English
This 1981 Tartan T42,
Receta, boasts a distinguished pedigree with unmistakable lines that proudly bear the signature of Sparkman & Stephens' renowned design expertise. Beyond her aesthetic charm,
Receta exceeds expectations offshore. Her helm is beautifully balanced, providing responsive and enjoyable sailing. With a Scheel keel, 5' draft, a .43 ballast/displacement ratio, a theoretical hull speed of 7.58 knots, and a sail plan ready for any sea conditions,
Receta effortlessly handles bluewater passages and coastal cruising alike. Comfortably accommodating six for dinner or underway, the thoughtfully designed cockpit is also an excellent layout for short or single-handed sailing.
Below deck, Receta offers a haven of comfort and tranquility. The interior has been thoughtfully customized by her owner to accommodate a cruising lifestyle. The updates were designed and executed to seamlessly blend with the original interior style and color, featuring a number of customizations using beautiful teak details. Generous headroom and ample storage throughout the vessel, complemented by plenty of airflow facilitated through large hatches and numerous opening ports, enhance overall comfort on the hook. Whether on a passage or comfortably anchored in paradise, Receta's performance and stability make your cruising experience a joy.
This beloved yacht, which served as the liveaboard home for the voyages chronicled in the acclaimed books "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" and later, "The Spice Necklace" is now ready for new owners to embark on their own unforgettable journeys.
Receta's owner has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the maintenance and upkeep of this timeless classic, with every detail meticulously documented and available upon request. The level of care invested surpasses industry standards, and the opportunity to acquire a vessel of this pedigree at a fraction of the cost to build such craftsmanship today, is not to be missed. Fully equipped and meticulously maintained, Receta awaits those with an eye for character in a yacht who seek a vessel that embodies the spirit of adventure, and the joy of sailing.
I invite you to learn more about Receta. The owner of this fine vessel was generous enough to provide a wealth of knowledge about his time on board his beloved Receta. His remarks are below and many more details, maintenance records, and photos upon request!
INTERIOR COMFORTS AND AMENITIES
Beautiful, inviting, classic teak everywhere, which the owners have continued to keep in great condition. Some very thoughtful modifications were carefully designed and built to blend with the style and color of the original boat.
Main salon cabinetry: The original layout featured a full-length pilot berth behind the
port settee. The berth was replaced with a teak surface with 3 lift-ups, which matches the
surrounding wood, creating accessible storage where the mattress once was. Behind
the lift-ups, we added a long bookshelf, and at each end built teak cabinets faced with
custom stained-glass drop-down doors. The change transformed the entire character of
the main salon and dramatically opened up the space. We also added an elegant polished brass Den Haan trawler lamp (it was replaced with a new one in 2012) over the dining table in the main salon. An authentic brass Welsh Miner?s Lamp was added on the forward bulkhead. Ultraleather cushions were made and custom-fitted with contrasting fabric for the forepeak and aft cabin bunks.
Cabinsole: The original 1/4 inch teak-and-holly floor was adequate, but not up to the level of the rest of the wood. In 2004 the cabinsole was repatterned and replaced with custom-milled 1/2 inch teak-and-holly, with elegant solid teak edging. Laid it out in logical sections and screwed it in place, so it is removable both for refinishing or to deal with any damage.
Ports and Hatches:
a) New stainless-steel opening ports. The original boat was built with 11 plastic
opening ports. In 2001, we had all of these replaced with stainless-steel opening ports
made by Hood Yacht Systems. We also added two more Hood stainless-steel opening ports in the aft cabin that open up into the cockpit and provide good additional ventilation, giving us a total of 13. All of the opening ports have removable screens. There are also fitted mosquito mesh screens for the hatches over the forepeak and main salon, and over the companionway entrance.
b) The two large Atkins & Hoyle hatches, one over the main salon and one ahead of
the mast over the forepeak were rejuvenated with new gaskets, and the acrylic was
replaced. (There are also two smaller Bomar opening hatches in the aft cabin.)
c) Receta has 4 classic glass prisms in aluminum frames set flush into the deck,
which bring in an amazing amount of light. (These were part of the original boat.)
