@boatfools #classicsailboat #sailboatforsale #victoria30 #beautifulboats

[SOLD] This Little Big Boat was my #1 pick in my BoatFools Top 10 Sailboats for Sale in Maine Under $25,000. Something about this sailboat really struck me and I wanted to go see her for myself. She's a classic Chuck Paine design and was built in the UK and while just 30 feet overall, she feels like a much larger sailboat. Only 50 VICTORIA boats were made. However, her build year is a little murky as some sources say the VICTORIA wasn't built until 1986; other sources say she was designed in 1979 and first built in 1982... Go figure. She does have a sister ship, the Chuck Paine designed/Morris built, LEIGH. They are nearly identical. Only 19 of these were built (in Maine, as Morris Yachts). This VICTORIA has completed THREE trans-Atlantic crossings so to say she is seaworthy is an understatement. She can go anywhere.

Anyway, the seller/owner agreed to have me down to take a first-hand look. Having never been on a VICTORIA or a LEIGH, I was truly excited and she exceeded my expectations. The build quality was evident everywhere I looked. However, I did find two trouble spots both on the starboard topside - worthy of a qualified surveyor's attention. But not deal-breakers, IMO. The boat was listed as "fair" - and I would agree with the assessment but there is a lot to like and at $18,500 and with a little investment of time, DIY efforts, and likely a little money, you'd have yourself a boat worth twice that amount. These are highly regarded, hard to find boats. There are only two other active listings I could find, one in the UK and one in the US, one listed in the high $20ks and the other in the high $30ks.

This VICTORIA would be an ideal coastal and blue water cruiser - for a couple or a small family. She's also ideal for solo sailing and the seller/owner often did just that.

The seller's contact information is: [email protected]

Enjoy!