MARI CHA III is a 44.7m (146.7ft) performance sailing yacht built by Sensation Yachts in New Zealand and delivered in 1997. Designed by Philippe Briand with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, she seamlessly combines world-class racing pedigree with luxurious liveaboard comfort. A carbon composite sandwich hull ensures lightweight performance without compromising strength or onboard stability, making her ideal for both competitive sailing and extended cruising.

Her timeless interior by John Munford accommodates up to six guests in three beautifully appointed cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite with en suite bathroom and two additional guest cabins.

The yacht’s expansive deck features versatile spaces for relaxation, sunbathing, and alfresco dining. Below deck, the salon and dining areas offer refined comfort and elegant styling, combining functional layout with premium finishes for a sophisticated onboard experience.

Equipped with a fast-displacement hull and high sail-area-to-displacement ratio, MARI CHA III delivers exceptional performance under sail, capable of competitive speeds while maintaining comfort at sea. Her twin-engine setup and auxiliary systems ensure reliable maneuvering and long-range cruising capabilities. MARI CHA III is capable of reaching a top speed of 17 knots with just 14 knots of true wind. She can also hit a top speed of 14.8 knots under the power of her single 600hp Caterpillar engine, and cruises at 10 knots.

A proven world-class performer, MARI CHA III has a notable racing history, including record-setting transatlantic passages, and offers owners a rare combination of speed, pedigree, and luxury.

TYPE Auxiliary High Performance Ketch

DIMENSIONS Length O.A. 44.72m (147.0ft)Length W.L. 38m (124.7ft)Beam 9m (29.6ft)Draft (half load) 4.50m (14.9ft)

TONNAGE Displacement 126 tonnes (cruising)110 tonnes (racing) YEAR BUILT 1997

BUILDER Sensation Yachts, New Zealand

NAVAL ARCHITECT Philippe Briand Ltd

EXTERIOR DESIGNER Philippe Briand Ltd

INTERIOR DESIGNER John Munford Design

CONSTRUCTIONCarbon composite hull and deckCarbon rigs and boomsCarbon foilsTeak laid decks

CLASSIFICATION ABS hull certificate

MAIN ENGINES 1 x 600hp Caterpillar diesel engine

GEAR BOXES 1 x ZF reverse reduction gear box

SHAFTS & PROPELLERS 1 x Hundested 2006 variable pitch propeller connected to a stainless steel shaft

SPEEDS & FUEL CONSUMPTIONS Cruising speed under power approximately 11 knots at a fuel consumption of approximately 50 litres per hour

RANGE 4,000 miles aprox. (under power)

SPARS Carbon rigs by Southern Spars New Zealand

STANDING RIGGING PBO standing rigging (new PBO forestays in 2010) SAIL WARDROBE New Sails 2011

GENERATORS 1x 40kW (2700) Northern Light generator1x16 Northern Lights generator

ELECTRICITY 220v 3-phase 60Hz12v DC

SHORE POWER 1 x 63 Amp shore power supply

BATTERIES 1,050 Amp Hour Standard Service batteries (new 2011)