Teak shelves in the forepeak: Two full-length teak shelves on the port side, fitted with custom-fabricated Textilene bins and zippered compartments and bins for stowing linens, clothing, spares, etc.
Main water tank: The original polyethylene water tank was replaced with a custom-built
stainless-steel water tank, with 2 sets of interior baffles and 3 inspection ports.
Head and holding tank:
a) The original head was replaced with a Raritan PHii. Seals & valves are maintained or replaced regularly. (before it becomes necessary!)
b) Holding tank: Originally one of the forward water tanks was removed to install a
large stainless-steel holding tank, for the Great Lakes. Later the holding tank was modified to provide more storage space for cruising.
Shelves and space in the main hanging locker: The back of the large main hanging locker (opposite the head) was opened up and a series of deep, teak shelves were installed. This created considerable and easy-to-access storage. It also made it easier to inspect and access electrical wiring, the chainplates, and the freshwater intake for the main water tank. Below the hanging locker, a louvered door was added to make better use of a storage compartment previously accessible only by a small lift-up in the hanging locker and to provide easier access to mast wiring.
Nav station: Remodeled the space above and behind the chart table with drop-down panels for mounting the VHF, single side band radio, chartplotter, and electronics displays, all with easy access to wiring.
'Secret' storage: To starboard, between the nav station and the aft cabin, there's a
narrow wet locker. We use the upper portion to store our inflatable life vests and safety
harnesses. Below them are the feed pump and filters for the watermaker. At the back of
the locker, two discreet cupboard doors were installed with storage for, well, the ship's rum, for example!
Aft cabin, remodeled: Originally, the aft cabin contained a (very small) head on the starboard side with a Pullman sink over top of it. The plumbing led to a holding tank built into the boat's tumblehome behind the foot space below the chart table. We changed all that.
a) A work table: There is now a 'mini' chart table with lift-up storage. (I often use it as a
work surface.) Behind it are sliding plexiglass doors with narrow shelves.
b) Watermaker cabinet, aft cabin: Below the new 'mini' chart table are double teak
doors and a shelf holding the Spectra Watermaker. Heavy-duty drawer slides allow the
two parts of the watermaker to slide out for maintenance. (The watermaker does not
need to slide out to operate.)
c) Storage: The old holding tank outboard of the nav station had never been used so it
was cut into and turned into a storage space. (Great temp. for wine storage!)
d) Tool drawer: Below the large bureau an additional drawer was added to the bureau below the existing ones to store tools and spares.
e) Spares locker: Installed (removeable) shelves in the aft hanging locker and converted it into easy-access storage for bins of spares. (can easily revert to a hanging locker if desired.)
f) Shelf added: A full length shelf was added beside the double berth on the port side.
Water Systems: There are separate fresh-water deck fills for both water tanks. A fitted 25 gal. polyethylene tank, with an inspection port, is located in the forepeak under the double berth. The main 50 gal. custom-made stainless-steel tank is located under the starboard settee. This tank is baffled and has 3 inspection ports. A manifold, under a lift-up in the main cabin sole, switches between tanks. Pressure hot and cold water in both the galley and head is supplied via a Par-Max 3 pump beneath the galley sink, with a small Jabsco accumulator tank. In the galley, a dedicated stainless tap (also pressurized) supplies purified water through a Seagull II reverse osmosis filter system. A similar tap provides fresh water via a second Seagull filter in the head. There is also a hand-operated fresh-water
- Watermaker: Spectra Catalina 300 Mk. MPC-5000 MkII watermaker (with two 21 in. membranes) is installed in a cabinet in the aft cabin. The feed pump module and membrane module slide out on separate tracks for easy maintenance. The seawater intake, boost pump, and filters are easily accessible in the adjacent wet locker. Product water feeds directly into the 50 gal. water tank. Waste water tees into and is discharged overboard via the starboard cockpit drain. The feed pump was replaced in 2017, and the original pump was rebuilt as a spare. There are two handheld salinity testers. The Spectra watermaker directs fresh product water into the main water tank.
