Shearwater (boat)
It’s simple – because I like the wind in my face.
Current Activities
History
Shearwater is a 1998 J/120 that was finished in France by J Composites. Her interior is a bit different from some of the US-finished boats we have seen, as there are pilot berths over both settees and more wood (varnished cherry) below than most of the US boats have. In addition, both of the large ports on either side of the cabintop do not open. She has had two owners prior to us: one from Britain and the other from the states. Her most recent owner raced her extensively, and she has won many regattas, including Key West Race week. When she was raced, her PHRF rating was 54.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA) = 40.2 ft (12.25 m)
- Length Waterline (LWL) = 35.0 ft (10.67 m)
- Beam = 12.0 ft (3.66 m)
- Draft = 7.0 ft (2.13 m)
- Mast (Bridge Clearance) = 57 ft (17.37 m)
- Displacement = 13,900 lbs (6,305 kg) – weighed empty in 2014 – 15,600 lbs
- Ballast = 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg)
- 100% Sail Area = 780 ft² (72.46 m²)
- Fuel Tank (diesel) = 27 gal (102 L)
- Fresh Water Tank = 37.5 gal (284 L)
- Displacement / Length Ratio = 145
- Sail Area / Displacement Ratio = 22
Original Equipment
We purchased Shearwater in the fall of 2011. Her interior was pretty minimal and had likely been used primarily for sail storage and chute packing (and surely beer storage to celebrate the victories!). Because of her history, there were 16 sails at the sail loft for us to inspect and decide which to keep. The list of major equipment included the following, with strikethroughs indicating ongoing or planned changes:
- Engine: 38 hp Yanmar 3JH2E
Dodger- Pressure water system
- Stainless steel Plastimo 2-burner propane stove with oven
- Icebox with refrigeration
- Fortress anchor: 25 lbs (11.34 kg)
- Emergency tiller
- Fenders and lines
- Swim ladder
- Lifesling
Radar reflector- Bilge pump
Martec folding propRaymarine linear drive AutopilotRaymarine RC530 GPS with Cmap reader/chartplotter- ICOM M59 VHF radio
Raytheon ST 80 electronics (speed/log, depth, wind speed and wind direction)2 Maxiview removable displays for instruments at mast- 12-volt DC electrical system
- 110-volt AC electical system
- Hall spars aluminum 57’9″ mast (2005)
- Navtec rod rigging
- Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster
- Carbon fiber retractable bowsprit
- Harken twin groove headstay furling system (2005)
- 3 main sails
- 6 head sails
- 4 spinnakers
- Gennaker
- Storm jib
- Trisail
The above list is pretty sparse when compared to most other cruising boats, and additionally, many of the existing pieces of equipment are in need of overhaul or replacement. We are quite happy to have the opportunity to have a nearly blank canvas to work with – we’re carefully considering everything that we want aboard before moving onto available options. During the past ten years of being off the water, our values, needs and wants have changed a bit – as have marine technologies!
The old adage, “getting there is half the fun,” has always been true for us, as we have always loved the preparation stage as much as the journey and destination.
I remember you at Horta Azores in 2012… Great boat! And for shure great sailors to, crossing oceans in this tipe of boat.
Chears!
Hi Ruben. Thanks for the message and kind words. Were you on a boat in Horta as well?
Hello!
No, i’m local.
And I think you have been through here twice. in July and August. the last time, you participated in one or two of our regattas in our summer festival. I also race in regattas here. I apologize if I’m confused, but I’m pretty sure. that’s why I remember the boat.
Cheers 🙂
Mount Gay Rum and tonic garnished with lime was the traditional victory drink when the boat was based out of Lake Champlain. Not much beer was stored inside. Sleeping on board after racing was often a much better option than driving home. Overnight hospice charge was usually a thorough scrubbing of the topsides and repacking and inspection of the “sleeping bags”,
We had heard about the amazing history of K2 a bit – what a legacy you all left! When we had it in Seabrook (near Houston), we did a number of doublehanded rum races and took home several bottles of Mount Gay (maybe she worked extra hard for this?). She’s been an amazing boat for us, and it’s fun to talk about the racing success she had before us. We do need to bite the bullet and buy some new sails (beyond spinnakers) – we’ve been surprised that the Doyle main and that carbon #1 continue to limp along!