Topsail Schooner for sale in Cardiff United Kingdom

Elena Maria Barbara (“Elena”) is one of five sister ships built in Russia in 1996 to
commemorate the foundation of the Russian navy by Peter the Great. They were
built to a design for a topsail schooner that was common to the British, French
and Russian navies and in use at the turn of the 18th century. HMS Pickle which
brought the news of Trafalgar to Falmouth was built to the design. The design
catered for a first sailing boat able to carry messages swiftly. So, despite a
traditional appearance, Elena should be a handy sailing ship, very suitable as a
private yacht, small cruise ship or training ship.
Elena and her sister ships were built of softwood. This was a mistake. Elena has
been entirely rebuilt in hardwood with new frames, planking and deck. She has
been caulked and ballasted. She now needs completion, the major items being an
engine, finishing the interior and rigging. She comes with masts and spars (but
no sails) and many blocks and much rigging. The buyer will need to crane her
into the water at Cardiff and take her to a yard for completion. At this stage all
options are open to the buyer in terms of planning the interior.
Here is an opportunity to acquire a unique sailing ship at a fraction of her new
build cost.