Description
Fantastic Berret-Racoupeau designed Wauquiez Centurion 45s aft cockpit yacht. Not launched until 2005, never used for charter and boasting a heavily upgraded specification from the factory.
FURTHER BROKER’S COMMENTS:
Constructed in 2003, but not delivered to her first UK-based owners until 2005, VATEL is a particularly highly-specified example of the Berret-Racoupeau designed Centurion 45s performance aft-cockpit cruising yacht from Wauquiez Yachts.
Configured from new to achieve the perfect balance between superb sailing performance and real comfort, she can be easily sailed single-handed thanks to her powered Andersen winches, aft spinnaker winches (which can be used as sheet winches when sailing single-handed from the helm), and her long mainsheet traveller set just forward of the large-diameter helm wheel.
Passing across to her second and third owners in 2009 (her second owner sold her almost immediately due to sudden ill health), VATEL remained in the same ownership until 2021 when she was sold to the present owners as a replacement for their 40ft Najad, and has since been used almost exclusively as a ‘floating apartment’ in Barcelona.
Her specification highlights include:-
• 3-cabin, 2-heads layout with master cabin forward and two large double cabins aft
• Teak joinery
• 1.95m lead-ballast shoal-draft keel option
• Larger Yanmar 75hp diesel engine (55hp standard)
• Bowthruster
• Upgraded Andersen electric winch package with powered primary and halyard winches
• Carbon fibre spinnaker pole
• Removable pole for asymmetric
• Removable inner forestay
• Harken deck gear with ball-bearing battencar system for fully-battened mainsail
• Webasto diesel fired hot air cabin heating system
• New stove and microwave (to be supplied upon sale)
• Fridge and freezer
• Alcantara upholstery
• Holding tank
• Raymarine instrument package with radar/chart plotter and autopilot
• Digital Yacht AIS transceiver
• Newly fitted Lithium service batteries
• 1,800w inverter
• Teak laid side decks
• Sprayhood
PRESS REVIEWS:
Rome, as the cliche says, was not built in a day... but one glorious, meandering day on the water was all it took for David Lockwood to fall in love with this commanding French-built Centurion.
…Such was the good time that we all had a turn at the helm, euphorically commenting to each other that we had no idea upon boarding the Wauquiez that we would cover so much territory. Time just flew past, as it does when you're having fun…
…Wauquiez distinguishes itself by being, well, shall we say distinguished. A boutique yachtbuilder, Wauquiez is named after Henri Wauquiez, who built his first yacht in 1965. Since his passing, Beneteau acquired Wauquiez - some six years ago - but it has not interfered with the culture of the marque. Rather, it's let Wauquiez retain its favouritism among an essentially discerning European sailing set.
A niche yachtmaker, Wauquiez offers just four yachts in two ranges: two flush-decked Centurions and two Pilot Saloons. Overseas, these yachts - especially the Centurions - have a strong identity and loyal following.
The boats are on-paper cruiser-racers, but they proceed with a more dignified air than your average production yacht. They are at once comfortable and quick…
…Subjectively, the yacht felt stiff, with a fast but settled motion through the water. It certainly didn't pound to windward when launching off the 1.5m swells. The swooping sheerline and sharp bow sluice the swells, yet during my offshore sortie both decks and crew stayed dry…
…Wheel in hand, I particularly enjoyed sailing the yacht from the low side, with the minimum crew and full head of sail, which we carried in 18kt. Such was the vision, I sailed right up Sydney harbour, slinking beside the Opera House, abreast of criss-crossing ferries, under the Harbour Bridge, and back down again. I was having fun…
…We sailed Wauquiez's Centurion 45S east, south, north and west, inshore and out, for about six hours straight, less 30 minutes motoring. It felt great to windward, with a touch of weather helm that soon becomes a lot of weatherhelm if you are overpowered. That the boat could fly its #2 and full main in 18kt, traveller somewhat down, shows it's not a tippy yacht.
The stately Wauquiez sailed at 7-8kt upwind in up to 18kt - a good passagemaking speed - but it felt especially powerful reaching to speeds of 9kt. And down sea we maintained 6-7kt. But it was on the beam reach down the harbour that, after a hiatus from the helm, I got my act together and smoked a perfect 8-8.3kt line straight to those big, white sails on the Opera House…
…I tried to make sense of the stability curves and polar diagram supplied by Wauquiez, but they were beyond my interpretation ability. So I passed the information to independent yacht architect Andy Dovell (Sydney yachts and others).
