WIP Jan 2026

e & oe!

At Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly 2023.

For more information on the Achilles 9m and Sancerre in particular see this blog page or select the "Sancerre" tab at the top of the blog home page www.sv-sancerre.net Key data:

29' 10" x 25' 5" x 9ft x 5' 6"ft (from original spec)
Theoretical hull speed 6.81 Knts
9 Tons Thames Measurement.
Safety and Stability Indices (SSI) = 27 for another example
Comfort ratio: 21.67, Disp / Length = 190 (Light)
Capsize screen number good pass at 1.82 - should be < 2 for ocean sailing (CCofAmerica "Capsize project" formula - Olin Stephens et al.)

Hull / sail No 21.
SSR 61,243
National Sail # GBR4328L

For photos of the boat, sails etc. see the gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCCcZD or from the Sancerre tab on the blog home page www.sv-sancerre.net .

Many more pics see Albums on Flickr.

Documentation:

Items in purple are by separate negotiation.

Major upgrades in 2016 by the previous owners, some details available, equipment largely covered below.

Sails

Mainsail:

Jekylls new for 2016 season (and according to advert used once prior to my ownership). Luff converted to sliders by Kemp Sails 2019, originally only 2 reefs as normal on the A9m, 3rd "storm" reef for extreme conditions add in 2020 by Kemp 1m above #2 giving < 6 sq. m sail.

Headsails:

Genoa: By Kemp, 150%, > 29 Sq. m, "Performance Cruise Headsail" upgraded version with VECTRON Fabric (new 2019) that is reinforced with Vectran threads. Zipped deck bag.
Heavy Weather Jib: Kemp e-Sails approximately 12.1 sq m / 130 sq ft in Hyde Hilite Deck bag, only used once for real, compliant with the "World Sailing Special Regs" (new 2022).
Storm Jib: Kemp e-Sails ST-60, Orange Dacron, 5.7 Sq. m / 9 oz. Never used in anger, compliant with the "Special Regs" (new 2018).

Off Wind Sails:

Kemp 60 Sq. m Full Radial Symmetrical Spinnaker in a heavier than normal cloth for the size, 1.12oz rip-stop Nylite 90. Optimised for running and broad reaching. Launch Bag, Hyde Snuffer. (All 2018). In excellent condition - see pics and videos.

Crusing Chute / Asymmetric Code 3 Spinnaker: Sobstad / Elvstrom full Radial in very good - excellent condition, from an old advert (and loose bits of thread falling out of the bag when I first used it) probably only used twice prior to 2018. Approximately 45 Sq m, Hyde 10m snuffer (2018). Hyde Launch bag (2018). Optimised for reaching but also good as a heavy weather or "overnight" spinnaker flown from the pole when running or with the genoa boomed out in a "Trade wind" configuration in light or moderate weather.
Star cut spinnaker, small and very old, possibly delivered with the boat (in Achilles house style - the sail number on it has a leading zero "021") with old snuffer, strained but usable (useful for learning / training?) although the cruising chute, on or off the pole, would often be preferable. Only flown once under current ownership.

Sail Handling:

General:

All running rigging 2018 or later, mainly later. Deck gear and blocks 2016, most later. Lots of spare cordage in excellent or good condition.
2 x Barton G23 2 speed winches on coach roof (2016).
14 x Barton clutches on coach roof and 1 on mast to ease hoisting the headsail single handed (2016 - 2020).
3 x general purpose foredeck lines back to the coach roof clutches. "Standing" part of main boom preventer under boom.
Multiple storage bags for halyards, sheets etc. around the cockpit and on the mast.
2 x Handy Billys.
Snatch block.

Mainsail:

Two line slab reefing for 3 reefs (one tack line doubles for Cunningham but is rarely used), kicker, halyard & toping lift (8mm Lyros "Cruising" Dyneema for emergency main halyard or backstay) all back to the cockpit.
Barton ball system track (2016) upgraded in 2019 to have control line cleats on the traveller and new "stand up" block.
Kemp "Packaway" Stacker with lazy jacks (2018), lazy jacks extended and modified for easy stowage under normally redundant reefing horns when not in use or to hoist the sail off the wind. Thimbles replaced with blocks in 2023.