- Water Heater: Isotemp 6-gallon hot water heater works via engine heat exchange or 110v-shorepower. It is located under the cockpit sole and is accessible via the aft cabin or the starboard cockpit locker. A new heating element is being installed in Jan. 2024.
- Air conditioner: 110v Window Unit air conditioner in a custom housing is positioned over the large hatch above the main salon, to keep the boat dry and mildew-free, and very comfortable when the yacht is at the dock or stored on land.
- Refrigeration: The old refrigerator/freezer space, originally designed for ice blocks (!)was modified, acrylic shelves and dividers were added, and a new Isotherm 5701 ASU cold plate closed system, with a water-cooled Adler Barbour compressor (Aquaking II 2gpm diaphragm pump) A shelf was built under the cockpit sole to accommodate the water-cooled compressor.
- Freezer: (See above) The cold plate is located in the freezer compartment, with a spillover for the frig. Two battery-operated thermostats with an external display monitor the temperatures.
- Stove and Oven Seaward Princess Gourmet 3-burner propane stove with oven, gimballed
- Propane Shut off Valve
- Fume detector: 12v propane and CO2 detector, with audible alarm, is installed at the base of the stove in galley.
- Vented Propane locker: Located below port cockpit seat. Holds two 11-lb. cylinders (Regulator and solenoid are also located in propane locker.)
- (2) 11lb. Propane Tanks. One tank is hooked up, the other carried as a spare.
- Magma Marine Kettle II BBQ, mounted on a custom arm on the stern rail, is removable, and protected by a custom Sunbrella cover. A regulator and hose attached to the spare 11-lb. propane cylinder. (2013; burner and igniter have since been replaced.)
ELECTRONIC AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM
WIFI Antenna A Ubiquiti Bullet long-range wifi antenna, is stored in the aft cabin and hung either in the cockpit or hoisted to a lower spreader on the mast. It's indispensable for connecting to shoreside wifi signals in anchorages or wherever the signal is weak. The Antennae interfaces (wirelessly) with a Ubiquiti Power AP N802.11n router (at the nav station) to broadcast wifi to any computers, tablets, phones onboard. Both are powered by the boat's 12v system.
Raymarine system The Raymarine system includes the following: Raymarine E 80 chartplotter; Raymarine Pathfinder 2 kw 18" Radome; Raymarine ST6002 SmartController, handheld autopilot controller; Raymarine ST6002 SmartController autopilot control head (fixed mount) at the helm; Raymarine ST60+ Tridata at the helm; Raymarine ST60+ Wind & Close Hauled Wind Instrument at the helm; RaymarineST60+ Graphic Display at the helm; Raymarine Pathfinder Smart Heading System; Raymarine GPS 125 fixed mount; Raymarine AIS 500 Class B Transceiver; and Raymarine Remote Keypad (not currently installed).
- Autopilot 6000 hydraulic autopilot w/ ST6002 SmartPilot Controller. Autohelm Type 100/300 course computer software Upgraded in 2014. The course computer is installed in the nav station. Also, a ST6002 SmartController handheld (portable) autopilot controller is kept at the nav station for easy access.
- Primary GPS: Raymarine GPS 125 fixed mount
- Radar: Autohelm Pathfinder 2 kw 18" Radome (This is currently not operating but plan to repair in Jan. 2024)
- Satellite Communication: Qualcomm Globalstar satellite portable phone, with fixed mount converter and handset.
- Depth/Speed/Distance: Raymarine (ST60+ Tridata, ST60+ Graphic Display)
- SSB Radio: ICOM IC706 MkII fixed mount SSB radio and tuner, with isolated backstay antenna
- VHF: Icom IC-M506 VHF with GPS and integrated AIS, installed at the nav station, external mic at helm in cockpit. 2017
- AIS Receiver(s): Raymarine AIS 500 (2010) and Icom IC-M506 VHF with GPS and integrated AIS, installed at the nav station, external mic at helm in cockpit.