"One hundred and forty degrees of vanishing angle of stability is high, which in this regard represents a pretty safe offshore boat," Dovell explained.
He deemed the yacht a moderate light-displacement cruising boat. Which might explain why it felt more slippery than its overtly opulent fitout suggests…
…Standing still, viewed from any angle, the hull looks pretty, if not timeless, with the weight kept out of the ends. The stem has some rake to it and, underway, the stern doesn't drag. Interior volume is generous and, in the line drawings at least, the boat's wide beam of as much as 4.16m is carried well aft.
While it doesn't appear apparent in the profile drawing, the cockpit is a good size. The lines of the coach house are best described as safe or of classic design. Decks have been sculptured to deliver support to captain and crew while sailing at sea, which is to be commended…
…Down below, the Wauquiez is something else again. The joinery is lovely golden-hued Burmese teak - surely the most timeless and tasteful of yacht timbers.
I tried hard to define the décor style and, looking at the groovy frosted light fittings and Wauquiez typographic emblem, consider it best described as subtly, stylishly art deco or at least retro.
The Centurion 45S is available in three versions: two standard layouts with two double cabins and alternate bed configurations forward; and an optional layout with three double cabins. This latter version is what I had the pleasure of testing.
From the moment you descend the companionway steps, which had non-skid and stainless grip pads, you get the impression that the finish is a cut above. The white headliner had teak accent strips, the joinery seemed more hand finished than jigsaw or CNC cut, and all the panels butted up cleanly…
David Lockwood – June 2004
Specification
CONSTRUCTION
RCD Status:
• Our understanding is that the yacht is built to CE Boat Category A-ocean.
Hull, Deck & Superstructure Construction:
• GRP and balsa sandwich hull construction, using vacuum-bagged resin-infusion process for an optimum fibre/resin ratio.
• Use of Bisphenolic resins in top laminate, for higher osmosis resistance.
• Structural Grid laminated to hull, with additional reinforcements in keel area.
• Main bulkheads joined to hull and deck and laminated for extra rigidity.
• White gelcoat finish to topsides
Deck & Superstructure Construction:
• GRP, resin & balsa sandwich deck construction
• Main bulkheads joined to hull and deck and laminated for extra rigidity.
• Hull to deck joint via polyurethane adhesive and mechanical fastening.
• White gelcoat finish to superstructure
• Teak laid deck, cockpit seating and cockpit sole
• Teak bulwark
Keel & Rudder:
• Shoal draft 1.95m fin keel attached to the hull by stainless steel bolts.
• Lead ballast
• GRP balanced rudder blade with composite stock and upper & lower needle bearings
MACHINERY
Engine & gearbox:
• Yanmar 4JH-3TE 4-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine producing 75hp
• Saildrive gearbox
• Fresh water engine cooling via raw water intake and heat exchanger
• Spinlock removable throttle control at helm
Maintenance & Performance:
• Engine hours – approx. 1,741 as of Autumn 2022
• Date of last engine service: Summer 2021
• Cruising speed – approx. 7.0 knots
• Maximum speed – approx. 9.0 knots
Propulsion & Steering:
• MaxPower 12vDC tunnel bowthruster
• MaxProp 3-bladed feathering propeller
• 1700mm diameter hide covered helm wheel on Jefa helm pedestal
• Emergency steering gear
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Voltage systems:
• 12vDC primary domestic system with 12vDC start circuit and 230v AC via shorepower
Battery Banks:
• 1x 12vDC 115Ah engine start battery
• 1x 12vDC bowthruster battery
• 3x 12vDC 150Ah Lithium batteries joined in parallel to supply 450Ah @ 12vDC – 2022
· Cristec CPS 600 60Amp automatic battery charger
· Xantrex 1800i 1.8kw inverter
· Victron Energy SmartShunt controlled and monitored thanks to Victron connect on your phone or tablet – 2022
Alternators:
• 12vDC 80Amp engine-mounted alternator
Other Electrical:
• 12vDC sockets
• 220vAC shore power system with 220vAC ring main and power sockets internally
PLUMBING & GAS SYSTEMS
Fresh Water:
• Jabsco 12vDC fresh water pressure pump with expansion tank, serving all water systems
• Hot water supplied via engine cooling or via 230vAC immersion heater element from shore power in well-insulated 42-litre hot water tank
• Hot & cold pressurised water to galley, heads and cockpit shower
Bilge Pumps:
• 12vDC electric bilge pimp with manual override at chart table
• Second electric bilge pump in forward sail locker
• Henderson manual bilge pump in cockpit
Other Plumbing:
• TruDesign composite seacocks for heads, galley and cockpit drains - 2022
TANKAGE
Fuel:
• 235 litres fuel capacity in 1x polyethylene tank.