Headsails:

Hood "Seafurl 5" roller reefing (2016).
Barton track and ball bearing genoa cars (2016), 3 part purchase to pull the car forward, adjustable from the cockpit.
Central Anderson 28 Stainless, 2 speed self tailing winch for the genoa, date unknown but not original. Anderson stainless 10" winch handle (interferes with the washboards if they are in place. Multiple "Aqualine" floating 8" winch handles.
Halyard in stainless wire plus 8mm premium braid on braid to avoid chafe against spinnaker halyard sheeve.
Alternate removable Inner forestays (spinnaker halyard to hoist sails):

#1 Inner (to aft of the anchor hatch) for the storm jib (in heavy weather or as a staysail), removable Dynema, tensioned from below (2018).
#2 Rove through the starboard jib halyard sheeves - Lyros "Cruising" Dynema, tensioned from below (Dec 2019). Secured forward of the anchor hatch for heavy weather jib or Storm jib.

Barber haulers for storm and heavy weather jibs (2022) adjusted from the cockpit. Both sails use the 2 speed Spinnaker winches and a pair of dedicated sheets so that the genoa need not be disturbed to rig, and you don't have to stand right forward to detach the sheets and secure the genoa.

Spinnakers:

2 x Lewmar Evo AST30 2 speed self tailing winches (2018).
2 x Anderson 10 1:1 Stainless winches, date unknown but not original.
Seldon 70mm pole with rail mounted storage mountings. (2018), slider track and car on the mast for height adjustment.
Set up for 2 guys and 2 sheets as the safest, most seaman like, way of flying a kite single handed, the headsail barber haulers could be repurposed to act as tweakers if the dual system is not used.

Self Steering

"SeaFeather" servo-pendulum wind vane self steering (2019), servo blade cover (2026).
Raymarine Evolution EV-100 Tiller Pilot with 9 axis sensor (including compass) linked to plotter & wind instruments via NMEA 2000. Control Head externally mounted (Aug 2017), New ram in leu of repair of bearings, 2025.

Deck Gear & Miscellaneous

6 x Aqualine "Wing" (pop up) mooring cleats 2016. (list price £345 each!).
6 x bespoke stainless portlights, 4 opening (2016).
Spray Hood by C&J Marine with grab handle (1999) recanvased by the makers 2018.
Back drop for the spray hood by Quay Canvas Bursledon, 2017.
Canvas dodgers with boats name by Quay Canvas 2019.
Aft gantry for solar panels etc. 2019.
Lagun height adjustable & swivelling Cockpit Table Mounting System with "Nautic Venice" varnished teak faced table top, 420mm x 620mm. May 2020.
Removable derrick in stainless for lifting outboard motor (2019).
Repaired (transom + 1 patch), but serviceable 2.7m 3D Tender SUPERLIGHT TWIN AIR 270 inflatable. New May 2019. 12V electric pump.
Mariner 2.5 hp 4 stroke outboard # 0R699208 F25MH New May 2019 New carb (3.5HP version?) 2023, used June 2019 through July 2024. Pictures,
Seagull 40+ Mk 2, 2 stroke outboard # GFP139(or 8?) 7EE6. May 1976, restored 2025. Pictures.

Electronics

Schematic diagrams and a description of system integration can be found here https://www.sv-sancerre.net/p/wi-fi-networking-and-application.html or under "Boat Documentation" from the blog www.sv-sancerre.net "general index" tab

Garmin

All connected via NMEA 2000 except the radar that connects to the plotter with the "Garmin Marine Network", AKA an Ethernet RJ45 cable. All Garmin software up to date.

GPSMAP 923 9" GPS Plotter (2024) externally mounted with an additional 2 slot card reader in the saloon for easy access. Full control also available from iPad, iPhone or Android via Wi-Fi and other links by Bluetooth (including SMS and social media notifications from a phone), GRID / Nautix / ANT radio.

Garmin Navionics+ chart: UK, Ireland & Holland (NSEU628), updated automatically through November 2026.
Garmin G3 Blue Chart: Europe Coast including The Azores, Canaries, West Med and part of N. Africa. EU722L Version 2024.0 - only use for parts not covered by the above loaded to a dedicated card.

