Stamford, CT, US
Fresh off the drawing board of the renowned Stephens Waring Yacht Design in 2024, WISP is a fresh take on a gentleman’s/woman’s day sailer. WISP continues the legacy of the SWYD Spirit of Tradition (SoT) yachts, where classic design meets contemporary innovation and performance. Constructed by Artisan Boatworks in Rockport, ME, WISP incorporates clever, modern design and engineering solutions to ensure a swift and efficient yacht wrapped in a traditionally beautiful veneer. A gracefully balanced hull reminiscent of mid-20th-century cruiser-racers along with elegant overhangs that echo historic classic yachts will have you turning heads in every harbor. Don’t be fooled by her sheep’s clothing though, the owner’s prerogative and design demand was for impressive light-air performance as well as a weekender-capable interior - and that’s just what was delivered. Offered now just ~12 months after she was launched, WISP presents a unique opportunity for a buyer to purchase a nearly-new boat at a fraction of the new-build price, and without the build time.
SPECS
MEASUREMENTS
ENGINE(S)
TANKS
Accommodations
BROKER COMMENTS
WISP appeals to me as a more modern and more appealing iteration of the Friendship 40’s. Where the Friendship boats fell short, WISP picks up the slack - the performance is not just impressive but surprising - especially in lighter air where her slippery lines, light displacement, and efficient rig really shine. The cockpit is cleverly designed with modern sail-handling equipment to allow for true singlehanded sailing, with all controls easily accessible from a sitting position behind the helm. This is true even for the downwind gennaker and it sets her apart from other boats in this class. What really impressed me was that SWYD managed to squeeze in an inviting interior with standing headroom and enough space and comfort systems that you wouldn’t think twice about weekending onboard - this is rare in a 39 ft SY with classic lines such as this (which often feel much smaller inside than their LOA would suggest). The build quality is exactly what one might expect from a small, pedigreed artisan boatbuilder in Maine.
DECK AND HULL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Cold molded construction utilizing Cedar + E-glass & epoxy for the hull, Douglas Fir for the frames. The deck is a composite utilizing a foam core sandwiched with wood & E-glass which enhances structural integrity and rigidity. The superstructure is marine ply + E-glass. Bulkheads are of Okoume marine ply. Floor timbers are integral with laminated frames, floors of Mahogany and Douglas Fir.
There is a hull tunnel in the forward section which accommodates a Sleipner 24V bow thruster.
On deck, WISP offers a sophisticated, dual-purpose cockpit: a plush, upholstered area for lounging forward with a dedicated sailing zone aft.
Guests will enjoy the plush upholstered cockpit seating around a drop-leaf table that conceals wine cooler and glasses storage. Since all sailing controls are run aft of the helm to the ‘sailing cockpit’, this guest cockpit is clutter-free and safely isolated from loaded sheets and lines.
DECK HARDWARE AND RIGGING
With her moderate draft and generous sail area WISP is designed for outstanding performance and for the ability to shift gears quickly, even when sailing solo.
The Solent rig includes a working jib and a large, multi-purpose reaching sail (each on fixed furlers) to ensure easy of handling as well as adaptability throughout a wide range of conditions.
The Moore Brothers two-spreader carbon mast is supported by nitric rod standing rigging. The carbon furling boom is equipped with an electro-hydraulic vang and an integrated jibe-preventer line. There are soft LED lights to provide ambiance in the cockpit.
The rig is managed via advanced sailing controls and clever deck hardware solutions including an under-deck mainsheet trim system with a reverse-purchase hydraulic cylinder, oversized Harken electric winches, and an ergonomic boom-furling mainsail system - all operated via push-button controls mounted at the helm position.
Furlex provided the electric through-deck furling gear for the jib, as well as the stemhead-mounting for the asymmetric reaching sail.
Mainsheet trim is handled by an under-deck system featuring a reverse-purchase 1:3 hydraulic cylinder that’s driven by automatic two-speed operation – this enhances efficiency in jibes and commands fine-tuning under load.
To allow for cruising without cluttering deck operations or the beautiful classic hull lines, there is a stow-away/ swing-out anchor launcher equipped with a gas-spring assist. This keeps all of the equipment below deck in the forward locker while not in use. A Muir electric windlass belowdecks handles the heavy lifting.
INTERIOR
Inside, some may be surprised to find standing headroom in both the galley and head, setting the stage for a remarkable daysailing adventure or overnight escape. While packing plenty of performance under sail, she effortlessly transforms into a luxury weekender, featuring saloon seating for four and a queen-size forward berth.
The galley is equally equipped for a weekend adventure with a microwave, a single-burner induction cooktop, a Keurig coffee machine, and a refrigerator.
The head has an electric toilet and an overhead shower head with hot water service.
SYSTEMS
Auxiliary Engine
Drive type
Throttle
AGM start battery
Fireboy #MA-2-400-227 Manual/ Automatic total flooding clean agent fire extinguisher system. Manual pull located in cockpit.
Refrigeration
Electrical AC System
Electrical DC System
DC electrical panel located outboard of port settee in saloon. Digital amp meter and volt meter, Victron Color Control GX monitor, individual switches for each battery bank, crossover switch to connect engine bank and DC-DC converter for emergency use, and marine grade magnetic type circuit breakers.
ELECTRONICS
SAILS
The flying headsail is an asymmetric reacher attached to a furling drum on the stemhead. This sail can remain aloft in the furled position while tacking upwind and is simple to deploy and then furl from the helm position - this makes the upwind/downwind transition a breeze.
Sail Area
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