• Fuel tank level indicator
Fresh Water:
• 500 litres fresh water capacity in 2x polyethylene tanks.
• Fresh water tank level indicator
Holding Tanks:
• 80 litres polyethylene black water holding tank servicing forward heads
• Tank emptying to sea of via deck-outlet
NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
In Cockpit:
• Raymarine ST6001+ gyroscopic autopilot with 2 x fixed controls (port & starboard of helm)
• Raymarine RL70CRC colour radar/chart plotter with mast mounted Raymarine Pathfinder radar scanner
• Raymarine Raystar 120 GPS receiver - 2014
• Raymarine ST60 graphic multi-repeaters (port & starboard of helm), ST60 wind (companionway), ST60 CH wind (at companionway), ST60 graphic multi-repeater (at companionway).
• Plastimo binnacle compass.
At Chart Table:
• Raymarine ST60 graphic multi-repeater display
• Further control of pilot via Raymarine R/C Smartcontroller
• Digital Yacht WiFi Gateway with antenna and connection for laptop
• Digital Yacht AIT2000 Class B AIS transponder
• ICS Nav-6 LCD Navtex display.
Communications Equipment:
• Raymarine Ray 240E VHF with DSC and cockpit speaker (dual station)
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT
Galley:
• Stainless steel sink with single lever mixing tap.
• Gimballed stove with 2x burners and oven – 2022 (to be supplied and fitted upon sale)
• 220vAC microwave oven – 2022 (to be supplied and fitted upon sale)
• Isotherm 12vDC front loading refrigerator with separate top opening freezer
• Double s/s sinks with hot & cold pressurised water
Heads:
• Jabsco Lite Flush manual marine heads in both heads compartments - 2021
• Heads showers in all heads with automatic temperature control and electric pump out
Heating & Ventilation:
• Webasto Ait Top 5000 diesel fired hot air cabin heating system
Entertainment:
• Amplified aerial at masthead
• JVC stereo CD/radio with speakers in saloon & waterproof speakers in cockpit
ACCOMMODATION
Summary of Accommodation:
• 3 double berths in three cabins with a further single berth in saloon using port side settee
Accommodation Finnish:
• The joinery is varnished teak (2x coats of UV varnish and 1x coat of protective polyurethane varnish)
• Teak floors with holly inlay
• White vinyl headlinings with teak battening
• Blinds throughout for side windows and overhead hatches
• Blue Alcantara upholstery in saloon (upgraded) with cream cloth in accommodation cabins.
• Lee-cloths to all berths
• Off-white patterned Avonite-style galley tops
• Blue patterned Avonite-style surfaces in heads
Description of Accommodation from Forward:
Forepeak locker:-
• Accessed from deck. Substantial storage bin for sails, fenders and dinghy. Fitted with independent electric bilge pump.
Forward cabin:-
• Centreline double bed with mattress, hanging locker, larger drawers under the bed, numerous lockers, seat to starboard. (The cabin is set further aft as a result of the forward forepeak locker. This allows for a more comfortable berth when at sea.)
Forward heads:-
• GRP moulded heads with Avonite-style surfaces, Jabsco manual marine heads, shower, hot & cold tap and storage locker.
Saloon:-
• U-shaped settee berth to port with folding teak table.
• Two alcantara covered removable stools over centreline.
Navigation Area:-
• Opposite saloon to starboard.
• Large chart table with chart stowage and lockers, electric panel and console for navigation instruments.
• Curved chart table seat with cushion and backrest.
• Stowage beneath seat.