AIS 600 transceiver. (July 2018).
Fantom 18" Broadband radar, Scanstrut pole with addn'l adjustable stay in heavy 25mm marine Stainless (2018). Built into Gantry for 2019.
VHF 110i DSC externally mounted. (Aug 2017).
DST800 transducer for Water speed, depth & temp (2016), new axel & paddle 2024.
Wired Gwind sensor & in mast cable (late 2021).
GMI 20 colour display with graphics (2016).
GNX 20 mono display (2016).
GND10 (NMEA 2000 converter for wind instruments + Data server for Nexus race PC s/w). (Jul 2016).
GFL™ 10 NMEA 2000 fuel level converter (2022).

NASA Marine

Target SSB & DSB Receiver, Active antenna. (Best to turn off wind turbine / solar controller to use)
USB NavTex New 2018 with "H" external aerial.
Meteoman, 7 day barograph (2021).

Other

Digital Yacht IKConnect Wi-Fi router + WL60 WI-FI BOOSTER (2020).
IridiumGo mounting kit with external aerial (2020).
IridiumGo Iridium satellite communicator (email, weather downloads, voice, SMS.)
Cobra HH600 hand held VHF DSC/GPS (2018).
Pioneer DAB / FM / AM Radio, USB memory stick, Bluetooth (2018).
Garmin Fusion Speakers (2018).
Locosys Dual-band GNSS receiver, GPS/ GLONASS/ Galileo/ Beidou/ QZSS on USB network for PC, often shows accuracy of better than 3 feet.

Electrical

Comprehensive hierarchical fusing / CB's, including all batteries. New panel and most wiring replaced 2018 - 2024. Comprehensive switching allowing engine start from any of the three battery banks and ability to override automatic DVSR charging management.

Schematic diagrams and documentation can be found here https://www.sv-sancerre.net/p/sancerre-electrical-documentation.html or under "Boat Documentation" from the blog www.sv-sancerre.net "general index" tab . None of the batteries have been discharged to below 60% of their capacity.

Batteries:

Two domestic / service banks:,

2 x Powerplus LP120 Dual Purpose 120Ah AGM, MCCA = 1,000Amps (Nov 2020).
1 x Powerplus LP120 Dual Purpose 120Ah AGM, MCCA = 1,000Amps (Nov 2022). Could easily be extended to two batteries using securing points under adjacent locker, but unlikely to bring significant benefit.

Engine start:

1 x Powerplus LP85 Dual purpose 85Ah AGM, MCCA = 850 Amps (2022).

Charging & Shore Power:

Consumer unit with two pole RCD (15A) & RCB (2019), external power connects and cable (2016), 2 x 13 amp sockets.
Meter Maid electricity meter #045183 (Dec 2024).
Victron Blue IP65, 15A Smart charger. (2016).
Sterling Power "Pro Save A" 16 Amp Galvanic Isolator (2021).
Sterling Power Pro Reg D Advanced 4-step (constant current) external alternator regulator (2021). Set on conservative lower setting for AGM batteries but will still deliver a constant 40 - 50 amps when appropriate.
Marlec HDRI Wind and Solar regulator, independent dual outputs, one for the starter battery, one for domestic / service, max Solar 160W. (2019).
Marlec Rutland 914i wind turbine, pole etc. (2019). Brushes replaced June 2022 after one broke off in very severe weather.
75W Alpex Solar panel on Gantry, tilting fore and aft. (Aug 2017).
40W Alpex Solar panel on Gantry, tilting fore and aft. (2019).
35W Solar panel on coach roof. (2018).
Dual common cathode 110 Amp blocking diodes (2021).
2 x BEP DVSR's (Dec 2017) with control switches (see documentation).
2 x NASA battery monitors for domestic / service banks (2019).

Lighting:

Aqua signal LED Navigation lights:

Mast head tri-colour Lantern & Anchor light (2016).
Steaming light (2016).
Low level stern light. (2017).
Low level bow light. (2021).

18W high power LED cockpit flood under radar head (2018).
Plug in LED low level anchor light with light sensor.
LED internal lighting.

