Race Bermudian Cutter
Basic data
| Category: | Sailboat |
| Year of construction: | 1939 |
| Length: | 1825 cm |
| width: | 399 cm |
| Depth: | 250 cm |
| Material: | Wood |
| Motorization: | Yanmar |
| Berth: |
LA CIOTAT, France
|
Specifications
Race Bermudian Cutter "Sylphe" – Classic Sailing Yacht from 1939
The "Sylphe" is an impressive race Bermudian cutter, designed by the renowned French yacht architect André Mauric. This classic sailing yacht, built in 1939, has a rich history and is a unique specimen in the world of classic sailing yachts. With a length of 18.25 meters, a width of 3.99 meters, and a draft of 2.50 meters, the "Sylphe" offers excellent sailing characteristics and a distinctive appearance.
History and Design
The race Bermudian cutter was originally built under the name "Ariel" (later "IV") commissioned by Paul Blanchet, with the aim of winning races under the British RORC rating rules. The construction took place at Chantier Pharao in Marseille but was interrupted by the German invasion of France during World War II. To prevent the ballast keel—a 13-ton lead construction—from falling into the hands of the occupiers, the unfinished hull was sunk in the port of Marseille. There it remained, protected by the loyalty of local shipbuilders and dockworkers, hidden underwater for 6 years.
After the war, the hull was salvaged and completed. The prolonged submersion may have contributed to the durability of the wood, as the process of natural aging and drying was slowed. In 1947, the "Sylphe" was finally launched and began her career as a sailing yacht.
Construction and Material
The hull of the race Bermudian cutter is built according to the classic S-spant shape, which ensures a stable and comfortable sailing experience. The use of wood as a building material contributes to the authentic appearance and sailing behavior of the ship. The mast, also made of wood, supports a traditional sail plan consisting of a mainsail, jib, genoa, and storm jib. All sails are operated manually.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the race Bermudian cutter offers a headroom of 2.10 meters and sleeping accommodation for four fixed and three additional persons. The accommodation is equipped with a dining area, mattresses, a stove, oven, refrigerator, hot water, and a manual toilet. There is a shower available, and heating is provided by a stove, making the stay on board comfortable, even during longer trips.
The water tank has a capacity of 300 liters, while the wastewater tank can hold 100 liters. The toilet discharge is directly connected to open water.
Motorization and Technology
The race Bermudian cutter is equipped with a Yanmar 4JH3TE diesel engine (76 hp, 4 cylinders) from 2000. The engine was completely overhauled in 2025 and has since had 0 running hours. The cruising speed is approximately 10 km/h, with a maximum speed of 12 km/h. The fuel tank has a capacity of 300 liters, and consumption is around 4 liters per hour.
Technically, the race Bermudian cutter is equipped with modern facilities such as a battery charger, alternator, inverter, shore power connection, solar panels, and an electric windlass. There are two batteries with a total capacity of 200 Ah.
Navigation and Equipment
For navigation, the race Bermudian cutter is equipped with an autopilot, depth meter, GPS, chart plotter, compass, log/speedometer, VHF radio, and wind meter. The onboard voltage is 220V.
On deck, various facilities are available, including a bimini, sprayhood, outdoor deck sails, cockpit table, cockpit tent, teak deck, guardrail, and swim ladder. Two anchors with chain and an electric windlass ensure safe anchoring.
Safety
The safety equipment includes a lifebuoy, a liferaft that needs to be re-inspected, a self-draining cockpit, and an electric bilge pump. Life jackets are included with the sale.
Special Features
The race Bermudian cutter is registered under the International Certificate of Pleasure Craft (ICP) with registration number 2023HL84705. VAT has been paid, and various documents are available, including the original purchase receipt and construction drawings from the architectural firm.
This sailing yacht has mainly sailed at sea and has been used for vacations and as a houseboat. The sailing characteristics are characterized by stability, easy maneuverability, and a unique aesthetic.
Summary
The race Bermudian cutter is a classic sailing yacht with a remarkable history and a design by one of the most influential French yacht architects of the 20th century. With its authentic appearance, solid construction, and extensive equipment, it offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of classic sailing yachts looking for a ship with character and a story.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- We advise making use of the viewing day.
- The boat is in the water.
- This boat is sold without a trailer.
- This boat is sold under general auction conditions.
