Lemsteraak Sailing yacht

'De Witte Bever', a Lemsteraak Dutch built sailing yacht is for sale with Vivid Blue Marine. 'De Witte Bever' was built in 1986 by order of B.U. Schuurmans.

General Specifications

• Plaque number: 1420
• Sail number: VA97
• Type: Lemsteraak
• Year built: 1986
• Designer: A. de Boer
• Shipyard: Gebr. Hummel Shipyard location: Lemmer, The Netherlands
• Engine: Built-in engine type:
• Hull: Steel
• Sail: Dacron
• Length of stem: 12.85 m
• Berth width: 4.30 m
• Draught: 0.90 m
• Mast height in water: 15.00 m

What is a Lemsteraak?

A Lemsteraak is a traditional Dutch sailing vessel originally designed as a fishing boat for use in the shallow waters of the IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea. Over time, it evolved into a luxurious yacht popular for recreational sailing.

Key Features of a Lemsteraak:

• Flat-bottomed hull – Ideal for shallow waters and drying out on sandbanks.
• Leeboards instead of a keel – Since it lacks a deep keel, it uses side-mounted leeboards for stability and directional control.
• Wide beam and round bow – Provides stability and ample space onboard.
• Gaff-rigged sails – Typically has a large mainsail with a gaff rig and often a jib.
• Classic design – Often built with traditional woodwork and sometimes modern materials for maintenance ease.

Usage:

• Originally used for commercial fishing, especially for catching herring and eel.
• Now mostly seen as a luxurious recreational yacht for cruising and racing in Dutch waters.

Great for Shallow Waters:

• The flat-bottomed hull and leeboards make it perfect for exploring tidal rivers, estuaries, and harbours such as the Norfolk Broads, the Thames Estuary, the Solent, and the Bristol Channel.
• It can easily take the ground at low tide, making it ideal for areas with drying moorings.

Comfortable & Spacious for Cruising:

• The wide beam offers great stability, making it comfortable for extended sailing trips along the UK’s coastline.
• Many Lemsteraaks are luxuriously outfitted, perfect for leisurely cruising. ‘De With Bever’ is just that boat, beautifully appointed and in fabulous condition’.

Strong & Seaworthy:

• Although originally designed for inland and coastal waters, larger Lemsteraaks (10m+) are capable of offshore passages and can handle more challenging sea conditions, making them suitable for crossing the North Sea or exploring the West Country, Scotland, and even Ireland.

Best UK Sailing Areas for a Lemsteraak:

• East Coast Rivers – Thames, Orwell, Blackwater, and Deben (great for shallow-draft boats).
• South Coast & Solent – Harbours like Chichester, Poole, and Beaulieu.
• West Country & Isles of Scilly – Shallow anchorages make it a great choice.
• Scotland’s West Coast & Hebrides – Can explore lochs and dry out on remote beaches.

In short, a Lemsteraak is an excellent choice for UK waters, especially if you enjoy coastal and estuary sailing with the ability to explore places where deeper yachts can't go. Would you like any recommendations for specific cruising routes?

‘De Witte Bever’ has amain mast fitted with a tabernacle. This allows the mast to hinge for easy lifting and dropping to suit the waterways ahead.

Accommodation

Seven berths distributed across two cabins, making it an ideal live-aboard vessel. Good standing headroom enhances comfort throughout the interior. Additional seventh berth in the bow area provides flexibility.

Well-appointed saloon featuring a large recently fitted fridge, hob, oven, grill, and sink. Fully tiled wet room with a new electric flush toilet. Ample storage space throughout the boat. 

Major upgrades in 2018, including a new gearbox, shaft, coupling, stern gland, and propeller. Sails in good condition, supplemented by spare sails for added convenience. Engine hours are not recorded, but the Volvo Penta engine operates quietly and does not burn oil.

• Dual electrical systems (12 & 240v).
• Plug sockets and USB ports in the saloon for convenient charging and connectivity.
• Volvo Penta MD30A engine, regularly serviced to ensure reliability.
• Planar diesel water heater installed in 2019 
• Raymarine Axis chartplotter and autohelm installed in 2020

Currently located in Chichester, offering access to various waterways. 

VAT is paid. 

The Lemsteraak Dutch Sailing Barge stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and thoughtful upgrades, ensuring a delightful sailing experience for enthusiasts. Whether navigating coastal waters or meandering through picturesque canals, this well-maintained vessel invites both adventure and relaxation on the open seas.