General:

12V "cigar type" outlets throughout cabins plus one in cockpit cuddy.
USB charging outlets in saloon, plus one in cockpit cuddy and a double over the main hatch.
High power (5A) USB charging cable by navigators seat.

Ground Tackle, drogues etc:

Best Bower:

9Kg Rocna Vulcan (2026), recommended size for the boat in up to 50 knots of wind and average holding, galvanised load tested shackles (2026). (Stainless anchor swivel in reserve (2021)).
Lewmar V700 stainless electric powered gypsy winch (2024), foot controls and wired remote in cockpit (2017), spare gypsy and other parts.
42 metres of 7mm, MF Catenificio Frigerio (Italian made) grade 40 ISO766 chain (MBL 3,059 Kg) which is both calibrated and proof tested (to 1,621 Kg) at the factory (2021).
c 38 metres of 12mm Lyros nylon (MBL 3,300 Kg) spliced to the chain (2018).
Stainless chain stopper and deck guard (2017).
Davis "Shockle" anchor snubber & stainless chain hook.

#1 Kedge & spare Bower:

10 Kg Lewmar Delta, recommended as a bower for boats 9 - 12 metres and upwards of 7 tonnes, (2018). "Green Pin" Load tested shackles.

Spares:

Original 24 Lb (11Kg) forged CQR, recommended for boats up to c12 metres.
9Kg Generic (Force4) CQR type 2017 never used but carried on the boat for a time and repainted.

#2 Kedge and as a weight to back up the Bower:

10 Kg Osculati Admiralty Pattern folding stock anchor (2020).

Other

3.2 Kg Grapnel, also as a weight for drogues or for dinghy.
1.5 Kg Grapnel for dingy or as grapple

Rode for kedge anchors and standard drogue, bridles, mooring lines etc:

80m of Lyros 14mm 8 plat nylon (MBL 4,400Kg), with spliced stainless thimbles (2019).
100m of Lyros 12mm 3 strand nylon (NBL 3,300Kg) with galvanised thimble at one end., (2020) compatible with the windlass so could be swapped with the rope rode (given time) or tied to it to lengthen given time to deploy.
Various (Yellow, Green and Black pin) load tested shackles.
2 x anchor trip lines with pick up floats.
5 metres of 8mm grade 30(?) chain (10m length in reserve - now rather heavy for me with the anchor).
5 metres of 6mm grade 40 chain, MBL 2,243 - 2,651 Kg.
Rope - 10mm chain - Rope bridle.
Rope strop.
2 long dock lines for walls and locks, multiple dock lines, articulated fender board, 9 fenders, hull protector.

Drogues:

Jimmy Green 0.5m "standard drogue" with swivel (2019) never used.
Jordan series drogue 100 cones on Octoplat Nylon, (2020) never used, dry stored from new.
Bridle with stainless thimbles and shackles permanently attached to stainless plates on each quarter. Starboard spinnaker guy for recovery and to use the port side of the bridle for emergency steering.

Below Deck

Autoterm 2Kw Diesel warm air heater with dedicated 7.5 Litre fuel tank. New main unit Nov 2023 (replacing failed unit installed 2021). Dedicated fuel tank. "Comfort" controller (scheduled operation etc) & remote temperature sensor. Runs from either domestic battery bank (June 2022). NOT WORKING, work on going, currently off the boat, possible issue with controller.
Spinflo Nelson Stainless Marine Cooker. 2 burners, grill & oven. Stainless safety bar. (2018), safety "bum" strap.
Gas supply (see also related items under safety equipment).

Dedicated draining lockers in cockpit, one active, one spare for Camping Gaz 907 cylinders. Room in starboard draining cockpit locker for a third. 20 - 2.5 full cylinders.
Remote IP67 gas on / off solenoid activated by press button switch by the cooker. New late 2025.
Cleese marine automatic cut off valve. new 2025.
"Gasboat" marine regulator and rubber hose new 2025.

Fresh Water

50 Litre bladder tank by Plastimo with new pipe work (2026).
Shurflo 30 psi on demand electric water pump (2021).
Jabsco "Aqua Filta" water filter (Sept 2024), new element 2026.

