Esmeralda

Summer 2024 we sailed Esmeralda from Piteå to Stockholm (Sweden, Baltic Sea). This film - for some perhaps it looks boring - shows sailing situation during this 1000 km & 23 days long expedition. Here some history of the boat:
Esmeralda was put to into sea first time in 2011, after ca 20 years of building time! We took over her in 2024 when she was completely ready. She is build for up to 6 persons living onboard.
Esmeralda is a Colin Archer replica based on drawings from late 1800. Her hull is made of plastic, the deck and the interior is out of wood. Colin Archer designed the boat shape for rescue purpose along the Norwegian coast line. The long keel and the double ended shape of the hull makes her very seaworthy and she moves smoothly in all types of sea conditions. Esmeralda is 35 feet long, 13 feet wide and has a solid 11 ton gross weight, whereof 60% of this is located in the keel.
Originally these boats were equipped with one or two masts for gaff sails and 2 foresails. No backup engines, rows where used in the harbors. Esmeralda has however a 55hp strong Volvo Penta diesel engine and one 17 meters high modern aluminum mast/rigg with roller sails both for mainsail, foresail and jib sail. The sail power is 100m2. By this she is easy to sail in all winds. The maneuvering in harbors is made easy with a bow propeller. Life could not be easier!
The original looks like this beauty (she is still sailing strong): • RS 14 "Stavanger"
.... or this video: • RS 14 STAVANGER på Tol...