1972 Finesse 24

• Clinker built, Iroko on Rock Elm
• Full keel with centre plate
• Main deck overhauled and re-sheaved 2011
• New deck fittings 2011
• 4 main keel bolts replaced 2010
• New stainless steel pulpit fitted 2012
• Last surveyed 2009

• Nanni 14 diesel inboard engine (new 2011, still under warranty)

• Bermudan Sloop rig
• Mast lowering gear (recent)
• Mainsail (2010)
• Roller-reefing foresail (good condition)
• Cruising chute (good condition)
• Mostly new running rigging

• 4 berths in 2 cabins
• Maximum headroom 1.73m (5ft 8in)
• Galley with Blakes paraffin 2-ring stove and sink
• Sea toilet (2010)
• Blakes paraffin cabin heater
• LED interior lighting
• Berth cushions and curtains (2011)

• Compass (2010)
• VHF Radio and new aerial (2011)
• NASA masthead LED light (2012)
• NASA Dual depth/speed log (2012)
• Boat Safety Scheme certificate (expires 2016)
• Various fenders
• Various mooring lines
• Mudweight
• 2 x anchors
• Boarding ladder
• 2 part full cover (Jeckells 2012) which can be detached to provide a cockpit tent to usefully extend the accommodation space
• Bespoke heavy-duty winter canvas cover

A much-admired Finesse 24, Sail Number 8, built 1972. Kaiulnai has just completed a major program of renovation and is an excellent example of these well-regarded vessels. Kaiulnai has been fitted with a new Nanni 14 diesel inboard engine by AR Peachments in 2011, still under guarantee. Currently on the Norfolk Broads with a new Boat Safety Certificate in April 2012 but is fit for sea.

The Finesse 24 is a development of the Finesse 21, which boatbuilder Alan Platt started building in 1961. The design had been produced in part (the hull) by a friend, Laurie Harbottell, who wanted a cruiser for sailing in the shoal waters of the East Coast, and it proved to be such a head-turner that Platt went on to build over 80 more. Demand for a bigger version resulted in the scaled up Finesse 24 in late 1969.

The 24-footer is distinctive in style, with a full-bodied hull, pretty swept sheer, broad transom and is every bit an East Coast cruiser, heavily influenced by the shoal-draught designs of Maurice Griffiths. With recently fitted mast lowering she is also well suited for exploring the inland waters of the Norfolk Broads.

Her rig is conservative yet practical, with a modest 259sqft (24m2) of sail area, set on a bermudan sloop. She is reassuringly steady, vice-free and easily handled by a short-handed crew, although she probably won’t win any prizes for speed. The mainsail was new in 2010 and the roller-reefing foresail is in good condition. Cruising-chute in good condition. Mostly new running rigging.

Kaiulani is clinker built of iroko on rock elm timbers, and has had the maindeck overhauled and re-sheaved by a reputable local yard in 2011. As part of works new deck fittings were fitted. Kaiulani comes with a centreplate, which increases draught to 7ft (2.1m). The 4 main keel bolts were drawn, inspected and replaced in 2010. New stainless steel pulpit was fitted in 2012.

Down below, the accommodation is straightforward and practical. What is good is that the interior is flooded with light, thanks to the four large portholes on either side and there is also plenty of standing headroom. The stepped coach house provides 5ft 8in headroom from the companionway to the mast and, although it decreases in the fo’c’s’le, it’s not unpleasantly cramped up there. A new heads was fitted in 2010. 2011 saw the seat cushions renovated and new curtains fitted. Kaiulani has 4 comfortable berths, sink and Blakes paraffin 2-ring stove and Blakes paraffin heater. New LED interior lighting.

Overall, the Finesse 24 is a really good package. She’s easy to handle, spacious and practical, and looks as well on the Norfolk Broads as out to sea. She’s also reassuringly good in a seaway and, as Maurice Griffiths would put it, a “proper little ship”. 2009 survey available, all points raised addressed through 2 year re-fit. Reluctantly for sale due to relocation overseas.