- Compass: Ritchie pedestal compass
- Stereo & Speakers: Pioneer DEH-6400BT car stereo/CD player (Bluetooth) mounted in stained-glass faced cupboard, wired to two waterproof stereo Polyplanar speakers in the main cabin
Navigation Lights
- Bow Light: Hella Marine NaviLED Bi-Color Nav Light 2022
- Stern Light: Aquasignal Series 55 sternlight 2018
- Masthead Light: Combination LED anchor light, tri-colour running lights, emergency strobe 2014
- On Mast: (2) Hella Deck Flood, Steaming Light
- Search Light: Handheld, battery-operated search light / strobe stored at chart table
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
12V / 110V
Batteries
- House Bank: (2) Lifeline 8D, 225Ah, AGM house batteries 2019
- Engine: Lifeline AGM Group 31 starting battery 2017
Keyed selector switches to isolate (or join) the house and starting battery, and an automatic battery combiner to ensure both are properly charged. Charging by engine alternator, solar panels, wind generator, and 110v shore power are controlled by the Xantrex Link 2000R (See Battery Monitor, below.)
Additional Equipment
- Solar: (2) Kyocera 135-watt solar panels are mounted on a custom stainless-steel frame over the bimini arch, with a Solar Boost 2000E charge controller
- Wind Generator: Four Winds II wind generator (motor replaced: 2015), is mounted on a custom-fabricated, 1-1/2 stainless steel pole aft of the cockpit. The pole (yr. 2015) is designed to separate to allow the wind generator to be easily removed for service or storage
- Inverter/Charger: Heart Freedom 10 - 1000-watt inverter/battery charger is located in a compartment below the berth in the aft cabin
- Alternator: (2) 120-amp high power alternators (One is an identical, never used spare.)
- Shore Power Cord: A Guest 30-amp, 50 ft. yellow shore power cord is stored easily accessible below deck in a fitted Textilene bag.
- Galvanic Isolator
The boat has 110v shore power, with two receptacles for the shore power cord separated by an on/off/selector switch. One is located in the deck-recessed secondary anchor locker (particularly useful at a finger dock when the charging pedestal is a distance away; and the other aft on the cockpit coaming. There is a separate Bass 110v electrical panel with a breaker for the 110v outlets and 110v water heater. Because stray current is often a problem at a dock in a salt-water environment, the boat has a Galvanic Isolator, to combat the stray current and help preserve the sacrificial zincs (on both the shaft and the propeller)
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Propulsion System
In 2001 the vessel was repowered with a new 56 hp Yanmar 4JH3-E diesel. (It still has only 1,780 hours.)
Receta now has ample - and reliable - power and speed in any conditions. Also added was sound barrier insulation inside the engine compartment. With the new Yanmar, it was necessary to change to a larger-diameter exhaust hose. The original exhaust also had no gooseneck for protection against water backing up into the engine. We built a small teak box in the aft cabin, against the hull, and installed a Vetus gooseneck.
The traditional stuffing box was replaced with a PYI PSS Shaft Seal that has been regularly maintained. Most recently, in 2022, it was upgraded with the Pro Maintenance Kit: the standard bellows was replaced with a new nitrile bellows, a stainless shaft retention collar was added, along with fresh O-rings and hose clamps, etc
- Engine: Yanmar 4JH3-E (2001)
Horse Power: 56HP
Drive Type: Hurth V-drive (2001)
Raw water to heat exchanger
Oil Transfer System: portable 12v electric pump for removing engine oil (remote oil filter system installed with a bracket attached to the top of the engine to hold the filter. Access and change the oil filter very easily, without spilling a drop!)
Propeller: Bronze 3-blade feathering Maxprop. (We love it!!) special hardened 1-1/8" shaft
Steering Type: The steering is via an Edson pedestal (Awlgripped in 2016) with chain connected to the chain quadrant. (The Raymarine 6000 hydraulic arm attaches to the steering post.)
