Contessa 26 for sale in Newcastle Upon Tyne United Kingdom

"Barnacle Goose" is, in my opinion, a very good and clean example of the ever popular Contessa 26, built in 1976 by the renowned Jeremy Rogers to a David Sadler design. These are robust, go anywhere yachts built for the rigours of extended periods afloat. Several have circumnavigated our wonderful globe which is testament to her designer and builder. She was originally owned by Paul Heiney and Libby Purves and is the star of their book "The Sailing Weekend Book".

This particular boat does have some osmotic blisters apparent on her keel. You can either live with it or treat it. The choice is yours. Either way she is worth the cost.

Her current custodian has owned her for over 20 years during which time several upgrades have been made such as a new diesel engine, upgrades to navigation aids and renewal of rigging and refurbishment of her windows. More importantly, the improvements made have not infringed on the DNA of this super craft.

Mechanical

Vessel powered by a frugal, but reliable Nanni 2.45HE diesel engine including new TMC 40 gearbox. This 2-cylinder, 10hp workhorse was installed in 2006 and is situated beneath the companionway steps giving excellent access for daily checks and servicing requirements.

The engine has been well maintained and had a full service in July 2020. She has done little since. Engine has completed 551 hours since 2006 and is key operated at the panel. Reduction gearbox driving a stainless steel shaft and a 3-bladed fixed propeller. PSS shaft seal. Single lever engine control mounted in cockpit with forward and reverse gearing. Engine will cruise happily at 4 knots burning what can only be described as "highly desirable" 0.5litres per hour. This gives a range under engine of around 320 hours from her 40 litre stainless steel tank.

Bank of 2x12V batteries providing engine start and domestic power. The batteries are fitted with a rotary style selector switch and recharged via the engine alternator. The original Jeremy Roger electric panel is still in place but a modern selector panel with illuminated switches is also installed. There is a shore power cable fitted with a 4 gang extension to give 240V power when attached to the jetty.

• Nanni 2.45 HE installed 2006
• 551 Serviced hours
• PSS Shaft seal
• 3-Bladed bronze propeller 2008
• Rope cutter
• Ultraflex single lever engine control 2011
• Engine spares - Oil, oil filter, fuel filter, V-belt & impeller
• 2 x 5 lt diesel cans (empty)
• Diesel funnel

Rig

Bermudan sloop sail plan with gold anodised aluminium deck mounted spars by Proctor. Stainless steel standing rigging replaced in 2008. Terylene braid on braid running rigging replaced as required. Mainsheet operated on a stainless steel bar in cockpit. This allows for the cockpit to be uncluttered.  Detachable inner forestay with quick release pelican hook fitting attaches to U-bolt fitting on foredeck. This allows the additional hank on jibs to be used.

Mainsail reefing is through mast roller reefing on the boom. Sailspar, continuous line, roller furling system for genoa. Vessel rigged for spinnaker including halyards, sheet winches, boom and mast mounted track.

Winches are by Gibb and are all single speed. Genoa sheet winches are bottom action.

Comprehensive sail wardrobe including boom furling main, roller furling genoa, no1 jib, working jib, storm jib and spinnaker.

Equipment

This is a well equipped yacht with an inventory suitable for both long range and coastal cruising. Included in the sale are:

• Plastimo Contest 130 compass with New LED lights 2020
• Raymarine ST40 depth - 2014
• Raymarine ST40 speed/log
• Autohelm ST30 Wind
• Garmin GMR21 Radome - 2008
• Garmin GPSmap 130
• Icom IC-M411 DSC VHF - 2012
• Garmin GPSmap 3006C colour plotter/radar with full UK charts from 2012
• Autohelm ST1000+ tiller pilot
• NASA Clipper Navtex - 2012
• Standard Horizon HX300E Hand held VHF - 2018
• Kannad Marine Safelink Solo PLB - 2015
• Firdell Blipper mast mounted radar reflector
• Simpson Lawrence manual windlass
• 25lb CQR main anchor with 25M of 8mm chain linked to 15M of 5/8ths chain
• 12lb Danforth kedge with 25M of warp
• Folding grapnel anchor (for dinghy)
• Avon 4-person inflatable dingy with 2-piece wooden oars and repair kit
• 500,000 candle power searchlight with 240V and 12V charger
• Stainless steel boarding ladder
• 2 x Manual bilge pumps with spares kit
• Electric bilge pump
• 10 x Fenders (various sizes)
• Mooring warps
• Plastimo Trumphorn
• XM Bosun's chair
• Alloy yacht legs
• Daylight shapes
• Ensign and staff
• Plastimo Trumpet horn
• Navigation lights
• Boathook
• Sprayhood - Restitched 2021
• Dodgers
• Blue tarpaulin cockpit cover with securing ropes
• Roberts portable radio
• Brass clock & barometer set

