‘Uncle Eric of Emsworth’, a Norfolk Smuggler 25 grp built, gaff cutter rig, sailing vessel is for sale with Vivid Blue Marine Yacht Brokers. This sailing yacht is particularly noteworthy for her maintenance regime undertaken by her current owner, a well-regarded local marine engine specialist.

The Norfolk Smuggler 25, was developed very much as the big sister to the successful Norfolk Gypsy and incorporates many of the features that proved so popular with Norfolk gypsy owners.

The over deck length of 25 feet was deemed the minimum considered practical for a 4 to 5 berth cruising yacht yet sensible in handling, build and running costs. The Norfolk Smuggler was carefully designed to ensure a single-handed sailing capability when required.

The large cockpit allows comfortable sailing for up to 6 adults and also provides ample storage space in the cockpit lockers. The cabin trunk provide standing headroom throughout the yacht without looking cumbersome, and forwards there is a safe foredeck to provide security for the deckhand.

The vessel was designed to be shoal draught with a centreboard, increasing from 2'9" to 4'11" with the plate fully lowered. The centreboard is raised and lowered with an easy to operate manual winch.

The Norfolk Smuggler has a heavy displacement hull with a good ballast ratio to provide power under sail and good internal volume. Her stability is exceptional.

‘Uncle Eric of Emsworth’ is powered by a high peak gaff rig set to break down the large sail area and to provide different permutations when the time comes to reduce sail. The rig provides excellent sailing performance at all points of sail with exceptionally good windward performance.

The deck stepped mast is housed in a large tabernacle with a fixed gooseneck to simplify mast lowering. The Norfolk Smuggler 25 is therefore eminently suitable for canal sailing when most lowering and raising might be required frequently.

Headroom in the interior is 5 feet 10 inches on the central line over a level sole (the centre board being located under the cabin sole).

There are four full-length berths whilst maintaining a social and comfortable saloon. In positioning the heads at the aft end of the saloon the feeling of space in the cabin is maximised. The space under the forward end of the port side cockpit seat acts as a wet hanging locker, so keeping the wet area adjacent to the companionway.

There is a spacious galley with two range cooker grill and large work-surface area with sink.

The Norfolk Smuggler is built a very high standards with construction being immensely strong throughout. There is extensive use of wood trim and traditional brass and gun metal fittings.

She is capable of being moored on a drying mooring and has legs that can be fitted to keep the boat upright when living aboard

In summary the Norfolk Smuggler ‘Uncle Eric of Emsworth' is designed to provide excellent sailing performance as well as spacious and comfortable accommodation completed to exceedingly high standards. This charming yacht is designed for coastal sea passages, as well as harbour, history or European inland cruising.

Her specifications inter alia include:

This vessel benefits from a holding tank with diverted valve. She also has, fed from her fresh water cooled engine, a calorifier providing hot and cold running water.

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.