DESCRIPTION

Caledonia is a 19-metre Dutch-built steel sailing yacht, designed by renowned Dutch yacht designer Martin Bekebrede and custom-built between 1998 and 2000. Built to the requirements of her first owner, an experienced German sailor, she was conceived for safe and comfortable long-distance cruising, combining robust construction with elegant lines and generous living spaces.

Starting on deck, Caledonia offers extensive space for both sailing and relaxation. The central cockpit provides a protected working area, with sail controls and hydraulic winches arranged for convenient short-handed sailing. Cushions on both the aft deck and foredeck, added during the recent refit, create inviting areas for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying life at anchor. At the stern, an opening bathing platform provides easy access to the water, while a passerelle facilitates boarding from the quay. A tender is also carried aboard, adding further flexibility when exploring anchorages and coastal destinations.

Moving inside, the bright deck saloon benefits from large windows on three sides and opening deck hatches for ventilation. To port, a generous U-shaped seating area upholstered in beige leather provides a comfortable space for dining and socialising. To starboard, the interior steering position incorporates the navigation equipment, electrical panels and a substantial chart storage area. Traditional joinery works gives the interior warmth and character, balanced by lighter finishes introduced during the 2019–2021 refit, when the woodwork was refurbished and revarnished and the ceilings and side panels were painted white.

Descending to the lower saloon, the galley is located to port. Designed with extended cruising in mind, it offers generous storage, Corian worktops and a practical bar counter connecting it to the main living area. The equipment was substantially renewed during the refit and includes a Miele combination steam oven, induction hob and dishwasher, together with a Vitrifrigo refrigerator/freezer and ice maker.

Opposite the galley, to starboard, a comfortable dinette provides a separate place to eat or relax. The dinette converts into a double berth when required. This area is complemented by a distinctive built-in fireplace. To port, a technical and storage room incorporates laundry facilities, a practical feature for longer periods aboard.

Further forward, the spacious VIP cabin features an island berth and en-suite facilities. Returning to the deck saloon, the aft companionway to starboard leads down past the 230 V electrical panel, with access to the engine room nearby. Alongside the companionway is a dedicated skipper’s berth measuring 200 × 60 cm. Further aft, the spacious master suite offers both a double berth and a separate single berth, together with an en-suite bathroom built in 2020 and fitted with a separate shower. A particularly distinctive feature is the private two-person sauna, cleverly integrated behind the shower. A built-in writing desk and a safe complete this well-appointed private space.

Caledonia is powered by a Perkins 225 diesel engine. Her high-low keel provides a variable draught of approximately 2.20 to 3.70 metres, combining the advantages of a deeper draught under sail with greater flexibility when accessing shallower waters. This versatility, together with her substantial steel construction, makes her well suited to a wide range of cruising grounds.

Her sailing systems have been designed with ease of handling in mind. The mainsail furls hydraulically into the mast, while the headsails are equipped with hydraulic furling systems. The aft jib is self-tacking, and the principal sail controls lead to hydraulic winches in the central cockpit, allowing the yacht to be managed conveniently by a small crew or single-handed. The rig comprises a Proctor aluminium mast and boom. The mast was repainted, the standing rigging renewed and the winches serviced in 2020. Her working sail area is approximately 189.5 m², complemented by a 220 m² ISTEC Parasailor for downwind sailing.

The onboard systems were also substantially upgraded during the refit. Caledonia features 12 V and 24 V DC electrical systems, 230 V shore power, a Victron power-management and charging installation, substantial Mastervolt battery banks, solar panels mounted aft and an 18 kW generator. Together, these systems support comfortable and largely self-sufficient life aboard during extended voyages.

The comprehensive refit carried out between 2019 and 2021 included repainting the yacht, fitting new teak decks, refurbishing the interior, renewing the galley appliances and upgrading the electrical systems, rigging and other onboard equipment. The work was undertaken to preserve Caledonia's inherent qualities while enhancing her comfort and preparing her for many more miles at sea.

She is a distinctive Dutch-built bluewater yacht, combining robust construction, practical sailing systems and generous accommodation for those looking to explore further afield.