Speedwell of Cremyll — 49‑ft Buchanan‑designed yawl
Alexandra
Length overall is 49 ft with a yawl rig; built in 1962 by Mashfords to a design by Buchanan. The hull underwent a keel‑off refit in 2018 at Gweek, the Perkins 4.236 diesel was rebuilt, and propulsion is via a Featherstream four‑blade propeller. Removable solar panels and an Osmosea watermaker equip her for extended passages and autonomous cruising.
Key specification and recent works
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Sail — Yawl |
| LOA | 49 ft |
| Designer | Buchanan |
| Builder | Mashfords, 1962 |
| Engine | Perkins 4.236 (rebuilt) |
| Propeller | Featherstream 4‑blade |
| Refit | 2018 extensive keel‑off refit at Gweek |
| Long‑range gear | Removable solar array; Osmosea watermaker |
Serviceability and logistics
The 2018 keel‑off refit focused on systems renewal and structural integrity, improving accessibility for future maintenance and commercial use. The Perkins diesel's rebuild reduces the immediate engine service cycle; the removable solar panels allow for flexible berthing logistics in marinas without shore power. The Osmosea watermaker enhances autonomy, lowering dependence on shore water points when planning multi‑day passages or charter legs.
📚 You may also like
Racing pedigree and operational history
Speedwell of Cremyll raced two‑handed in the Round Britain Race in 1970; for that event her original spruce rig was replaced with a heavier alloy mast that remains fitted. During a weather‑induced stop at Barra, the informal beginnings of what later became the Three Peaks Race were reportedly discussed aboard. She was operated for many years by the Island Cruising Club from Salcombe and subsequently sold to an owner in Scotland before the current ownership and 2018 refit.
Accommodation and sailing characteristics
The layout is configured for versatility: comfortable family use as well as short‑handed sailing. The yawl rig—with jib, staysail and mizzen—offers multiple sail plans for heavy weather and light airs alike, simplifying single‑ or two‑person handling while providing options for performance or comfort. The vessel has twice won the RYS John and Kate Roome trophy, underlining competitive capability in classic yacht events.
Onboard inventory highlights
- Perkins 4.236 diesel (rebuilt)
- Featherstream 4‑blade propeller
- Alloy rig installed 1970 (in place)
- Removable solar panels
- Osmosea watermaker
- Versatile sail inventory: jib, staysail, mizzen
Who should consider this yacht?
Speedwell suits an owner seeking a classic boat with serious cruising capability: ideal for those planning long coastal passages, historic regatta participation, or family cruising where autonomy and robust systems matter. The combination of a proven diesel, watermaker, and solar power makes her attractive to charter operators offering multi‑day experiences or private owners wanting fewer shore‑side constraints.
Charter and resale implications for the leisure market
From a charter perspective, Speedwell’s layout and systems position her well for boutique classic yacht charters, intimate couple escapes, or small group cruises with a professional skipper or experienced owner‑skipper. For brokers and marina operators, the vessel’s history with Island Cruising Club and her racing accolades enhance marketing value for yachting events and classic boat shows. Logistics for placing her into charter include survey currency, commercial coding if required, and a clear inventory for charter contracts.
Operational checklist for buyers or charter managers
- Obtain current hull and machinery surveys; review keel‑off refit reports from 2018.
- Confirm engine service history and propeller alignment records.
- Verify watermaker and electrical system operation under load.
- Set up marina berthing and provisioning logistics (solar vs shore power options).
- Prepare crew/captain profile and safety equipment list for charter compliance.
The GetBoat service always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, because it understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean; the platform values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.
Price, contact and sale conditions
Price is listed as POA. The seller is open to reasonable offers and will supply a detailed specification and inventory on request. To enquire, contact David on 07793834424 or via [email protected]. Prospective buyers should arrange an inspection and sea trial; logistic planning for transport, lifting and storage should follow the survey findings.
Why this matters for sailors and charter planners
Speedwell’s combination of classic lines, structural work, and modernised systems bridges heritage and practicality: she exemplifies how classic yachts can be adapted for contemporary cruising and charter operations. For charter companies and owners evaluating fleet additions, her autonomy features reduce fuel and water resupply frequency and broaden possible itineraries—important when planning trips to remote islands, quiet bays, or busy marinas.
Highlights include the boat’s racing heritage, the 2018 comprehensive refit, rebuilt Perkins engine, and fitted watermaker and solar power. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Forecast: the sale of a single classic yacht like Speedwell of Cremyll is insignificant on the global tourism map but remains highly relevant to regional yachting and charter markets, especially in classic‑boat circuits and heritage charter niches. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
In summary, Speedwell of Cremyll is a 49‑ft Buchanan‑designed yawl with a respected operational history, a full 2018 keel‑off refit, a rebuilt Perkins 4.236, and equipment aimed at extended cruising: Osmosea watermaker, removable solar panels, and a Featherstream propeller. Her flexible accommodation and yawl rig suit family cruising, short‑handed sailing, and boutique charter use. Whether you’re pursuing a sale, a charter addition, or planning a sailing holiday, these factors affect logistics, maintenance cycles, berthing choices, and marketing. For those looking to book a yacht, rent a boat or explore destinations, platforms that emphasize transparency—showing make, model, ratings and full specs—make sourcing the right vessel for beach days, lake escapes, ocean passages, fishing trips or marinas visits far more straightforward in the world of yachting, charter and sale.
