1929 McGruer Bermudan Ketch

‘Kythera’ was designed by Ewing McGruer and built in 1929 by McGruers of Clynder, on the Clyde. She was commissioned for Dr Carslaw, a well-known sailor of the time, who owned four McGruer yachts and documented his cruising extensively in published accounts of sailing on the West Coast of Scotland. As a result, Kythera carries both historical significance and a well-documented provenance. She is solidly built, using 1.25-inch pitch pine planking, fastened with bronze screws to 3-inch by 3-inch sawn oak frames. The yacht is rigged as a masthead Bermudan ketch, with keel-stepped varnished wooden masts. Importantly, all standing rigging was replaced in December 2023, using stainless steel wire. A distinctive feature is her dog-house, which is unusual for McGruer yachts. This was likely a specific request by Dr Carslaw, who specified similar structures on more than one of his yachts, and it provides valuable shelter when sailing in northern climates. Kythera has undergone a major refit over the past four years, bringing her to an exceptional standard. A reconditioned Volvo Penta D1 engine was fitted in 2020. Further upgrades include new standing and running rigging (2023), new chain plates (2023), and new sails fitted in 2024. In addition, she benefits from a solar panel system mounted on the dog-house, a recent Force 10 cooker, and new upholstery throughout. As a result of this work, Kythera now presents in excellent condition, while retaining the character and integrity expected of a yacht of this era. She is well suited to classic cruising, racing, and heritage sailing, offering her next owner a rare opportunity to sail a properly restored piece of British maritime history. This is a very serious classic yacht, restored properly rather than just cosmetically. The recent refit work addresses the areas that matter most on a wooden boat of this age, including structure, rig, machinery, and systems. The provenance is genuine and well documented, and the quality of the restoration work stands up to scrutiny. Boats like Kythera are increasingly hard to find in this condition, where the expensive work has already been done and done correctly. For a buyer who understands classic yachts, this represents a rare and credible opportunity.