Steering Wheel: Edson steering wheel - beautifully varnished wood.
Emergency tiller: stored in the starboard cockpit locker, and can be attached by removing a stainless deck plate ahead of the Edson pedestal in the cockpit.
Bilge Blower: located behind a port cockpit shelf and vents into the cockpit at that shelf.
Manual Bilge: Henderson Mark V manual bilge pump operated at the helm seat.
Electric Bilge Pumps: Jabsco Par Max flexible vane pump (6.3 gals/min.) (new in 2017) is easily accessible below the galley sink, with an in-line filter. The pickup is in the bilge below floor lift-ups in the main salon. It is operated via a dedicated circuit on the electrical panel at the nav station. A second, submersible bilge pump, an Attwood V1200, is in the bilge, amidships. It is on a dedicated circuit on the electrical panel, and with an additional Manual/Auto switch also at the nav station. The Auto function is controlled by an Ultra Pump float switch in the bilge, which is also connected to a (very loud) audible high-water alarm located beside the chart table. An identical Jabsco Par Max pump empties the shower sump in the bilge. In the event of high water, this doubles as an additional bilge pump.
DECK AND COCKPIT EQUIPMENT
Mooring Equipment
- Windlass: 12V Ideal Vertical Anchor Windlass, w/ capstan and gypsy, up/down foot control buttons on the foredeck.
- Custom SS Bow Roller
- Primary Anchor: Rocna 22 kg (44 lb.) (with custom-fit bow roller) 2018 w/ 130 ft. 3/8" BBB galvanized chain & 150 ft. 3/4" Megaplait Rode
- Secondary Anchor: 15 lb. Fortress FX-23 w/ ~40 ft. 3/8" BBB galvanized chain & 150 ft. 5/8" Megaplait (to be confirmed)
- Spare Anchor: 45 lb. CQR w/ 100 ft. nylon tape rode on a spool
- Dinghy Anchor: stainless steel Bruce anchor, approx. 5 lbs. w/ ~5 ft. 3/8" BBB chain & ~ 40 ft. nylon rode
To port at the bow, a secondary anchor locker is recessed into the deck. This holds the secondary (Fortress) anchor, and a hawse inside the locker leads to the main chain locker which has a separate section for its chain and rode. Inside this deck anchor locker is a tap and short hose for a salt-water deck wash, to keep the anchors clean. The Jabsco Water Puppy deck wash pump is located in the forepeak and tees into the head's water intake, with a sediment filter.
Additional
- Sunbrella Bimini, Dark Blue 2021
Sunbrella Dodger, Dark Blue NEW 2022
A zip-off insert joins the Bimini and Dodger to create a full Cockpit Awning
Side Curtains: 3-panel (port, starboard, aft) Dark Blue Sunbrella and window-vinyl cockpit enclosure
Sunbrella Deck Awning
(5) Cockpit Cushions, White Vinyl cockpit w/ closed cell foam
Custom-built Folding Cockpit Table w/ Sunbrella cover 2018
(4) Aeré inflatable fenders w/ Sunbrella covers 2018
(2) Large Taylor-made fenders
(2) Teak fender boards
Bow Pulpit
Repainted topsides (Awlcare) 2016
New Bottom Paint (Sea Hawk Cukote) March 2024
Custom SS stern pulpit integrated with stern arch and bimini
Custom SS fold-down swim ladder with teak steps
SS Stanchions
Vinyl-covered lifelines
SS boarding gates amidships (port and starboard)
Dark blue Sunbrella weather cloths (Surrounding cockpit, zip over lifelines)
Salt water anchor/deck wash down (Anchor locker) Dinghy 9.5' AB Hypalon RIB (inflatable), with a double, hard bottom. Moulded-in storage compartment in the bow.
