It’s amazing how the “London bus theory” can apply to yacht brokerage here at Boatshed Port Solent! All of a sudden I find myself marketing quite a few “little old boats!” I love them – I own one myself, and the real joy of these little darlings is meeting the people that own and sail them, and indeed the people who buy them!. They (the people) are mostly durable, flexible, seamanlike and above all cheerful. Actually you could apply that to the boats too!

So what are they and where are they?

There is a Corribee 21, 35 years old, over near Portchester, not far from Port Solent, a real classic, the boat that took many now-famous celebrities around Britain single handed, a great performer, delightful lines and sturdily built, you can see why she is the choice of the young up-and-coming Ocean Racing skippers – the Mary Poppins of the sea!

And what about the little Hurley 22 for sale, at 41 years old, moored just across Portsmouth Harbour? Built to be a “proper little yacht,” these boats were originally produced at the Hurley yard in Plymouth, but were then made at various places all along the south coast. A Hurley won the Round the Island Race in 1967, so in the right hands they can really fly.

Drop down the coast and round to Southsea and there, nestled in a little yard near the entrance to Langstone Harbour lies my next “little old boat.” She is one of my favourites, just as famous as the other two in her own way – the Westerly Pageant. Oh yes, not a racing performer, but you can stand up in the saloon, and they are built like brick outhouses! Why my favourite? Well, I own one myself, so there! I brought her from Newhaven to the Hamble one summer’s day a few years ago, and like many summer days its was blowing SW 4-5, a lumpy sea and the odd spray of cold rain. Not a drop of sea water got into the cockpit, and the bilges still had dust in them when I tied up, tired and thirsty, to the hammerhead at Port Hamble. Oh yes, nearly forgot - how old is the yacht at Southsea? The same age as mine, at 34.

Not so old, in fact a mere youth at only 19, but still deserving a place amongst this august company, Boatshed Port Solent are also marketing a Swift 23.

“23?” I hear you cry, “Not 18?” Yes, there are millions of 18’s out there, and very nice they are too, but this yacht has all the best bits of the 18 plus an extra bit waterline length and more room down below. I don’t think I’m being disloyal to any of these boats when I say she is also the prettiest of this little gathering. “More room” is of course a relative term, none of these boats are the Queen Mary II, but this Swift 23 has the bonus of a lifting keel, so I reckon you could sail her on an angel’s tears.

So folks, if you are looking to get out on the water on a budget, and you want the assurance of tried and tested classics, one of these ladies could be for you!

If you would like more details on any of these used yachts, or to view a full list of boats for sale with Boatshed Port Solent , then please click on link Boatshed Port Solent