• Large cupboard forward of chart table with side-board above.
Galley:-
• L-shaped galley aft of navigation area to starboard.
• Avonite-style worktops.
• Gimballed gas stove.
• Front opening refrigerator.
• Top opening freezer.
• Twin stainless steel sinks.
• Various drawers, cupboards and lockers.
Port Aft Cabin:-
• Large double berth with locker over the centreline.
• Hanging lockers.
• Seat.
Aft heads:-
• Positioned aft of saloon to starboard.
• GRP moulded heads with Avonite-style surfaces, Jabsco manual marine heads, shower, hot & cold tap and wet locker.
Starboard Aft Cabin:-
• Large double berth with hanging locker and seat.
• Large stowage-bin inboard over the centreline.
DECK EQUIPMENT
Rig:
• Sparcraft silver anodised aluminium masthead rig with boom and rod vang
• Keel-stepped mast with three sets of swept-back spreaders - 2003
• 1x19 stainless steel wire standing rigging
• Navtec hydraulic adjustable split backstay – Dyneema replaced 2022
• Rod vang with new gas ram - 2022
• Facnor stainless steel genoa furler
• Removable inner forestay with tensioner
• Harken ball bearing blocks throughout with Wichard halyard turning blocks
• Harken adjustable genoa tracks
• Harken mainsheet system with adjustable track forward of helm pedestal
• Antal rope clutches for halyards at companionway
• Harken ball-bearing battencar system for full-battened mainsail
• Twin-line reefing system led back to cockpit
• Carbonfibre white-painted Sparcraft mast-stowed spinnaker pole with full spinnaker kit and second spinnaker halyard
• Removable stainless steel bowsprit for asymmetric spinnaker
Winches:
• 2x Andersen 52.2 2-speed self-tailing electric primary winches
• 2x Andersen 46.2 2-speed self-tailing electric halyard winches at companionway
• 2x Andersen 46.2 2-speed self-tailing spinnaker winches
Sail Wardrobe:
• Dacron fully-battened mainsail
• Dacron furling genoa
General:
• Stainless steel pushpit, teak-stepped open pulpit, stanchions and double guardwires
• Side boarding gates
• Teak seats set into pushpit
• Opening gates to port, starboard and at transom
• Fold-out transom with liferaft stowage in dedicated bin beneath
• Stainless steel and teak folding boarding ladder
• Goiot opening hatches throughout
• Outboard bracket on pushpit
• Gas-struts for all cockpit lockers
• Cockpit table
Anchoring & Mooring:
• Lewmar Horizon 1,500w electric anchor winch
• Delta anchor with 80 metres of galvanized chain and 30m warp
• Fenders and warps
Covers, Cushions & Canvas:
• Blue canvas sprayhood
• Blue canvas sail cover
• Cockpit cushions
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
General note on safety equipment: Any safety equipment such as liferafts, Epirbs, fire extinguishers and flares etc. are usually personal to the current owner(s) and if being left on-board as part of the sale of a used vessel may require routine servicing, replacement, or changing to meet a new owners specific needs.
Navigation Lights:
· Masthead tricolour and anchor light
· Steaming light
· Deck floodlight
· Aquamarine light LED low level running lights
Lifesaving:
· Liferaft – Zodiac 6 person canister raft, mounted below wheel - 2020
· GME Accusat 406Mhz EPIRB - new battery serviced 2022
• Echomax active radar reflector
Viewing arrangements
Lying Barcelona, Spain
Available to view strictly by appointment
Office Hours Mon- Fri 0900 – 17.00
Saturday by prior appointment
For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact us.
Please Note: Due to the varying locations of our yachts, your travel time and the distances that may be involved, we recommend that you only make arrangements to view if you are actively considering purchase.
Lead Broker: Alex Grabau
Tel: +44 (0)1590 673715
Email: info@grabauinternational.com
Grabau International offers the details of all vessels in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information or warranty the condition of any vessel and the details do not constitute a part of any contract. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. All vessels are offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. Grabau International provides professional yacht conveyancing and legal transfer of title for all yachts as per the ABYA Code of Practice with all deposit payments and final balance payments processed through secure dedicated client accounts solely for that purpose. Our dedicated client accounts are written in trust at Natwest Bank and we are fully insured.
