In addition to a major structural refit a few years ago, I have spent the last year preparing Aroha for a “Bucket List” single-handed trip from the West Coast of North America through the Pacific, planned for the spring of 2023. Unfortunately, family priorities have dictated that a change of plans is in order.

So… why did I chose the Albin Vega 27 as the foundation for this little excursion? Her history of outstanding ocean voyages initially peaked my interest. Some have crossed oceans with minimal changes to the standard boat and some with more extensive changes. Voyages that come to mind are the World Circumnavigation by Tony Skidmore in his wonderfully setup “Lorna Doone”, Chuck and Laura Rose’s Pacific adventures in their beautifully refitted “LeaLea”, Matt Rutherford’s incredible successful circumnavigation of the Americas (Red Dot on the Ocean documentary on Youtube), World Circumnavigation by Nick and Jenny Coghlan on “Tarka the Otter”, four Swedish sailors on “Little My Three” and their record breaking sprint across the Atlantic (see the movie “Vega Westbound” on Youtube) - and there have been many, many more notable voyages by this capable little Swedish built vessel.

I believe that (based on my nearly 65 years of experience cruising and racing on all variety of craft) she has most of the qualities required in a small ocean capable vessel. While she is an adequate performer upwind - and certainly can keep making headway upwind when many boats are calling it quits - it is her brilliant reaching and downwind performance that is so endearing. With her dinghy-like underbody, symmetrical hull sections, long 3/4 length keel, excellent directional stability, and attached protected rudder - she is a delight. And with the amount of debris out there in the ocean today, having a protected, strong rudder is incredibly important! Her internal ballast, deep keel sump, and no keel bolts to worry about are also a huge plus. She also sails and balances really well under headsail alone and can make quite reasonable ground to windward under headsail.

For a single hander or couple she is a very easy and not a physically challenging boat to sail and, even though she is only 27 feet long, her accommodation and storage are extremely functional and well laid out. With the structural changes I have made, I don’t think I could have chosen a better design “foundation." A capsize screening formula number of 1.88 is a big plus as well.

What assurances does the reader have that this vessel has been executed as described? I have done similar refit process many times over the past four decades and have to admit I do love the “creative” process! I have the dubious notoriety in our local yacht club ( Royal Victoria) and amongst the local sailing community, local marine surveyors and individuals in the respective marine industries, as the person from whom people like to purchase a boat. I do not cut corners. It has been said that my epitaph may well be “Here lies a person who created a lot of nice boats for other people."

No investment in time or money has been spared in the process of making Aroha what she is today and she is truly turn key and ready to go cruising!

Currently, Aroha is insured under a liability only policy. The plan was to insure her with an Offshore liability policy for the duration of the trip down to New Zealand and she has been approved for that based on an insurance survey that was done in and out of the water in October 2019. Liability insurance is needed these days to stop at any marinas throughout the Pacific and New Zealand.

The 2019 survey represents her status AFTER her hull modifications and reinforcements but BEFORE her recent rig upgrades, her new engine, her new sails, her new electrics and electronics, self steering gear etc. So, other than saying that she is structurally sound and in above average condition, it does nothing to represent her current state.

The plan was for her to be sold at the end of the trip in New Zealand and at that time she would be resurveyed independently by the purchaser for their own information and requirements. If the 2019 survey is of interest to any parties, it can certainly be made available to be viewed.