Exceptional Swedish classic – new rigging, 2025 sails and reconditioned Volvo diesel
£14,950
Lying: Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Hampshire
NEW STANDING & RUNNING RIGGING • 2025 MAINSAIL & HEADSAIL • RECONDITIONED VOLVO PENTA • FULL ENGINE SERVICE LATE 2025
Vivid Blue Marine is delighted to offer Sempra in Giro, an exceptionally smart and comprehensively upgraded example of the highly regarded Marieholm IF.
On a yacht of this age, buyers quite reasonably focus on the rigging, sails and engine. Here, the expensive work has already been done. Standing and running rigging have been renewed, both mainsail and 110% furling headsail date from 2025, and the reconditioned Volvo Penta 8hp diesel was professionally serviced by Cutler Marine in 2025. During our inspection, the engine fired immediately from cold at the first attempt.
Further investment includes new Selden furling equipment, renewed electrics by ACM of Emsworth, Raymarine chartplotter, ST2000 autopilot, new clutches/jammers, recent canvas, new upholstery and composite-teak cockpit decking.
The result is a beautifully presented Swedish classic in which much of the costly work associated with buying an older yacht has already been addressed.
THE MARIEHOLM IF
Designed by celebrated Swedish naval architect Tord Sundén, the International Folkboat developed the virtues of the Nordic Folkboat into a strong GRP cruising yacht.
Her slender, easily driven hull, long keel, moderate sail plan and tiller steering give the Marieholm the balance, directional stability and reassuring manners for which the design has long been admired. Built by Marieholms Plast AB at Hillerstorp in Sweden, the IF retains an enthusiastic following throughout northern Europe.
Sempra in Giro retains her original builder’s plate:
Her handsome deep-blue topsides contrast with a crisp white deck and coachroof, while recent grey canvas complements her classic lines. The cockpit has been upgraded with attractive, low-maintenance composite-teak decking.
Below, traditional timber joinery is complemented by smart recent orange upholstery, contrasting cushions and a light-painted cabin sole. The overall impression is bright, warm and remarkably fresh.
RIG & SAILS
A particularly strong part of the specification, with considerable recent expenditure:
ENGINE & PROPULSION
Auxiliary power is provided by a reconditioned Volvo Penta 8hp diesel, driving through a conventional shaft to a three-bladed bronze folding propeller.
The engine received a full professional service from Cutler Marine in 2025 and, when inspected by Vivid Blue Marine, started immediately from cold at the first attempt.
A simple shaft-drive installation and folding propeller are particularly appropriate to a yacht of this character.
ACCOMMODATION
The interior is remarkably inviting for a slender 26-footer.
Long opposing saloon settees provide comfortable seating and useful berths, with attractive traditional timber lockers and joinery throughout. Recent upholstery considerably lifts the accommodation while retaining the yacht’s Scandinavian character.
A particularly clever feature is the ingenious sliding galley. Rather than permanently occupying valuable cabin space, the galley slides into position when required and can be stowed away when not in use – a wonderfully simple and effective piece of Scandinavian design that makes excellent use of the available accommodation.
NAVIGATION & ELECTRICS
The yacht’s electrical installation has received substantial attention, with the owner advising that ACM of Emsworth renewed the electrics.
Equipment includes:
The ST2000 is a useful addition for short-handed or single-handed sailing.
DECK & COCKPIT
The deck and cockpit are similarly well presented and equipped:
The owner would like to make particular mention of the exemplary work of Josh Brookes, shipwright of Emsworth, as being the craftsman for the, hull, topsides and timberwork throughout the boat.
RECENT INVESTMENT
What distinguishes Sempra in Giro is the amount of expenditure directed towards the areas that matter on an older yacht: rigging, sails, machinery, electrics and general presentation.
In addition to her new standing and running rigging and 2025 sail wardrobe, she benefits from a reconditioned and recently serviced engine, renewed electrics, modern Raymarine electronics, recent canvas, new upholstery, composite-teak cockpit and repainted topsides.
Much of the work a buyer might ordinarily budget for after purchasing a yacht of this age has therefore already been undertaken.
BROKER’S COMMENTS
Sempra in Giro is an immensely smart example of this highly regarded Swedish classic.
The Marieholm IF offers something increasingly difficult to find: a beautifully balanced, easily handled yacht of genuine pedigree, with the simplicity and reassuring sailing characteristics of the Folkboat tradition but constructed in practical GRP.
What makes this particular example especially appealing is her recent investment. New rigging, 2025 sails, a reconditioned and professionally serviced Volvo diesel, renewed electrics and excellent cosmetics combine to make a compelling package.
There are cheaper 26-foot yachts available, but considerably fewer offering this combination of classic looks, proven design, recent expenditure and exceptional presentation.
Viewing is strongly recommended.
£14,950 – Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Hampshire
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Details
ManufacturerMarieholm
ModelIF26
Year (Build / Refit)1981
Length7.9m
Total Power8 hp
Beam2.3m
Specifications
Dimensions
Length7.9m
Beam2.3m
Hull
MaterialGRP
ShapeMonohull
Features
Autopilot
Compass
Depth Instrument
GPS
Speed Instrument
VHF
Lazyjacks
Sail Cover
Propulsion
Engine 1
Engine MakeVolvo Penta
Engine TypeInboard
Drive TypeInboard Direct-Drive
Fuel TypeDiesel
Power8 hp
Listing details on this page are provided by Vivid Blue Marine as marketing material. Please contact the broker directly for full details.