It’s always nice to be complimented on how your boat looks when sailing - and Chico 42 Vesper had no shortage of these. With two years of beautiful cruising in New Zealand and through the Pacific in her wake, it’s time for current owners, a family-of-four, to let someone else take the compliments. 

With two young children (4 and 6) onboard, they completed two seasons cruising Fiji, Tonga, and Minerva Reef. 

After purchasing in 2022 they poured their hearts into creating a safe and practical platform for adventure - and among many upgrades and additions they equipped her with all safety items for Category 1, a brand new battery system, customised stainless steel frame for robust solar panels, and re-designed tables to create extra passage spaces and a drop down double bed in the saloon. This takes her up to 8 berths.

You can feel the strength of this boat on passage, as it cuts through waves and handles all conditions unphased. From the drawing board of American designer Gary Mull - the original 40ft design renowned for its place in the New Zealand Navy as their cadet training vessels. The Chico 42 get’s its extra 2 feet of length in the clever scoop addition at its stern - a welcome feature for easy swimming and boarding at the back. 

The inboom furling mainsail makes for easy reefing on passage, and the sails are in great condition thanks to this system. The mainsheet runs in front of the dodger and back to the cockpit - meaning less hazards in the cockpit and a safe space for kids. The enclosed area is great on passage - with drop down clears creating a conservatory to fend off big waves or heavy rain. 

Vesper received so many comments for her subtle yet striking pastel shade. professionally painted to an incredibly high standard to complement the extensive re-fit and hull work carried out by its previous owner. Fully glassed decks mean no teak maintenance - an added bonus! 

Vesper is hitting the market with everything its new owners could need for safe, comfortable, and practical offshore cruising. Lifejackets, tethers, jackstays, you name it - we’ll include it to create the ultimate package for someone wanting to turn the key and head to the islands. Alternatively this makes a great coastal cruiser and will happily get you around New Zealand’s coastline with all safety items onboard should you need them. 

You can check out SV_Vesper on instagram @sailing_vesper for a snapshot of the family journey.