Includes:
- (3) oars (one is a spare)
High volume manual pump
5-lb. SS Bruce type anchor with chain and rode
Textilene bag for anchor and rode
Custom-fit Tan Sunbrella dinghy chaps
Custom-fit Tan Sunbrella cover (for when dinghy is stored upside down on foredeck)
15-hp Yamaha 2-stroke outboard, with numerous spare parts
5-gal. Yamaha gas tank with fuel hose
Custom-fit Tan Sunbrella cowl cover
Lifting strap (for hoisting outboard for storage on teak plate stern pulpit)
Custom-fit Tan Sunbrella engine cover to protect entire engine when stored on stern pulpit
SS steel tube with combination lock, to lock outboard to dinghy
SS chain AND vinyl-covered Aircraft wire cable with end loops for locking dinghy and outboard (to a dock, etc.)
SAILS AND RIGGING
Sails
- Total sail area is 758 sq. ft. (main: 305.5; foretriangle: 452.3)
- Mainsail: Doyle Offshore fully battened, loose-footed Dacron mainsail w/ 2 deep reef points, new in 2014 (Excellent condition, still has its new-sail "crinkle.")
- Jib: Doyle Offshore Dacron furling jib, high cut, approx. 115%, New 2014.(Excellent condition)
- Staysail: Original, hank-on, attaches to a removable inner forestay. (The forestay leads back to the mast when not in use and fastens there or to the foredeck with a chromed bronze Highfield lever.)
- Mast: Annapolis Spars (original sleeved aluminum mast) with two sets of spreaders. The mast is keel-stepped. A new gooseneck was made in 2017. All of the mast wiring was replaced in 2011.
- Genoa Roller Furling: Schaefer 2100 roller furler (upgraded in 2000)
- Harken mainsheet traveler track
- Harken 6-part purchase mainsheet control (Makes for one-hand adjusting and easy single handing.)
- Garhauer adjustable genoa car system (adjustable from the cockpit; fantastic, especially when sailing at night, or in rough weather)
- Offshore Spars Manual Boom Vang w/ controls leading back to the cockpit
- Standing Rigging: The stainless steel 1x19 wire rigging is professionally inspected every two years. The rigging and terminal ends were replaced in 2015. The rigging was inspected in 2022, and the s.s. linkage between the roller furler and stemhead was replaced, inc. fabrication of a new stainless-steel extension plate. The lower turnbuckles were all replaced in 2011.
- Chainplates: All of the stainless-steel chain plates for the shrouds, and the chain plate for the backstay, were replaced in 2016.
Winches
- Mast: (3) mast winches. The winch for the main halyard is a Harken self-tailing winch (2011). The winches for the jib, and a second winch on the port side, are original, Lewmar non-self tailing
- Cockpit: (2) primary (genoa) winches are Lewmar 54 self-tailing, chrome.(2) secondary winches are Lewmar 30 self-tailing, chrome.
- Boom: (1) Lewmar non-self-tailing winch on starboard side of the boom, for the outhaul and aft reefing lines.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Life Raft: Datrex Liberty Offshore 4-person emergency life raft, new in 2020, packed in a valise and stowed for fast access in the starboard cockpit seat locker
- EPIRB: ACR SATELLITE 3 406 model RLB-38 (new battery and tested 2019)
- Man Overboard Pole with strobe attached
- Lifesling in hard case, attached to stern pulpit
- Life ring with 50 ft. heaving line, attached to stern pulpit
- Emergency Tiller
- Man Overboard bag, fully stocked
- Fire Extinguishers: (4) Type ABC fire extinguishers on board, regularly monitored and replaced as necessary. One is attached under the starboard cockpit seat. One is in the galley, and there is one each in the aft cabin and the forepeak.
- First Aid: Not a "kit", per se, but a good stock of first aid supplies is kept in a locker in the head.
Owner's Remarks
We wanted a boat to take us south to the Caribbean.
We wanted a boat that was fun to sail. That would move smartly in light air but also had the displacement and weight to handle well on bluewater passages. And we wanted a safe boat, a boat that would be stronger than we are. We got all that with
Receta, and a whole lot more.
