40′ Bermudan Centreboard Ketch

Wooden Ships Comments on this 40′ Bermudan Centreboard Ketch

Built in Gävle, Sweden by brothers Tord and Targe Larsson.  Launched in 1956.

Built to an American ketch design, she is an unusual boat on this side of the Atlantic.  Centreboard design with very shallow draft allowing access to shallow bays and canals.

After her launch, the Larsson brothers with wife and partner sailed through the European canals to the Mediterranean, then across the Atlantic to the West Indies before returning to Europe, arriving in Falmouth in August 1959.  Targe Larsson married his partner Mariane aboard the boat in 1960.  In 1991, the boat was tracked down by Targe and Marianes son who proposed to his then girlfriend aboard her as a nod to his family history with the boat.

Purchased in 2002 by the current owner, a major refit took place between 2004-2009 where all the original iron frames were replaced in laminated oak, removing and replacing the interior along the way with complete new joinery.  More recently she had a new teak over plywood deck in 2023 and all new standing rigging in 2026.  The boat has been a labour of love for the owner, helping him though grief after the untimely passing of his wife.

This interesting design has a very shallow draft of only 3’ with a centreplate taking the draft to 6’6” when fully lowered.  Her rig is unmistakably of American origin being a fairly standard ketch but with a ‘mule sail’ set between the lasts on a Harken furler giving a large area of low aspect sail for terrific off wind power.  The staysail is set on a boom and both headsails have Harken furlers making this boat very easy to single hand.

Her shallow draft is ideal for going through the canals, what better way to explore Europe and reach the Mediterranean sunshine!  6 berths including a double in the forecabin and aft cabin.  Her interior is delightful with all new varnished mahogany joinery giving her an beautiful feel below decks.

2026 survey available.

Sensibly priced due to the owners personal circumstances meaning a quick sale is required.

Length on Deck                      40’

Length Overall                        47’

Beam                                       11’3”

Draft                                        3’ / 6’6”