1987 Wauquiez Centurion

House of Yachts Saildivision is pleased to offer a rare opportunity to own a Wauquiez Centurion 42 from 1987. This boat is renowned for its solid construction, outstanding sailing performance, and exceptional comfort. Designed by the famous yacht designer Ed Dubois and built by the prestigious Henri Wauquiez shipyard, this is a vessel suited for both experienced sailors and long-distance cruisers. With only 52 units ever produced, this is a rare chance to acquire a boat with both history and character. "Sierra II" is ship-registered and has had only two owners.

Main Characteristics 1. Design and Construction

• Designer: Ed Dubois, known for designing fast and seaworthy yachts.
• Hull Material: The hull is constructed from hand-laid fiberglass with a balsa core for strength and insulation. The deck is also fiberglass with a balsa core.
• Keel Type: The Centurion 42 typically features a fin keel, which contributes to its performance and stability. There were both standard and shoal draft versions available.
• Rudder: The yacht has a spade rudder, providing responsive handling and good maneuverability.
• Rig: The Centurion 42 is a masthead sloop, with a tall, fractional rig designed to maximize performance in various wind conditions.

2. Dimensions

• Length Overall (LOA): 12.95 meters (42.5 feet)
• Length at Waterline (LWL): 10.67 meters (35 feet)
• Beam: 4.06 meters (13.32 feet)
• Draft:
  • Shoal draft: 1.75 meters (5.74 feet)
• Displacement: Approximately 9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
• Ballast: Around 3,600 kg (7,936 lbs), which gives the yacht stability and enhances its upwind performance.

3. Performance

• Sail Area: The sail area is generous, with a large mainsail and overlapping genoa, providing strong upwind performance and good speed in light airs.
• Engine: Typically powered by a Perkins or Volvo Penta diesel engine with around 50-60 horsepower, offering reliable auxiliary power for cruising.
• Performance: Known for its excellent sailing performance, the Centurion 42 is fast, particularly upwind, with a well-balanced helm that makes it enjoyable to sail both for racing and cruising.

4. Interior Layout and Comfort

• Accommodation: The Centurion 42 typically has a spacious and well-thought-out interior, accommodating 6 to 8 people comfortably.
  • Cabins: Typically features a forward owner's cabin with a V-berth and en-suite head, a large aft cabin, and a second head amidships.
  • Saloon: The saloon is spacious with a U-shaped settee around a central table, offering plenty of seating and storage.
  • Galley: A well-equipped L-shaped galley, located to port, featuring a stove, oven, double sink, and ample storage.
  • Nav Station: A dedicated navigation station with a large chart table and space for electronics, typically located to starboard.

5. Deck and Cockpit

• Cockpit: The cockpit is well-protected and designed for comfort and safety, with ample seating and storage lockers.
• Deck Layout: The deck layout is practical, with wide side decks for easy movement, a spacious foredeck, and all controls leading back to the cockpit for ease of handling.
• Winches: High-quality winches are standard, making sail handling manageable, even for a small crew.

6. Seaworthiness

• Offshore Capabilities: The Centurion 42 is well-regarded for its offshore cruising capabilities, thanks to its robust construction, powerful sail plan, and excellent stability. It's designed to handle challenging conditions with confidence, making it a popular choice for bluewater sailors.

Summary The Wauquiez Centurion 42 is a well-balanced yacht that successfully blends performance with comfort. It's known for its solid construction, elegant design, and seaworthiness, making it suitable for both competitive racing and long-distance cruising. Its classic lines and well-thought-out interior continue to make it a desirable yacht for sailors who appreciate quality and performance.