After 10 excellent sailing seasons with Pakljhawa, my Wharram Tiki 28 catamaran, it was time for a bigger boat. My partner, Dawn, and I wanted something slightly bigger and more comfortable for extended periods of cruising. We wanted another multihull, having got used to the space and the upright motion, making it easier to drink a cup of tea upwind. Pakljhawa was quite sprightly and I hoped the next boat would be as dynamic and as much fun to sail.
In 2020 we found Ciel Bleu, a Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32 catamaran built in 1988. She was fitted out to a high standard both internally and externally. Together with the previous owner, I sailed her back from Hayling Island, Hampshire, to our home in Paglesham on the East Coast.
Dawn and I had a pleasant proved to be a comfortable short-handed boat, both at anchor and in harbour. Weighing only 3 tonnes, and with a 9.9hp outboard, she is a capable and fast passagemaker.
