Abels Shipyard Replica Topsail Schooner

Overview

Designed and built by David Abels at Abels Shipyard in Bristol, this classic Replica Topsail Schooner was a long time dream and ambition of the owner. Having sailed to the Mediterranean, it returned to the docks in Bristol where it has stood unused for some years. Requiring some upgrades, maintenance and fitment, and being only 8 years old, and reminiscent of a 'tall-ship' this beautiful vessel could be restored into working service once again. As a long distance ocean cruiser, or with some internal modifications, this ship would be ideal as a youth sail-training vessel.

The thick bottom structure represents approximately half the fixed ballast, the remainder being steel punching encased in concrete. The vessel was surveyed on behalf of UK MCA by Mecal Ltd and an inclining was undertaken in November 2023. This established that the vessel complies with the structural and stability requirements for MCA MGN280 Code category 2 (60 miles from a safe haven). Stability investigation was by Alister Salmon, but the stability book was not completed, pending details of refit (the prospective owners did not proceed). Approval was given for conversion to a sail training ship for up to 12 trainees and 3 crew in addition. A practical maximum would perhaps be 10 trainees and 2 crew. The vessel is currently fitted as a cruising home, with 6 berths, the forward space is not outfitted and can be modified for more accommodation. Other cabin arrangements can be easily accommodated. There is a complete drawing set available.

Features

• Make: Abels Shipyard
• Model: Replica Topsail Schooner
• Engine Make & Model: Iveco Beta Marine
• Horsepower: 150
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Location: Bristol
• Keel: Traditional Full
• Hull Construction: Steel
• Drive Type: Shaft
• Engine Year: 2016
• Engine Hours: 1200
• Generator: Beta Generator, Output 20Kva
• Bow Thruster: 30Hp
• Electrical System: 12V DC and 220V AC, Large distribution panel, Battery charge monitors, 240V Calorifier hot water
• Rig Type: Gaff Rigged Topsail Schooner, Rigging Age 2016
• Galvanised stays with rat-lines, Steel masts, Wooden booms, Wooden gaffs, Wooden top masts
• Winches: 4 x Halyard winches, Hydraulic North sea winches, Hydraulic commercial windlass
• Navigation: 4G Simrad Radar, Simrad Multifunction chart plotter, VHF radio
• Safety Equipment: 2 Life Buoys, Perry buoy with throwing line, Perry buoy with comet line, Deck fire pump with hose
• Sails: Gaff mainsail, Jib / Staysail, Inner Jib, Outer Jib, Fore sail, Stay sail, Top sail, Square sail
• Accommodation: 6 berths in 3 cabins (1 double cabin, 1 cabin with two singles, 1 unfitted cabin), 2 heads
• Cabin Heating: Wood burning stove
• Galley: 'U' shaped with all electric appliances, Microwave, 2 Fridges, Large chest freezer, Electric hob, Electric oven, Stainless steel sink, Wood burning stove, Washing machine
• Wheelhouse: Helm position and pilot berth, Access to lower deck
• Saloon: Spacious saloon/dining area
• Heads: 1 heads with shower, electric flush, hot & cold water, stainless basin, holding tank; 1 heads with sink and storage, second shower, washing machine
• Workshop: Fore peak workshop with vice and workbench
• Construction Details: Designer David Abels, Builder Abels Shipyard, Monohull displacement hull, Length overall 21m, Beam 5m, Draft 1.7m, Clearance 20.5m, Steel hull, teal hull colour, 7 degrees deadrise, full keel, 62 metric tons displacement
• Tank Capacities: Fuel 2300 liters, Water 1300 liters, Holding 1000 liters