Seaward Nelson 45, SEAWARD SAPPHIRE

Broker’s Comments

SEAWARD SAPPHIRE is a proper stunner. She is a true connoisseur’s motor yacht. She was not built in 1991 with a worried accountant’s eye on the purse strings. She was not moulded in an obscure location and badged as whatever the laminator was being paid to roll mat for that week. She was fitted out by the master boatbuilders at Seaward Marine of Guernsey, who understood their product, actually went boating, and were proud to build a hull to the specifications of TT Boat Designs – in this case, the mighty Nelson 45.

Seeing her ashore, one is immediately struck by her immense strength. Her ribcage of stiffeners presses against her well-polished blue hull, her full keel protects her stern gear, and her deep cleaving forefoot is reinforced by a solid cutwater to slice its way upwind in a blow. Remember, this hull is not a flabby, flat-water pretender; this hull is a true Nelson – much beloved by commercial operators worldwide, whether it be the police, Harbour Masters, pilots, or simply those looking for a bombproof shape that will handle seas and broken water that would keep most snugged to their pontoon cleats. While many never need to use the power in the hull, knowing that she will take care of you and your crew in an angry blow is mighty reassuring.

SEAWARD SAPPHIRE is quite something else in the flesh, too. Her teak badging glistens under a protective deep varnish shield, and all her brightwork is just so. Her bronze propellers glint in the sun, and she is in truly remarkable condition. With careful and sympathetic upgrading as required, she has been brought back to an exceptional level of presentation in her current ownership. Her galley has been remodelled and updated with new cabinetry to provide additional stowage volume, new countertops and appliances, and enhanced lighting and ventilation. This level of attention to detail is evident throughout, with ventilated bilge spaces, clear labelling, repainting of internal spaces, and noticeably better accessibility to systems and pumps compared to many later designs. Beneath the sole of the wheelhouse lies the beating heart (in fact, hearts – plural) of this Nelson, and it is very impressive. Painted out in white, with new insulation and the shiniest pair of Sabres I have seen in a very long time, this is an exemplary installation with superb access right around the prime movers, plenty of light, and beautiful engineering. Her centreline fuel tanks are exactly where you want them – built low into that long, deep keel moulding, and acting as extra ballast when pressed up. This is a true little ship, and anyone who steps onto her perfectly varnished sole boards cannot fail to be impressed by her. Videos of her sea trials and a full list of her upgrade works are available for any interested parties.

Owner’s Comments

We have enjoyed our time on board and our ownership of SEAWARD SAPPHIRE. She has an exceptionally strong Nelson hull, and her seakeeping is beyond reproach in our eyes. We hope to have restored her to her former glory with a significant amount of time, effort, and love, making her the very usable, long-distance cruising motor yacht that she is. Sadly, other projects beckon, and we cannot make the most of her, so we think the time is right to pass her on to new custodians.