First I put together the numbers, to narrow the field: sail area to displacement ratio, displacement to length, ballast to displacement, comfort factor, you name it. Then we went shopping. By chance, Receta was the first boat we saw. We were smitten by her sleek lines and her rich interior. She was elegant. Six months and many boat viewings later, we knew for certain Receta was the one.
I?m a designer by trade, and one of my criteria in buying a cruising yacht was to find one that would always make us smile when we dinghied back to her in an anchorage or saw her alongside a dock. Receta does that, still. And she continues to turn heads and entice strangers to stop by.
Below,
Receta is a dream. There's beautiful, warm, teak everywhere. But the real beauty is in the details. We immediately noticed, and loved, her classic-yacht touches: The classic white ceiling, with teak strips. The wide, fold-down leaves of her gleaming main cabin table, with lift-ups for wine storage, cutlery drawers at the end, and removable fiddles. We immediately knew we could seat 7 for dinner, and 6 in the cockpit with our custom-designed table there. The light that streams in through the 4 glass deck prisms (a detail rarely seen in more recent production yachts). And the many teak handholds that allow you to walk comfortably from one end to the other when underway.
Receta is a classic, with a strong pedigree, and her sleek lines are easily recognizable as a Sparkman & Stephens design. (Her predecessor was the Tartan 41, an early and successful IOR racing yacht from the early '70s. Rather than retiring the hull, S&S designed the T42.) They gave her a Scheel keel with a 5-ft. draft (great in the Bahamas!) and, of course, a lovely teak interior, as befits a proper cruising yacht. In keeping with Olin Stephens? principles, the .43 ballast/displacement ratio is way on the safe side.
Sailing
Receta is flat-out fun. She heels nicely, then locks in. (You have to work hard to bury the rail.) And you can feel the acceleration as you trim the sails and she bites in. (Riding the waves on the passage from St. Lucia to Martinique, say, or flying from St. Vincent into Bequia, is a blast.)
The helm is beautifully balanced. She's responsive, and slices through the water. Despite having a good and reliable autopilot, we both love to hand steer: in moderate conditions, you can do it with one finger.
No matter which of us is at the wheel, we know that the two of us can sail Receta easily, or one of us can while the other naps. I also sail her singlehandedly. (The mainsheet and genoa winches are well placed for that.)
Receta is no slouch, with a theoretical hull speed of 7.58 knots which we occasionally surpass even with one or two reefs. In fact, we most often prefer to reef unless we're in lighter air or well off the wind. We sail comfortably and stable. (On one 100 nm passage from Carriacou to Trinidad, we kept pace with a well-sailed Hylas 46; they couldn't believe our speed.)
She's very well-behaved at anchor, too; and that same Scheel keel and large skeg that track so well underway, and the deep underbody, ensure she doesn't skitter or skate around like some cruising boats do.
Down below,
Receta is airy and cool, comfortable and comforting. A respite from the blazing sunlight. The large and well-placed hatches and the numerous opening ports provide excellent airflow. The high bridge-deck enhances the feeling of tranquility below, while ensuring that the boat's ample headroom also extends to the aft cabin.
We've modified her during our ownership, retaining her classic good looks while adding matching custom teak joinery, to optimize the interior space for cruising and increased stowage. As well, her systems and equipment have been continually upgraded and maintained - sailing systems and mechanical systems, including repowering with a 56-hp Yanmar engine.
Receta is the yacht that took us to the Caribbean and was our liveaboard home on the voyages my spouse, Ann Vanderhoof, wrote about in the bestselling book "An Embarrassment of Mangoes" and its sequel, "The Spice Necklace".
Receta is now ready for new owners - to love her as much as we have, to have as much pleasure sailing her, and as many great adventures. She's fully equipped and ready to go.
