Sailing Yacht Boat (Samphire 26) Masthead Sloop With Inboard Yanmar 12hp Diesel

Designed by David M. Cannell, around thirty-five Samphire 26's were built through the 1970s into the early 80s. As sail no. 30 and from 1979, Samara is one of the last to be built by the original builders, North Sea Craft. The boats are solid and heavily built, and Samara is no exception.

It’s not a journey that I’d do, but a few years ago a sister ship crossed the Atlantic to the Caribbean. You can read about her voyage at sailinginlimbo.blogspot.com. Samara has had a new roller reefing foresail last season, and the season before that I removed the 18 gallon fuel tank, cleaned it thoroughly (and the engine’s raw water cooling system) and fitted an inspection hatch for future cleaning. She is tatty inside - very tatty. I started ripping out the headlining with the intention of changing it ... but then bought another boat ?, and the forestay blade will need changing at some point, but everything works and she starts on the button.

She’s a very forgiving boat: 25’10” length, 8’7” beam, 3’6” draft with fairly hard bilges designed to take the ground (which I’ve never done) and I find her easy and enjoyable to sail solo. She heaves to easily. She’s currently in a tidal pool up a river at the head of the Holy Loch, Argyll. There’s a choice of yard cradles and a swinging mooring is available by separate negotiation. Any more info, just ask.

She’s been my first proper boat and I love her.