1964 Alan Buchanan Prior 37

The Alan Buchanan Prior 37 is a highly respected classic yacht, admired for her balance of performance, strength, and timeless design. Designed by Alan Buchanan, she is known for combining classic regatta performance with comfortable cruising ability. For that reason, the Prior 37 remains popular with sailors who value both speed and seamanship. The yacht was purchased by the current owner in 2002. Shortly after, she underwent a comprehensive rebuild, carried out between 2002 and 2005. Because this work was done thoroughly, the yacht emerged as a fast, seaworthy classic with modern reliability. The rebuild covered all major areas of the yacht. This included the hull, decks, coachroof, cockpit, interior joinery, and rig. As a result, the structure, layout, and sailing systems were all addressed together, rather than piecemeal. Since the rebuild, the Alan Buchanan Prior 37 has benefited from continuous maintenance and sensible upgrades. She has been widely praised as one of the best-maintained wooden yachts of her era. Because of this ongoing care, she now presents in genuine turnkey condition. The yacht is powered by a Vetus M4.15 diesel engine, installed in 2022. This modern engine provides reliable propulsion and improved efficiency. As a result, she is easy to handle both under power and when manoeuvring in harbour. Standing and running rigging were renewed in 2017, which supports safe and dependable sailing. The sail wardrobe includes a mainsail and genoa (2017), an asymmetric spinnaker (2017), and a new staysail (2023). This range of sails allows flexibility for both cruising and racing. Safety and comfort have also been improved over time. The yacht is fitted with digital AIS (2023), which enhances situational awareness. At the same time, diesel-fired warm air cabin heating (2022) improves comfort during early and late-season sailing. Since relaunch, the yacht has been extensively cruised around the Channel, France, and the West Country. While doing so, she has also remained actively raced at classic regattas. This combination shows that she is both fast and robust in real sailing conditions. A 2025 survey is available for inspection. Please contact us on 01326 313143 for further details or to arrange a viewing. This is a really impressive Prior 37 and one that stands out immediately. She feels quick, well balanced, and beautifully sorted, with the kind of condition you only see from long-term, knowledgeable ownership. The rebuild was clearly done properly, and the ongoing maintenance shows in every detail. It’s rare to find a classic yacht that can still line up confidently on a regatta start line and then cruise away in comfort afterwards, but this boat does exactly that. For sailors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship without compromise on performance, this is a genuinely special opportunity.