Additional info from owner
The dark blue Sunbrella dodger (new 2022) gives easy and wide visibility. There are large windows on all 3 sides, and easy for a 5 ft. 8 in. skipper to see over. The front windows (3 panels) can roll up and strap in place. The front windows as well as both side panels can be zipped off. The dodger has long, SS handrails on both sides, as well as aft, for both convenience and safety. The dark blue Sunbrella bimini (new 2021) has approx. 6 ½ ft. head room. There is a 3-panel (port, starboard, aft) Sunbrella and window-vinyl cockpit enclosure that zips to the bimini top, the bimini insert, and the rear of the dodger. It is normally stored rolled up below, but can also be rolled up and secured in place. It's excellent for rainy days, especially when there are dinner guests. The bimini and dodger are connected by a matching, zip-off Sunbrella insert to completely shelter the cockpit. This is removed while sailing due to the traveller and mainsheet location immediately aft of the dodger. In addition, there are port and starboard weather cloths that zip to the lifelines and extend from the stern pulpit to the amidships lifeline gates.
A Sunbrella deck awning zips to the leading edge of the dodger and extends to the bow pulpit. We designed it to be low so it doesn't catch excess wind while at anchor, but provides excellent shade and sun protection, as well as allowing hatches to be open during the rain. The awning has zipper openings to go around the boom vang, and the mast. We designed it to be two separate pieces that zip together, so you can choose to cover only the cabin and leave the foredeck open, or vice versa. The dinghy, with its own separate cover, fits easily under the foredeck portion. The awning is held down to the upper lifelines by shock cords, so it is easy to walk along the side decks.
Most fold-down cockpit tables aren't large enough to adequately accommodate guests. Because we love to entertain onboard, we designed a teak table and had it custom built by an expert wood craftsman in Trinidad. It attaches to the steering pedestal and folds down in front of it, and is protected by a fitted Sunbrella cover. When opened up, it can be used as a small table for two, or the wings can be unfolded for a nice-sized dinner table. It can be unfolded even further, to double its length, again with wings, to easily give 6 people ample space for dinner (or extensive hors d'oeuvres at happy hour). Two removable legs are stowed in a fitted Sunbrella envelope that is attached under the starboard cockpit seat. The table includes a drink and binoculars holder in front of the steering pedestal, that can be separately uncovered while underway. The table has 6 coats of gleaming varnish, and sturdy brass hinges. The table was built in 2018 and still looks brand new!
There are 4 inflatable Aeré fenders (2018). There are also 2 extra large (10" x 26" approx.), black, Taylor-made fenders, and two teak fender boards. The fenders all have custom Sunbrella covers that protect the boat and also protect the fenders from the sun. There is a variety of 5/8" dock lines of varying lengths, from quite long to not quite so long. Some are nylon double braid and others are megabraid. Most have spliced loops A couple have chafe spots.
The original stern pulpit was small and narrow and had no swim ladder. We designed a new stern pulpit in conjunction with a stainless steel arch and bimini frame. It includes an integral, fold-down swim ladder with teak steps. Also on the stern pulpit is a stainless plate covered with teak that supports the dinghy outboard. (In the photos, the outboard is on the port side, protected by a Sunbrella cover.) Stainless-steel bows above the bimini firmly support the two 135-watt solar panels.
The AB dinghy is aged. A dozen years ago, it developed a crack in the bottom, so we had the offending bottom cut out, and a reinforced new bottom glassed in – much stronger than the original. The hulls have a couple of hypalon protective strips, as well as small hypalon patches for tiny pinhole leaks. When it began slowly losing air due to age, an internal hypalon sealant was applied internally to the tubes. All the work and repairs were professionally done. I can’t guarantee, but I’d guess the dinghy has 1 – 2 more years of life before more major repair or replacement is necessary.
The Yamaha 15 is in excellent condition, and is fresh-water flushed and “winterized!!!) at the end of each season. There are spare spark plugs, throttle cables, spare pull cord, and spare stop button mechanism on board. The carburetor was replaced a few years ago. The Yamaha 15 2-stroke is a dependable and highly prized outboard in the Caribbean.
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Additional Units Included
- 1998 AB Inflatables 290VS (Hyplon)