- This concerns a public auction, which means that the purchase cannot be returned based on the legal right of withdrawal.
| Brand | Race Bermudian |
| Type | Cutter |
| Length | 1825 |
| Width | 399 |
| Depth | 250 |
| Clearance height | 2300 |
| Year of construction | 1939 |
| Material | Wood |
| Number of sleeping places (fixed) | 4 |
| Number of sleeping places (extra) | 3 |
| Standing height indoors | 210 |
| Last antifouling treatment | 2024 |
| Hull shape | S-shaped |
| Control | Wheel |
| Location control | Inside + Outside |
| Rudder | Single |
| Shower | |
| Separate dining area | |
| Fridge | |
| Cooker | |
| Curtains | |
| Oven | |
| Warm water | |
| Water tank capacity in liters | 300 |
| wastewater tank capacity in liters | 100 |
| Toilet | Manual |
| Does the toilet drain directly into the open water | Yes |
| Heating | Stove |
| Dinghy | No |
| Life buoy | |
| Life raft | |
| Self-draining cockpit | |
| Bilge pump | Electric |
| Is a trailer included? | No |
| Weight (kg) | 35000 |
| Anchor(s) | 2 |
| Anchor attachment | Chain |
| Windlass | Electric |
| Bimini | |
| Sprayhood | |
| Outdoor cushions | |
| Deck cover(s) | |
| Cockpit table | |
| Cockpit tent | |
| Fenders and lines | |
| Teak deck | |
| Sea rails | |
| Swimming ladder |
| Number of engines | 1 |
| Is the engine operational | The engine is operational |
| Start typing | Electric |
| Maximum speed | kilometers per hour | 12 |
| Engine type | Inboard |
| Brand motor | Yanmar |
| Model engine | 4JH3TE |
| Power (hp) | 76 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Year of construction of the engine | 2000 |
| Engine hours | 6000 |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Consumption | 4 |
| Tank capacity in liters | 300 |
| Fuel Tank Gauge | |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | |
| Temperature Gauge | |
| Tachometer | |
| Bow thruster | n/a |
| Number of batteries present | 2 |
| Total battery capacity | 200 |
| Battery charger | |
| Alternator | |
| Inverter | |
| Voltmeter | |
| Shore power | |
| Solar panel | |
| 220V |
| Number of masts | 1 |
| Mast material | Wood |
| Number of sails | 4 |
| State of the sails | Good |
| Jib | |
| Genoa | |
| Main sail | |
| Storm jib |
Race Bermudian Cutter "Sylphe" – Classic Sailing Yacht from 1939
The "Sylphe" is an impressive race Bermudian cutter, designed by the renowned French yacht architect André Mauric. This classic sailing yacht, built in 1939, has a rich history and is a unique specimen in the world of classic sailing yachts. With a length of 18.25 meters, a width of 3.99 meters, and a draft of 2.50 meters, the "Sylphe" offers excellent sailing characteristics and a distinctive appearance.
History and Design
The race Bermudian cutter was originally built under the name "Ariel" (later "IV") commissioned by Paul Blanchet, with the aim of winning races under the British RORC rating rules. The construction took place at Chantier Pharao in Marseille but was interrupted by the German invasion of France during World War II. To prevent the ballast keel—a 13-ton lead construction—from falling into the hands of the occupiers, the unfinished hull was sunk in the port of Marseille. There it remained, protected by the loyalty of local shipbuilders and dockworkers, hidden underwater for 6 years.
After the war, the hull was salvaged and completed. The prolonged submersion may have contributed to the durability of the wood, as the process of natural aging and drying was slowed. In 1947, the "Sylphe" was finally launched and began her career as a sailing yacht.
Construction and Material
The hull of the race Bermudian cutter is built according to the classic S-spant shape, which ensures a stable and comfortable sailing experience. The use of wood as a building material contributes to the authentic appearance and sailing behavior of the ship. The mast, also made of wood, supports a traditional sail plan consisting of a mainsail, jib, genoa, and storm jib. All sails are operated manually.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the race Bermudian cutter offers a headroom of 2.10 meters and sleeping accommodation for four fixed and three additional persons. The accommodation is equipped with a dining area, mattresses, a stove, oven, refrigerator, hot water, and a manual toilet. There is a shower available, and heating is provided by a stove, making the stay on board comfortable, even during longer trips.
The water tank has a capacity of 300 liters, while the wastewater tank can hold 100 liters. The toilet discharge is directly connected to open water.
