1983 Gilles Vaton 78 Sloop

This 1983 Gilles Vaton 78 is an aluminum sloop designed by Gilles Vaton and built by French shipyard Pouvreau under the supervision of navigator Éric Tabarly. The flush-deck design combines elegant, timeless lines with robust construction and proven seaworthiness. She has crossed the Atlantic multiple times and is manageable by a crew of two despite her size, making her both capable and practical for extended cruising.

The yacht's performance stems from high-tech equipment throughout: an Axxon carbon mast, rod rigging with Kevlar backstays, Harken furlers, thirteen electric winches from Harken and Lewmar, and a comprehensive North Sails wardrobe including a 130 m² full-batten mainsail, 170 m² genoa, 120 m² solent, 40 m² staysail, 200 m² gennaker, and three asymmetrical spinnakers of 290, 400, and 450 m². The aft cockpit is arranged for maneuvers with a large steering wheel and electronic repeaters, while the central cockpit provides relaxation space with benches, a teak table, and shade from a bimini. Both cockpit areas have protected staircase access.

Below deck, the layout follows a classic arrangement with a U-shaped galley to port, chart table to starboard, and a main saloon with dining table to starboard plus a secondary dining area to port. Five cabins accommodate six guests and four crew: two double guest cabins forward with en-suite heads, an owner's cabin amidships with en-suite, and two crew cabins aft.

The yacht carries a 200 hp Volvo diesel engine and is equipped with a 7 kW Onan generator, 600W Watt & Sea hydro-generator, two Eberspacher heaters, a 120 l/h Aquaset watermaker, complete navigation electronics, Standard C satellite communications, and an Iridium telephone. A 3.4 m Highfield tender is included. She was refitted in 2009, 2014, and 2019 and has been maintained consistently throughout her ownership history.