Laurent Giles Vertue

Island Vertue is a beautifully built Laurent Giles Vertue, combining the timeless character of a classic wooden yacht with the practicality and low maintenance of modern composite construction. Built in 2001, she has a professionally constructed strip-planked Western Red Cedar hull, fully sheathed in epoxy and fibreglass, eliminating the ongoing maintenance associated with traditional timber yachts while retaining their warmth and charm.

Since its introduction in 1936, the Vertue has earned a legendary reputation as one of the world's most capable small offshore cruising yachts. Designed by Laurent Giles, the design has completed countless ocean passages and circumnavigations, with Humphrey Barton's famous 1950 Atlantic crossing aboard Vertue XXXV helping cement its status as a true bluewater classic. With her heavy displacement, long keel and exceptionally seaworthy hull, Island Vertue is ideally suited to short-handed sailing and extended offshore cruising.

On deck, the deep, secure cockpit provides excellent protection behind the dodger, with all sheets and furling lines easily managed from the helm. Below, the traditional timber interior offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with practical accommodation for extended cruising and thoughtful storage throughout.

Accommodation includes a generous single berth in the forepeak, two saloon berths that convert into a king-sized double, and a quarter berth. The galley features a two-burner Maxie methylated spirit stove, 12V refrigerator, stainless steel sink with brass hand pump and ample storage. A collection of books documenting famous Vertue voyages is also included, adding to the yacht's unique character.

Power is provided by a reliable 20hp Yanmar 2GM20 diesel with approximately 1,600 hours, regularly serviced and cruising economically at around 1.5 litres per hour. Fuel capacity is approximately 60 litres, while a 120-litre water bladder provides ample freshwater storage.

The yacht is well equipped for coastal and offshore cruising, including:

• Sarca Excel anchor

• Muir electric anchor winch with deck and cockpit controls

• Raymarine ST2000 autopilot

• Monitor wind vane self-steering

• Raymarine ST40 wind instruments

• Autohelm depth and speed instruments

• Plastimo compass

• GME VHF radio

• Icom IC-718 HF transceiver

• Marine stereo/CD player

• 120Ah AGM house battery

• Dedicated engine start battery

• Separate anchor winch battery

• Twin 20W BP solar panels

• Cockpit covers

Safety equipment includes electric and manual bilge pumps, lifebuoy, EPIRB, jacklines and safety tether, standard coastal safety equipment and a four-person RFD Pacific liferaft (due for service).

The sail wardrobe includes:

• Doyle Stratus mainsail with three reefs

• Doyle Stratus furling headsail

• Self-furling inner forestay jib

• Asymmetrical spinnaker with bowsprit and snuffer

• Aluminium mast and boom with stainless steel standing rigging

• Mast tabernacle for lowering the mast

• Andersen self-tailing cockpit winches and additional mast and boom winches for straightforward reefing and sail handling

Recent improvements include:

• New engine mounts (2025)

• New UV strip on headsail (2025)

• New house battery (2024)

• Professionally fitted fibreglass deck (approximately 2020)

• Antifouled (February 2026)

Lovingly enjoyed by a family of five, Island Vertue has proven herself as a capable and dependable cruising yacht. Now offered for sale due to the owners moving to a larger yacht, she presents an excellent opportunity to own one of the most respected offshore cruising designs ever built. Whether you're planning coastal adventures, offshore passages or simply appreciate classic yacht design, Island Vertue is ready for her next chapter.