2017 Bluewater 41

Kauai Uhiwai has had an amazing and unique build history. The hull was constructed over a male mold in 1974 and meticulously constructed by Colin Nisbet until he passed away in 2016, when the build was completed by his friends and family for the boat's launch in 2017.

This boat was built by someone with all the time in the world to make sure every detail is perfect. Many of the parts of this boat have been custom built by hand. The level of craftsmanship is exquisite and shows the mark of a true sailor. It is very rare to find a yacht of this calibre.

This is a classic yacht without the dramas of a timber hull. She is a cutter rigged sloop with fully battened, loose footed mainsail stowed neatly in a contemporary stack pack and lazy jacks, with 3 reefing options and additional track on the mast for a storm sail. Complimenting this are 2 roller furling headsails (Genoa and Staysail) for infinite adjustability and ease of use from the safety of the cockpit. Modern aluminum mast and sails made in 2017. Although modern, she carries the tradition of a beautiful laminated kauri bowsprit and gold leaf in-laid carving.

 This classic offers practicality in a modern cockpit layout with all the important lines leading back to the cockpit. A shallow stairway is nice and safe for moving around the boat when underway. Numerous berths including the saloon could sleep up to 9 people at a squeeze.

You have to see this boat to understand the stunning craftsmanship that has gone into putting this yacht together. Once you hear the stories of how everything has been custom built down to each bronze bolt you will appreciate the 30 odd years of construction.

This boat has been beautifully traditionally made, with some main features including:

• Kauri construction

• Hanging knees

• Cast bronze portholes

• Bronze arco winches

• Teak and kauri cabin sole

• Bronze rigging screws

This is not to say it doesn’t have modern features too- LED lighting, Hydraulic steering, 2017 Raymarine instrumentation, hot water and refrigeration mean this boat doesn’t skimp on more modern comforts. The engine is in fantastic condition with just 330 hours.

The Bluewater 41 design has amazing seakeeping ability, and a huge amount of power for light wind sailing. Arguably it would be one of the most comfortable boats sailing upwind in a sea way. The construction is extremely solid. 

The boat was built in Whangarei, with 13-14 models built over the last 40 years. There is a Facebook page dedicated to documenting the history of this class of boat.

Get in touch to hear some of the excerpts from the family on this boats’ amazing construction.