Heads:

Jabsco bowl (c2013).
Jabsco locking hand pump (2024).
Compartment largely rebuilt including new pipe work, 2017/8.
Inlet water filter (2017).
Vetus 25 Litre holding tank, Vetus NSF19 odour filter, Trudesign diverter, Ball Valve & plastic fittings, on deck pump out fitting, Henderson Mk5 pump out to sea. All new Oct 2023, never used, except for testing with fresh water.

Saloon headlining new 2020 in solid Sapele (AKA African mahogany).
New berth upholstery throughout, new foam except quarter berth. By Quay Canvas, Bursledon, Aug 2017. Quarter berth cushions (except navigators seat section) and starboard side bunk back dry stored since as not required single handed. Recent scatter cushions.
DHR gimbled "Berth" oil lamp + spare chimney and wick 2023.
Vintage 4" dial Broadhurst Clarkson barometer probably 1920's or 30s installed 2017, refurbished 2019.
Kelvin Hughes centre seconds 6" bulkhead clock probably 1950s, signed internally by Topsham clocks, probably Smiths or Williamson movement. Signed dial replaced due to someone's botched attempt at cleaning. Serviced Dec 2024, re-lacquered Oct 2025.
KP9 Remote GSM autodial / text Alarm system, 3 PIR detectors (not used recently due to false tamper alarms on mooring).
Gas & smoke detectors:

"Mini Pilot" butane/propane detector new Jan 2018 (sounds if some aerosols used).
Kidde 7DCO BS EN 50291-2 Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Oct 2021).
Kidde 29HD Battery Powered Optical Smoke Alarm (Oct 2021).
Hand held multi gas detector (2025).

Seacocks:

Engine and sink: Truedesign composite seacocks and through hull fittings installed by Marine Power / Deacon's, Bursledon 2022.
Heads: 2 x Blakes, bronze.

Navigation:

SeaPro 3000 PC Nav software dongle for UK charts (if transferable).
Charts (not updated recently) for a round GB trip, including 14 "small craft" folios.
Sailing directions for most of the UK and Ireland, some not latest edition.
Reeds Atlantic Europe 2026.
RCCPF guides for Atlantic France, Atlantic Islands & The Baltic Sea & approaches.
Hand bearing compass.
8 x 56 Binoculars. (or Konus binoculars with built in compass?)

Cutlery, crockery, cooking pans etc.
Dometic electric cool / warm box.
Boat hook, Moore fast buoy pick up, Scrubis hull cleaner, deck brush, courtesy flags, etc..

Engine & Stern gear.

Yanmar 2GM20 16hp @ 3400 rpm (continuous) / 18.2 hp @ 3600 rpm (DIN 1 Hr) #26053 with 2.62:1 gearbox installed by Marine Power Bursledon 1997. Economical cruise speed c 5.2 knots @ 1.2 litres / hour (clean). 6.1 knot fast cruise @ 1.4 - 1.5 litres / hour, max speed clean >= 7 knots - but the engine smokes a lot at this!

Propeller: 3 bladed 14" x 13" RH Bronze prop, Ser No 20395 / 660 8(?) 7(?). Date unknown but probably fitted 2016, dressed and rebalanced by Hamble Propellors 2021.
Cutlass bearing replaced & engine re-aligned 2021.
Disk rope cutter 2025.
History and servicing (After market parts from https://parts4engines.com/ )

2014 by or fitted by T.S. Marine, Hamble:

"Major" service (quoted as "rebuild" in a sales advert) & repaint.
New 1" stainless prop shaft with 1:12 (Imperial std) taper, by Hamble Propellers.
New premium (stiffer) "RandDMarine" engine mounts, teak spacers and coupling.

Services since 2017 known to be to manufacturers schedule or better, e.g. oil filter changed rather than simple oil changes at 150 Hrs. Serviced each winter (300 Hr or better) regardless of hours, new water impeller early each year.
New July 2023:

Bosh starter motor and solenoid (1.3Kw uprated).
Cable to starter motor & alternator: 35 mm, 240 Amp HiFlex. Long runs and starter battery to engine earth doubled.
Both fuel Injectors (Yanmar).
Stainless exhaust mixing elbow (After market).
Low pressure fuel pump (After market).

