Pleione was originally commissioned as an entirely custom design that could compete against the best 8-Metres in the world, but that will no doubt spend most of her life day sailing and coastal cruising.  

Her owner and builder is a life-long sailor and highly successful racer who might be seen by some as something of a sailing reactionary in that he has little interest in modern, lightweight, snub-nosed sport-boats, or in high-sided, broad-beamed contemporary cruiser/racers. He knows from experience that when your next port-of-call lies to the northeast, the wind always seems to be blowing from the northeast. He wanted a boat that will roll upwind like a train without pounding him senseless, and he knew that a metre boat has a dream-like feel and motion upwind. He also knows that while surfing and planing downwind might get the adrenaline pumping when racing, cruising and day sailing is not about adrenaline, and that jibe-broaches tend to spill the drinks. An 8-Metre such as Pleione will certainly never plane, but she will stretch her long overhang legs and reel off mile after relaxing mile downwind at well over 8kts in total control and not a drop spilled.

Pleione shows off a 1930’s style and grace above the waterline, but boasts state of the current meter-boat art below the waterline. Her interior will be similar in size to that of many 32-footers, which is just what her owner wants.

There is quite active 8-Metre racing in Rochester, NY, Toronto, Canada, and in Europe. Pleione competes at these venues on occasion, and in some New England wooden boat events as well. This design is not intended to suit everyone, just those few independent thinkers who can appreciate classic style, comfort, and performance in a truly timeless yacht.

Asking Price: $280,000
Location: Marblehead, Massachusetts