Carquinyoli, 40 footer Motor yacht

The Carabela shipyard in Badalona was one of the finest in Spain during its twenty years of operation and, although it is best known for its sailing yachts, it also built a number of motor yachts which still bear witness to the quality of its craftsmanship today. The Carquinyoli was the second in a series based on the plans of the great American naval Architect Charles W. Wittholz (1918–1993). Wittholz had a very long and eclectic career, which began under the guidance and with the experience of masters such as John Alden and Philipp Rhodes. He designed everything from successful catboats to large motor yachts, and from wooden boats to mass-produced fibreglass vessels, and collaborated with shipyards of the calibre of Cheoy Lee (Hong Kong), R. Steele Y.C., Chesapeake Marine and Carabela. His cruising trawlers and Fisherman boats are famous, and the two Carabela vessels feature many of the elegant lines characteristic of the latter category, although in their day they were probably referred to as ‘sedans’. The Carquinyoli, whose name refers to a famous Catalan biscuit, is an elegant American-style motorboat with a standard of build quality rarely found in other vessels of a similar era. The long, narrow planking forms a structure that is both robust and beautiful; the teak structural deck is another rare work of art, impossible to recreate today. Stepping aboard this yacht, one is immediately struck by the interplay of planks, mouldings and glass panes, which interweave and overlap with impressive craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere that is simple, beautiful and welcoming all at once. At the bow, the cabin roof provides an excellent space for sunbathing, whilst the side decks and the foredeck area are comfortable and practical for manoeuvring. The spacious cockpit allows for long gatherings and evenings spent under the awnings, whilst the interior is very cosy and features ample storage space in the galley and head. Throughout the vessel, both inside and out, there is an abundance of stowage space; of particular note is the enormous storage locker beneath the cockpit floor, well separated from the engine room forward, perfectly centred and from the transom and its technical area. Climbing up to the flybridge via the comfortable and stylish port-side staircase, we find ourselves in a spacious area with chaise longue-style sofas all round and a helm station that is every bit as good as the one in the lower cabin. The current owner of the Carquinyoli has looked after her with the utmost care and spared no expense for almost twenty years. A few years ago, the engines were replaced; they are in superb condition and run very quietly. Today, the yacht is ready to continue sailing, with style and ease, for decades to come under a new owner.