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 the boat is equiped with a top of the range Raymarine autopilot.
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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 six Atlantic crossings (one of them 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)
