Launched at the end of 1993, Beagle, a 21.0 m. (70.0') ketch, was commissioned by an extremely knowledgeable South American yachtsman. Dubois Naval Architects were given a challenging brief; the yacht must be capable of cruising in the most rugged conditions of his home waters, including visits to the Antarctic. She must be seaworthy, fast and comfortable.

Built of aluminium at the Pendennis Yard in Falmouth, she was designed with a moderate beam to encourage an easy motion, speed and comfort. A bulb keel was designed to keep stability high and draught to a reasonable 2.8M (9ft4in). The ketch rig was chosen since it offered a variety of sail combinations to ensure balance and ease of handling.

Great attention has been paid to hull strength and integrity. There are no through deck fittings; all winches, tracks and pad eyes are screwed into taps that have been welded onto deck. The mainsheet traveler is on the coach roof and the sheet is lead forward along the boom and then under the teak deck back to the cockpit. A solid alloy rubbing strake covering approximately 80% of the length of the yacht protects her topsides and is also used to locate the track for sheeting the furling genoa and spinnaker outside the rail.

The tender, a RIB, is stored athwartships on the aft deck. The transom door folds down to create a large boarding and swim platform with swim ladder and shower. The lazarette also has access from the deck through a teak laid hatch. A Danforth anchor is permanently kept here for stern anchoring. Forward of the master cabin on the starboard side is a workshop and laundry room with stowage for tools, a washing machine and a radiator. The water makers are placed here for easy access. This room gives access to the heavily insulated engine room with its twin 120hp Perkins. The owner specified twin engines and a hydraulic bow thruster to give redundancy as well as excellent manoeuverability.

Beagle has surpassed all expectations having spent the last six years circumnavigating the globe, including an extended cruise in Antarctica. Subject to a complete refit in 1998 she looks superb and is ready to go cruising. Her inventory and specifications make her probably the most “seaworthy” 70 footer afloat and her equipment list reads like a 100 footer.

For information on the sale of Beagle, please contact Dubois Yachts.

SPECIFICATION
Model: 21 m. ketch
LOA: 21.0 m. (70.0')
LWL: 17.0 m. (55.8')
Beam (maximum): 5.5 m. (17.9')
Draft: 2.85 m. (9.4')
DWL displacement (half load): 36.5 t. (80,468 lbs)
Engine: 2 x Perkins M135
Construction: Hull: Aluminium
Construction: Superstructure: Aluminium
Fuel Capacity: 4,200 l. (924 U.S. gallon)
Fresh Water Capacity: 2,500 l. (550 U.S. gal.) + water maker
Builder: Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth
Launch date: 1993
Interior Styling: Whiteley Design
Classification: Lloyds HCC (PC)
Thruster: Bow : Maxprop (20 h.p.)
Sails: Doyles, New Zealand (Spectra)
Mast builder: Alloy by Proctor