Info on Samphire 26 wanted

[olesens]

Hi

I just bought a Samphire 26 here in Denmark. It is not a common boat in Denmark and I cannot find much info about it.
Does anyone know how many there was built ? Known problems and fixes ? Anything.

Kind regards
Ole K. Olesen
7600 Struer
Denmark

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Some information in this old thread:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?350126-Samphire-26

It appears that there is an association (from the signature on post #9)

A search on Google for "Samphire 26" gave 272,000 results so I imagine that you'll find a lot of information there.

Good luck!

 

[LittleSister]

The Samphires are great boats. I have a fair bit of info on them, and will send a Private Message to you to find your exact needs.

Meanwhile, for future reference and idle browsing:-

The Samphire 26 was the first and most successful (numerically) of the Samphire range of cruising yachts (23s, 26s and 29s - the numbers indicate the length in feet). They were designed by David Cannell, and built by North Sea Craft in Norfolk, England in the late 70s early 80s. (They could also be bought as a hull and deck moulding, so a few were fitted out by an owner or another yard.)

They are very traditional in appearance, but quite modern (for the time) construction (in GRP), and feature shoal draft long keels.

They are generally well built, and have the feel of a larger boat. I am not aware of any recurring issues apart from the deck finish. This was a proprietary system called "She-deck' (also used on She yachts), an imitation teak deck appearance, which gives excellent anti-slip properties, and looked fantastic new, but hasn't stood the test of time. Many have now had the She-decking painted over. The decks are a GRP/Balsa wood sandwich, so care must be taken to ensure that through deck fittings are property sealed to avoid moisture ingress into the balsa core, which could then rot and lead to flexing.

They were rather expensive new, and didn't sell in large numbers. I haven't been able to find exact numbers, but formed the impression there are perhaps 35 to 40 Samphire 26s (almost certainly less than 100). (There about 12 Samphire 23s, and perhaps 10 Samphire 29s.) Most Samphires are in the UK, but there are a number in the Netherlands, a few in the Mediterranean, and at least 2 have crossed the Atlantic.

The 'Samphireyachts' website myself and some other owners had set up has unfortunately now disappeared due to 3rd party issues beyond our control. I hope to build another website in due course. In the meantime email contact can be made via samphireyachtsXXXmacace*net (change the XXX to @, and the * to . )

 

[olesens]

Thank you for the info. I have searched a lot of links from google but besides from buy and sale adds there is not much info.
I have now had 4 short trips and I like the boat a lot.

 

[Carib]

Hi Olesens,

A bit late but I have just seen your post. Samphires are very strong and seaworthy boats - my wife and I sailed mine from the UK across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, which she handled comfortably and safely (including 5m waves at one point, in conditions which ripped the mainsheet track off another yacht). You'll have noticed how much interior space there is compared to similar vintage 26-footers, and we lived on board quite comfortably for 10 months (albeit in warm weather!).

You might be interested in my blog of the trip: http://sailinginlimbo.blogspot.co.uk/

I hope you are enjoying your new boat.

 

[olesens]

Hi Carib
Thank you for your link. Looks like a great trip. I do enjoy our Samphire I have had it transported to our house so I can do maintenance this winter. It is rather leaky at the windows. It has been equipped with a steering wheel but I dont like that. I'll change it back to stick. The wheel takes up too much space.

 

[rudolph_hart]

Just a quick post to say that Con Dixon (no relation to Bill) who fitted out quite a few of the 26s & 29s, died very recently. He also owned (the only?) 29 with an aft cockpit.

 

[LittleSister]

He also owned (the only?) 29 with an aft cockpit.

I had the impression there was more than one, but I can't remember why. There's an aft cockpit 29 called Kizzy on the Orwell.

 

[rudolph_hart]

There's an aft cockpit 29 called Kizzy on the Orwell.

She was one of Con Dixon's.

 

[perpetuo]

Hi!
I was looking for some information about the Samphire and just found this thread.
I have an 29' at the Azores islands and I'm looking for someone who know about this boat.
At this time I'm trying to change from Dutch flag to the Portuguese, wich is quite a challenge.
Portuguese autorities are asking for a building certificate.
Do you have any ideia if it's possible to get it?
Thanks,
Pedro

 

[SamuelWolff]

Ola Pedro.

I have samphire 29 with steering wheel and aft cockpit for 3 years. This beautiful boat are really rear. If you still have it we can share a contact to share experience with maintenance and upgrades. I have already redesign the interior and I think my experience can be useful.
You can send me an email : samuelwolff2@icloud.com

Best regards
Samuel

 

[LittleSister]

Ola Pedro.

I have samphire 29 with steering wheel and aft cockpit for 3 years. This beautiful boat are really rear. If you still have it we can share a contact to share experience with maintenance and upgrades. I have already redesign the interior and I think my experience can be useful.
You can send me an email : samuelwolff2@icloud.com

Best regards
Samuel
View attachment 194548

Hi Samuel,

Congratulations on your ownership of Samphire 29 'Celia'. Looks very tidy!

Note that Pedro hasn't logged into the site since a few days after his post in 2019, so you're unlikely to get a response from him.

I know a fair bit about Samphires, having previously owned one and ran a website and email contact address (both no longer functioning) about them. I'll contact you via your email address.

 

[SamuelWolff]

Hi John.
Thank You for email
I hope Pedro is fine with his Samphire 29. I sent you some photos of Celia in renovation process.