Pre-Loved 422 - 60ft Roberts ketch
This beautiful 60ft Roberts ketch doesn’t need to prove a thing, she has already made dreams come true. Now, says JENNIFER EHMANN, Courage
The dream of sailing the world was planted in Germany when Bertram Ehmann was just 17. That was when he noticed an advertisement for Australia and saw enticing photographs of white beaches and warm waters. It instantly took hold of his imagination. Many years later and perhaps by no co-incidence, he met me, an Australian girl and, together with our son, was smitten with the dream of one day setting sail after cruising the Whitsundays.
Following a long stint in the international corporate world, the time came for long-held dreams to become reality, Ehmann move us to Australia.
ROBERTS HOME
Not attracted to off-the-shelf production boats, our first desire was to create a quality home onboard that was both liveable and lovable.
We found the right boat in Courage, a 60ft Roberts ketch originally built in 1981 under the personal supervision of the highly regarded craftsmen from New Zealand’s Salthouse Boatbuilders. With the robustness of times gone by, Courage has a sandwich fibreglass hull that I reckon “could crack the Arctic ice”.
Being a German-educated doctor in mechanical engineering and a specialist in renewable energy, Ehmann was especially excited to work with a quality boat, where his expertise could be put to full use. With months of solid work and sourcing of the best quality fittings from around the globe the dream took shape. Courage’s recently completed refit began with the support of the best in the business, Iain Smith and his wife Rosie of Marine Project Management.
"It is not only the style and fitout that makes Courage special — her technology is a showcase, reportedly making her one of the most energy-efficient cruising yachts in Australia"
With the transformation now complete, Courage is an eye catcher, with a blend of quality and style that one just does not see in modern construction. The first welcoming feature is the classic elegance of the sweeping teak deck that slopes gently across the 14ft beam, leaving plenty of space to relax from bow to stern.
The detailed design of the new bow, safety rails and davit is keenly crafted to mix class with safety and sets the tone for a wonderful life or holiday onboard. The detail onboard hint at what is below deck. Quality varnished teak and kauri timber complement an impressive renovation carried out by master tradesman.
WELCOME BELOW
Courage easily sleeps seven in four cabins, including a master with en suite and a saloon that makes family and guests feel welcome.
The list of additional quality features is long with reverse-cycle air-conditioning, Spectra watermaker, bidet toilet and an ultra-modern galley that beautifully fuses lifestyle, safety, efficiency and necessity. With no gas, the galley instead has an enclosed flame diesel cooker and oven, plus a microwave. As well are drawer fridges and freezer, dishwasher and even a real rising Downdraft ventilation system that disappears when not in use.
You can even do your washing in style, with a Miele washer/dryer. With all new plumbing, floor coverings, upholstery and galley there is nothing left to do but enjoy.
It is not only the style and fitout that makes Courage special — her technology is a showcase, reportedly making her one of the most energy-efficient cruising yachts in Australia.
Ehmann says his technical systems are designed for peace of mind, performance and safety. With a keen eye for precision he completely replaced all electrics and wiring and installed the latest integrated Mastervolt power-supply system. This features lithium batteries, resulting in an 80 per cent reduction in weight compared to traditional batteries.
There are no candescent lights onboard, rather tasteful, high-quality LED lighting throughout. This means evenings on deck or down below can be spent without flattening the batteries. Even the TV and entertainment system throughout are the lowest power-consuming units on the market.
The technical intrigue doesn’t end there. The latest Simrad navigation system has two autopilots and other duplicated instrumentation for ease of operation from the nav desk or helm. Manoeuvring is made easy with a Swedish precision swing bowthruster that slips back into the hull, ensuring optimal performance.
SHORTHANDED MANNERS
The hydraulic in-mast furling main and mizzen makes for effortless shorthanded sailing or you may choose to motor with the confidence and safety knowing there is a six-cylinder 135hp Perkins diesel and 1000lt fuel capacity.
Courage is a yacht that has fulfilled dreams, as she did for her former owners, a 70-year-old couple that sailed the Mediterranean and later, a couple with four children that cruised Australia’s East Coast and the Pacific islands.
Even the fender ropes tell a story, coming from the legendary racing yacht Wild Oats. They were given as a gesture of good luck to us from refit project manager and acclaimed yachtsman Iain Smith.
The result of Courage’s magical refit is a boat of refinement and quality that was recognised in January this year when she was selected to star in an episode for the international TV series The Dream Boat.
Of all the decisions made in the renewal of Courage the most difficult has been the decision to sell her. Now offered for sale at $845,000 she represents a truly unique opportunity to fulfil your cruising dream.
Courage is lying at Geoff Lovett International’s brokerage at Marina Mirage, Main Beach, QLD. To arrange an inspection, contact Colin Maslen, phone (07) 5526 4144; 0419 660 9133 or fax (07) 5526 3711.
CREW’S VIEWS
Courage provides the discerning buyer with everything. Refitted with style and quality this 60ft Roberts ketch combines cutting-edge technical and energy-efficient electrical systems with style and luxury throughout. Originally built in NZ by Salthouse Boatbuilders in1982, the yacht is of excellent construction, with a $1 million renovation recently completed. With teak decks and stunning interior featuring a master galley and superior fittings throughout, this luxury yacht is outstanding value with nothing to spend. A new addition is a full boat cover that creates a boom tent from bow to stern, in fact there are covers for just about everything. Ideal as a liveaboard or world-cruising lifestyle platform, Courage provides good performance, easy handling and shorthand sailing.
(QuickSpecs)
ROBERTS 60 KETCH
Courage
FOR SALE: $845,000
YEAR: 1981
BUILDER: C.J. Smith/Salthouse Boatbuilders
DESIGNER: Bruce Roberts
MATERIAL: Foam core GRP
TYPE: Keelboat
LENGTH OVERALL: 60ft
BEAM: 16ft
DRAFT: 6.6ft
WEIGHT: 25 tonnes
PEOPLE (night): 7 + 2
FUEL: 1000lt
WATER: 1000lt
ENGINE: Perkins diesel
RATED HP: 135
From Trade-a-Boat Issue 422, Dec-Jan 2012.