Accommodation

Below decks is warm and welcoming. Although only 26 feet over all, they have packed a lot into the interior including 4 decent sized berths, a heads compartment and a decent galley. She is bright and clean with a good combination of wipe clean GRP flow coated surfaces and nicely varnished teak and mahogany solid wood and faced marine ply. The flooring is teak and holly laminate in very good condition. The berth cushions and associated backrests are finished in soft dark red fabric and are of a generous thickness.

The galley is mid ships. To starboard, beneath the chart table top is a stainless stel sink and preparation area. The original fibreglass tank has been bypassed and a flexible tank introduced. The water is then hand pumped for ease. Cooking facilities are a magnificent Taylors 029 Paraffin fueled cooker. This has a two burner hob and a warming oven. The paraffin is stored and dispensed via a 1.5 gallon capacity tank with pressure valve, filter and on/off isolation valves. At the chart table there is a chart reading light along with electronic navigation aids including a Garmin GPSmap colour plotter/radar, Navtex, chart storage and shelving.

Between the saloon and the fore cabin is a heads compartment with a Lavac marine toilet to starboard and a hanging locker to port. There is a door to the heads for privacy, but this is currently removed. The door when fitted, can be clipped back to the main bulkhead in order to separate the forepeak from the saloon. This give two cabins rather than one.

In the bow is a very comfortable V0-berth with infill to make it into a double. Opening deck hatch provides natural light and ventilation. Additional ventilation from deck mounted Vetus deck ventilator. All cabins are fitted with 12V lighting.

• Taylors paraffin fuelled cooker
• Easy clean fabric upholstery covers
• 12V lighting throughout
• Teak & Holly flooring

Construction

Heavy lay up GRP constructed sailing yacht with long keel and transom/keel mounted rudder with tiller steering. Under water areas antifouled bi annually with most recent in September 2020. The hull was epoxied by a previous owner in 1997 but has since developed some blisters of varying size. The choice whether to treat the isolated blisters, peel or indeed do nothing and monitor, lies with her new custodian.
Original white gelcoat topsides with original green cove line and  "Contessa" hull decoration. Bow has a painted strip purely for protective purposes should damage occur when deploying the anchor.

Hull to deck join finished in teak capping. Flush foredeck finished in tread master panels. Stainless steel bow roller. Simpson Lawrence manual windlass with deck mounted 25lb CQR anchor. White GRP superstructure with contrasting pale mint green panels in moulded non slip. Teak grab handles strategically placed on the coachroof aid movement around the decks. Further protection offered by stainless steel bow and stern rails joined by stanchions port and starboard and a double set of uncoated guard wires. Stanchions are cranked to ease movement along the side decks.

Deep safe cockpit with simulated teak laid seats and locker tops by "Sea Dek". Locker storage port and starboard with securing catches. Additional storage below aft deck in lazarette which contains the gas locker (not currently used) with aft drain. Teak grate in cockpit sole adds comfort and minimises blockage of cockpit drains. Beautifully varnished teak tiller and washboard set.

• Mooring cleats fore, aft and midships
• "Sea Dek" simulated teak locker tops NEW 2018
• Original gelcoat topsides and deck mouldings
• Bathing ladder
• Refurbished coachroof windows by Eagle Boat Windows 2009
• Some osmotic blistering present