[Andrew Ellis]

From the latest and greatest to one of the oldest and smallest, I am proud to say I have just bought a Huisman 51ft aluminium ketch. Built by Wolter Huisman himself in 1972 and refitted by Moody's she is a Laurent Giles designed classic currently called Via Maris. I will be changing her name and she is about to go into a 1-year refit in Holland.

[Kevin]

Very nice, very classy.

How extensive a refit is planned?

[Coenharbour]

Congrats ! It's a real beauty !

[Andrew Ellis]

Initially I will concentrate on the interior keeping us much of the original teak work as possible. The salon area will be widened removing the two single berths. The aft master cabin will be extended into the lazarette to make a larger bed and a new head/shower will be created. Masts will be updated with furling booms on main and mizzen. Steering pedestal will be updated and moved forward slightly. Dinghy davits will be fitted and a small bathing platform. The generator will be moved from the engine room to the lazarette and a new Mastervolt energy management system fitted. Before final sandblasting and Awlgripping, a watermaker, airconditioning and a hydraulic bowthruster to be fitted.

She has been used as a sail training ship for the last 2-3 years and is in need of some tlc but a very sound boat. Easily sailed by 2 I want her better equipped for solo sailing.

[Codger]

Congratulations.
Sounds like a doable project to achieve single handed capability.
Enjoy.

[brandonw]

Post some pictures of it when it is completed

[V65]

Congratulations Andrew

[swabby72]

Originally Posted by Andrew Ellis

From the latest and greatest to one of the oldest and smallest, I am proud to say I have just bought a Huisman 51ft aluminium ketch. Built by Wolter Huisman himself in 1972 and refitted by Moody's she is a Laurent Giles designed classic currently called Via Maris. I will be changing her name and she is about to go into a 1-year refit in Holland.

I had the opportunity to work as crew for the new owner in 1972-73. Two Atlantic crossings before returning to Moodys for adjustments. The port bunk was mine. Interesting that you have the same surname as the original owner.

[ellis000]

After 3 years restoration/refit and 3 years cruising the med, this is Bucephalus as she now looks

[Rene GER]

Cool! Thanks for sharing this picture. She looks very nice!

I wish you a lot of fun and happiness with your yacht

[ellis000]

Thanks, I've had a great time cruising all the hot spots in the Med. She is being sailed back to Portsmouth as I type by a professional crew and is up for sale. The picture I posted is of Bucephalus moored outside the Royal Huisman yard. It was great having Alice Huisman and her mother (Wolter's widow) on board for coffee and a chat.

[ellis000]

I am still the owner but Bucephalus is seriously for sale. She is on the hard at Berthon in Lymington. Details at: Huisman 51 Ketch boat for sale