The boat
Apsara
Apsara is a Dalite 36, built in France and first launched in 1990. She is a strong boat, very well maintained and fully equipped for short-handed offshore sailing.
Apsara’s sail wardrobe is extensive. In addition to the mainsail (with three reefs) and roller reefing genoa, she carries a reefable staysail and a storm jib (set on a removable inner forestay) for upwind sailing in strong winds, as well as a cruising chute and a conventional spinnaker for light weather downwind sailing.
Navigation and safety equipment includes an AIS transponder (with alarm) connected to the onboard chart plotters, a radar, two VHF radios (both with DSC), a SSB radio with modem, an echo sounder, a Navtex receiver, a radar detector, and all the safety equipment needed for transoceanic voyages including a satellite communicator / tracker.
Electricity is provided by three solar panels and a wind generator that ensure that the four service batteries (4x90Ah) are always charged.
To make short-handed sailing easy, most winches are self tailing, and there are two electric auto pilots on board.
Down below
Apsara’s open plan interior with two double berths and one single berth (in the saloon) is suitable for a family with one or two children or for two couples.
Note that head height is limited (1m75), so may not suit tall sailors!
There’s a small fridge and a gas cooker with oven and grill, a Lavac sea toilet, but please note, no shower or hot water!
A paraffin heater and a small wood burning stove guarantee that the interior remains cosy no matter what the weather is like outside.
The Skipper
I like to say that I am a wise old salty dog. .
But I’m not so old that I can’t still follow my dreams.
I started sailing in my early teens and was a professional skipper and yachtmaster instructor in my twenties and early thirties.
I have owned many sailing boats, and have extensive cruising experience, including five Atlantic crossings (the last one single-handed on Apsara).
Apsara is the boat I always wanted. Small enough to be easily sailed single-handed, and big enough to go anywhere.
I also offer Yacht deliveries (to, from and within Ireland)
