7 sailing yachts for sale: sail away for under a million euros

There is something special about each of these seven sailing yachts, which range from classics with a history to flashy racers of the eighties. Each one has its own particular appeal and all will stir sailors’ passions. And since when have yachtsmen been able to sail away on such superb vessels for a song? Set a date for a sea trial with one of these beauties and prepare to be smitten…while pocketing a fair bit of change from €1 million.

Marigold | 1892 | 17.98m | €550,000

Marigold was the first of Charles Nicholson’s large yacht designs and her plumb bow and elegant counter stern are testimony to his youthful genius in the latter part of the 19th century. Many years, many miles, and much investment later, Marigold now once again graces the regatta circuit for which she was in part designed. Also a fine cruising boat, her rig is surprisingly easy to handle and her mahogany interior, based largely on the original, provides accommodation in the traditional style for six guests and two crew, although she can take up to 12 guests for day cruising.

Mike Horsley at Edmiston says ‘A future owner of Marigold can rest assured that he has one of the jewels of British yachting history. Currently being well maintained and raced in the Mediterranean, visits to the yacht are encouraged in the knowledge that very few will go away unmoved by the experience.’

Marigold yacht specifications, pictures and price

Serena | 1983 | 26.68m | €990,000

Serena: one-owner Benetti yacht for sale with Nauta Yachts

Serena is one of the sailing yachts built by Benetti Sail Division during its relatively short stint as a sailboat builder between 1978 and the mid 1980s. She was designed by Laurent Giles with naval architecture by Bruno Benetti, and her interior has the stamp of Stefano Natucci. She accommodates up to eight guests in an owner’s suite, two doubles and a study that can be converted into a cabin, while a crew of three occupies the crew quarters which has a separate entrance.

Francesco Vitale at Nauta Yachts says of her: ‘Serena has had only one owner since new and, immaculately maintained, is in perfect condition. The owner is now very keen to sell.’

Serena yacht specifications, pictures and price

Pegasus | 1990 | 20.16m | €620,000

Pegasus: rare Sangermani yacht for sale with Edmiston

Pegasus is a 20 metre wooden sailing yacht built by Italian yard Cantieri Sangermani in 1990. Designed in the first instance to be a fast and seaworthy classic racing yacht, Pegasus more recently underwent a refit which gave her a luxurious, comfortable interior for cruising. She accommodates six guests in a master and two doubles, and has an additional forward double cabin for crew.

Mike Horsley at Edmiston says ‘Pegasus is interesting in that she is virtually the last boat to be built by the Sangermani yard.’

Pegasus yacht specifications, pictures and price

Midnight Sun of London | 1982 | 24.62m | €750,000

Midnight Sun of London: original maxi yacht for sale with Camper & Nicholsons

Douglas Peterson designed and Baltic Yachts built with a turn of speed in mind, Midnight Sun of London is a superb sailing yacht, which has had the benefit of two refits in 1992 and 2005. Her current owner has enjoyed sailing her in both West and East Mediterranean, and equipped with a compressor she is primed for diving trips. MCA compliant, she would also be suitable for chartering.

‘With the asking price recently reduced she represents a great deal of sailing yacht for the money. An original maxi, I for one am certainly looking forward to getting client on board for sea trial,’ says Tim Langmead, her Camper & Nicholsons broker.

Midnight Sun of London yacht specifications, pictures and price

Blue Titan | 1988 | 26.82m | €675,000

Blue Titan: world traveller yacht for sale with Northrop & Johnson

Designed by the renowned Ted Hood and built in Taiwan, Blue Titan is a powerful sailing yacht with world cruising capabilities. She not only has a strengthened ice-breaker hull, but also a shallow draught that gives her access to a much wider range of harbours and anchorages than most superyachts.

Says Northrop & Johnson broker Joost Goverts, ‘Blue Titan is a go-anywhere sturdy motor sailor, ideal for long distance cruising in comfort. Priced to sell soon to anyone who wants to outrun the recession.’

Blue Titan yacht specifications, pictures and price

Varuna | 1909 | 21.4m | €470,000

Varuna: classic 12 Metre yacht for sale with Floating Life

Originally called White Heather, Varuna is a 12 Metre gaff-rigged classic of 21.4 metres length overall, which came from the design boards of A Richardson and was built in 1909 by Philip & Son.

She was completely restored in 2000 at Italian yard Imperia, when her interior was returned to its original layout by Architect Giorgetti, based on plans retrieved from the British Museum, and her original 1909 sail plan was used to build her artificially ‘aged’ Dacron wardrobe, much of it renewed in 2007. While great efforts have been made to preserve the atmosphere of an old 12 Metre, contemporary comforts have not been completely sacrificed – Varuna has an engine, basic instrumentation and the necessary modern fittings.

Filippo Rossi of brokers Floating Life says that ‘Sailing on Varuna is like dreaming … She is soft on the waves and makes you felt like you are a true yachtsman.’

Varuna yacht specifications, pictures and price

Black Shark of St Peter | 1982 | 24.72m | €439,000

Black Shark of St Peter: racy maxi yacht for sale with CSO Yachts

A maxi of the eighties, Black Shark of St Peter epitomises an era when these were the status yachts of choice for being glamorous, showy and fast. She was brought up to date with a major refit in 2003 which replaced her teak deck, rigging and sails, refurbished her mast and renewed her interior. Permanently maintained by professional crew, she is lying in Antibes, South of France and is ready for inspection.

‘There is a great deal to be made on an “as is where is” basis,’ says her broker Mirko Augery at CSO Yachts.

Black Shark of St Peter yacht specifications, pictures and price

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