Motorization and Technology
The race Bermudian cutter is equipped with a Yanmar 4JH3TE diesel engine (76 hp, 4 cylinders) from 2000. The engine was completely overhauled in 2025 and has since had 0 running hours. The cruising speed is approximately 10 km/h, with a maximum speed of 12 km/h. The fuel tank has a capacity of 300 liters, and consumption is around 4 liters per hour.
Technically, the race Bermudian cutter is equipped with modern facilities such as a battery charger, alternator, inverter, shore power connection, solar panels, and an electric windlass. There are two batteries with a total capacity of 200 Ah.
Navigation and Equipment
For navigation, the race Bermudian cutter is equipped with an autopilot, depth meter, GPS, chart plotter, compass, log/speedometer, VHF radio, and wind meter. The onboard voltage is 220V.
On deck, various facilities are available, including a bimini, sprayhood, outdoor deck sails, cockpit table, cockpit tent, teak deck, guardrail, and swim ladder. Two anchors with chain and an electric windlass ensure safe anchoring.
Safety
The safety equipment includes a lifebuoy, a liferaft that needs to be re-inspected, a self-draining cockpit, and an electric bilge pump. Life jackets are included with the sale.
Special Features
The race Bermudian cutter is registered under the International Certificate of Pleasure Craft (ICP) with registration number 2023HL84705. VAT has been paid, and various documents are available, including the original purchase receipt and construction drawings from the architectural firm.
This sailing yacht has mainly sailed at sea and has been used for vacations and as a houseboat. The sailing characteristics are characterized by stability, easy maneuverability, and a unique aesthetic.
Summary
The race Bermudian cutter is a classic sailing yacht with a remarkable history and a design by one of the most influential French yacht architects of the 20th century. With its authentic appearance, solid construction, and extensive equipment, it offers a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of classic sailing yachts looking for a ship with character and a story.
VIEWING DAY INFORMATION
- The viewing day of this Race Bermudian Cutter is on Saturday 14 June 2025 van 10:00 until 12:00 in LA CIOTAT (FR).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- We advise making use of the viewing day.
- The boat is in the water.
- This boat is sold without a trailer.
- This boat is sold under general auction conditions.
- This concerns a public auction, which means that the purchase cannot be returned based on the legal right of withdrawal.
| Brand | Race Bermudian |
| Type | Cutter |
| Length | 1825 |
| Width | 399 |
| Depth | 250 |
| Clearance height | 2300 |
| Year of construction | 1939 |
| Material | Wood |
| Number of sleeping places (fixed) | 4 |
| Number of sleeping places (extra) | 3 |
| Standing height indoors | 210 |
| Last antifouling treatment | 2024 |
| Hull shape | S-shaped |
| Control | Wheel |
| Location control | Inside + Outside |
| Rudder | Single |
| Shower | |
| Separate dining area | |
| Fridge | |
| Cooker | |
| Curtains | |
| Oven | |
| Warm water | |
| Water tank capacity in liters | 300 |
| wastewater tank capacity in liters | 100 |
| Toilet | Manual |
| Does the toilet drain directly into the open water | Yes |
| Heating | Stove |
| Dinghy | No |
| Life buoy | |
| Life raft | |
| Self-draining cockpit | |
| Bilge pump | Electric |
| Is a trailer included? | No |
| Weight (kg) | 35000 |
| Anchor(s) | 2 |
| Anchor attachment | Chain |
| Windlass | Electric |
| Bimini | |
| Sprayhood | |
| Outdoor cushions | |
| Deck cover(s) | |
| Cockpit table | |
| Cockpit tent | |
| Fenders and lines | |
| Teak deck | |
| Sea rails | |
| Swimming ladder |
| Number of engines | 1 |
| Is the engine operational | The engine is operational |
| Start typing | Electric |
| Maximum speed | kilometers per hour | 12 |
| Engine type | Inboard |
| Brand motor | Yanmar |
| Model engine | 4JH3TE |
| Power (hp) | 76 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Year of construction of the engine | 2000 |
| Engine hours | 6000 |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Consumption | 4 |
| Tank capacity in liters | 300 |
| Fuel Tank Gauge | |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | |
| Temperature Gauge | |
| Tachometer | |
| Bow thruster | n/a |
| Number of batteries present | 2 |
| Total battery capacity | 200 |
| Battery charger | |
| Alternator | |
| Inverter | |
| Voltmeter | |
| Shore power | |
| Solar panel | |
| 220V |
| Number of masts | 1 |
| Mast material | Wood |
| Number of sails | 4 |
| State of the sails | Good |
| Jib | |
| Genoa | |
| Main sail | |
| Storm jib |