Winter 2025/6 New:

Fuel filter housing (Yanmar) - dodgy threads on the bleed on the original.
Water pump rear plate & spare screws (Aftermarket).
Thermostat & gasket (2k Hr replacement part, not in service schedule!).
All water hoses (premium Silicone) from sea cock to the Anti-syphon valve, the last section was new 2023/4.
Air filter (Aftermarket).

Fuel tank in port cockpit locker, all new 2022:

70 Litre 216 stainless tank by Jay Wolf Metalwork (aka "Shop for Tanks" and "Floatyourboat") to ISO 21497 & RCD requirements. Inspection hatch allows cleaning whilst in place (Cleaned June 2025).
216 stainless fittings and new hose through to the armoured section over the engine.
Breather end fitting (stainless) and hose. Flexible filler hose.
Delphi fuel filter with water trap in cockpit locker, stainless connectors.
WEMA pole fuel level sender.
Garmin GFL™ 10 NMEA fuel level converter. Fuel level can be displayed on the GMI (%) & Plotter (% and/or Litres).

Two plastic diesel cans (30 Litre total).
Wide range of tools including strap wrench for oil filter, long spanner for anodes, narrow adjustable for stern gland stuffing box adjustment, 1/2 socket set.
Spare new (plus some of each used) impellers, premium alternator belt, water pump belt, water hose.
Service kit & oil for 300 hour service in addition to above.
Spare oil & fuel filters, copper crush washers, circlips, etc..
Two old injectors (one weak).
Pela 6 Litre vacuum oil pump-out.

Electronic Safety Equipment.

Ocean Signal RescueMe EPIRB1 (2019) 1D0C94B8E8FFBFF expires 2029.
McMurdo fastfind 220 PLB (2017) 1D0E8C9B5EFFBFF Battery replaced by Spares Marine Dec 2023, expires 10/31.
Ocean Signal MOB1 AIS & DSC SART # 0170334300S MMSI 972604300 (2018) Battery replaced by Spares marine Dec 2025, expires Apr 2033.
Emergency VHF aerial.
For other electronics see above.

Manual Signalling Equipment.

Gas & blown Fog Horns
OSCULATI Extreme Plus LED Spotlight,
Waterproof "traditional" type lantern.
Strobes (plus one on a life jacket).
LED "flare" + Limited out of date pyrotechnics, see Pyrotechnics or Electronics for Emergency / Distress Signalling?

Other Safety equipment

SeaGo 4 person life raft with ISO pack (out of date).
Mast mounted radar reflector.
Henderson Bilge pump in cockpit.
Attwood Sahara Auto Bilge Pump, 1100 USG / Hour (825 Imperial).
Three rubber buckets.
Emergency ladders on each quarter
Throw bag.
Horseshoe float with light.
Safety knives.
Lifejackets:

Crewsaver 165 (2025) with PLB & AIS SART, see above. Spare gas.
SeaPro 190 (2017) rearmed 2016. Spare gas & sensor.

Spinlock harness.
Multiple safety lines.
Tape jackstays + clip on points, prime ones with Dyneema loops.
Mast steps, bosuns chair, mast climbing kit.
Insulated emersion suit.
2 x Wet suits (XL & XXL) each used a couple of times, fins & mask.
Water sports safety helmet (primarily for use if diving under the boat).
3 x fire extinguishers.
Fire blanket.
Emergency tiller and tiller head.
Spare washboards.
Securing method for washboards + "Fastnet" latches.
Strongback for lazarette hatches.
Wooden bungs.
24" bolt croppers.
Battery angle grinder & drill.
Boson's, engineers and sail making stores.
1/4" socket set, tools for most things.

Survey (2017) All cleared, main actions taken include:

Foredeck soft spot injected with resin.
Dull sound on skeg probably due to previous rebuild, no known issues..
Seacocks replaced with Truedesign composite (2022), 2 jubilee clips fitted.
Cutlass bearing replaced (2021).
Stanchion bases "doubled up".
Low level Nav lights replaced, all now LED and working.
3 fire extinguishers, fire blanket and other safety equipment now in place.
Since purchase two formal up mast surveys have been completed and a couple of informal ones by professional riggers doing other work (last in 2024). I can only find the report for the one done in 2020.