Like many sailors, we dream of a boat that isn’t just a vessel but a true home—comfortable both at anchor and on long voyages, capable of handling different weather conditions, and designed for life at sea. We’re looking for a boat that will allow us to travel the world at our own pace, to experience both tropical waters and the high latitudes, to live aboard full-time if we choose.
While we don’t yet know exactly which boat will become our floating home, we do have a vision of what our ideal yacht would look like.
Size & Hull – A Strong and Stable Cruiser
We imagine a 12 to 17-meter (40-55 ft) steel or aluminum ketch, designed for safety and stability rather than speed. A wide, heavy displacement hull is a must, giving us comfort in rough seas. We’re not looking for a racing yacht—we want a boat that will keep us safe in the middle of an ocean and allow for comfortable long-term living.
At this stage, we are not considering wooden or fiberglass hulls. While they have their advantages, we believe that steel or aluminum provides the durability, strength, and ease of repair that we need for long-term cruising. Steel, in particular, offers excellent protection against impact in remote areas, while aluminum is lighter and resistant to corrosion if properly maintained.
The ballasted keel is essential for stability, and we prefer a long keel or at least a modified full keel for better tracking and comfort at sea.
Rig & Sailing Setup – A Classic Ketch
We love the classic look and practicality of a ketch rig, with its divided sail plan that makes it easier to balance the boat in heavy weather. Ketches also offer versatility, reducing sail area without losing too much power, which is perfect for short-handed sailing.
Our ideal setup includes:
- Aluminum masts for durability
- A full set of sails, including a storm jib and a gennaker for light winds
- Strong, well-maintained rigging to ensure safety in offshore conditions
Deck & Cockpit – Safe and Comfortable in All Weather
One of the key features we want is a high deckhouse (pilothouse) that allows us to steer from inside during rough weather. Ideally, we would have two steering positions—one outside for fair-weather sailing and one inside the pilothouse, fully protected from wind, rain, and cold.
Other must-have features include:
- A sheltered seating area in the cockpit, preferably with a fixed dodger or a hardtop for protection
- Wide, safe decks for easy movement
- Plenty of storage for fuel, water, spare parts, and provisions
Interior – A Cozy and Practical Living Space
Since this yacht will be our home for extended periods, the interior must be well-designed for both sailing and living at anchor.
Key priorities:
- A spacious galley (kitchen) with enough room to cook proper meals, plenty of storage, and ideally a good-sized fridge and freezer
- A comfortable saloon where we can relax, work, and entertain guests
- A proper heating system—we plan to sail in colder climates, so good winter insulation and diesel heating are a must
- A well-equipped navigation station with a full GPS system, radar, and communication equipment
- Large freshwater and fuel tanks to extend our autonomy offshore
As for design, we love the look of classic yachts from the 1960s to 1980s—boats built with durability and long-term cruising in mind, rather than modern mass-produced yachts designed for short-term charters.
Safety & Equipment – Ready for Anything
Since we plan to explore not only warm tropical waters but also cold and remote areas, our dream yacht must be prepared for all conditions. Essential safety features include:
- A life raft and full safety gear
- Reliable diesel engine—not necessarily big, but efficient and easy to repair
- Self-sufficient power system (solar panels, wind generator, or even a small water turbine)
- Insulation and heating for high-latitude sailing
- Good anchoring system with multiple anchors and plenty of chain
A Boat for Two – Easy to Handle and Comfortable to Live On
Although we may have friends or family join us from time to time, we expect to sail mostly as a couple. That means the boat must be manageable with a two-person crew. Stability, ease of sail handling, and a well-thought-out deck layout will be crucial.
A classic, seaworthy look is a bonus. While performance is important, we value comfort and practicality more than speed. A solid, well-built yacht that feels like home is far more important than getting to our destination a few knots faster.
This Is Just the Beginning
Of course, these are just preliminary ideas—we’re open to different possibilities, and our priorities may shift as we continue our search. The perfect yacht doesn’t exist, but with careful research, patience, and a little luck, we hope to find a boat that comes close to our vision.
For now, we keep dreaming, planning, and searching. One day, we’ll find the right boat—the one that will take us across oceans, through icy fjords, and to sun-drenched islands. And when we do, we’ll be ready to set sail.
