour water maker was installed. New lithium phosphate batteries were fitted, along with three standard AGM batteries for the main charging bank. A new rigging survey was completed, with some rigging replaced in 2023, and all halyards, sheets, and lines are led back to the cockpit for safety and easy short‑handed sailing. In June 2023 the main and mizzen masts were removed, stripped, and painted; all spreaders were checked; all standing rigging was removed, inspected, and replaced where needed; and all running rigging was removed, inspected, and replaced where necessary as per the rigger’s report. From September to November 2023 a new Balmar XT series (170 amp) engine alternator was installed, and a new Sea Frost freezer system was added with plates, compressor, water pump, plumbing, and control unit. In January 2024 three CTM 16,000 BTU combined units and one CTM 16,000 BTU split unit were fitted for AC, with new plumbing, water pumps, control panels, and separate “easy start” boards on each unit. In April 2024 a new water pump was installed on the engine; during dry dock all zincs were replaced, a new cutlass bearing and dripless shaft seal were fitted, and the shaft/prop were removed for alignment and polishing. In May 2024 the dinghy was completely re‑tubed and professionally fitted by Sea Safety Grenada, with new covers installed. In June 2024 a new Northern Lights M844LW3G‑20 kW generator was installed (320 hours as of May 2025). In August 2024 a new high‑pressure water‑maker pump was installed, the water‑maker system was stripped and serviced, and all four membranes were replaced. In November 2024 a new Sea Frost refrigeration system was installed with two new reefer systems—plates, compressors, plumbing, and control panels—feeding two separate refrigeration boxes with individual electronic thermostats and speed controls. In December 2024 final commissioning was completed for the new CAD‑designed engine power bracket containing 2 x E series Mechman 400 amp high‑output alternators; this one‑off specific unit allows engine power alone to produce DC output to supply the inverter and onboard systems. In February through May 2025 a new engine turbo was installed; a new house battery bank of six Li Time 12 V 460‑Ah lithium batteries was fitted; and a new engine/generator start bank of 3 x Lifeline AGM 12 V GPL‑8DL batteries was added. Electronics were enhanced with a new Simrad NSE‑8 multifunction display used as an independent radar display and as a primary and backup chart plotter. Finally, the Yamaha 70 HP dinghy outboard received a complete new lower assembly unit/leg.

Covers

Protection on deck includes a snug cockpit cover, a fitted mainsail cover, and a spray hood that keeps the watch warm and the instruments dry.

Inside equipment

Onboard comforts are abundant, with air conditioning and heating, hot water, a battery charger, and a fresh‑water maker supporting life at sea. The galley specification includes a microwave oven, an oven, a refrigerator, a deep freezer, and a dishwasher, while ship systems are served by two electric bilge pumps, a manual bilge pump, two electric heads, and a sea‑water pump. A bow thruster adds close‑quarters control.

Outside equipment

Deck life is refined with cockpit cushions around a proper cockpit table, a cockpit shower for rinsing off, and handsome teak in the cockpit and on the sidedecks. Practicalities include davits, a liferaft, a radar reflector, and a swimming ladder, while ship‑to‑shore versatility comes via a tender—15' center console with a Yamaha 70 hp outboard.