The Lafitte 44 is a proven passage maker. "SPIRIT OF 76" is fully
found and ready for a world cruise. She has had light use in New
England waters and has just had an extensive refit prior to
competing in the Marblehead - Halifax ocean race, where she took 3rd
place.
The Lafitte 44 Yacht was designed by
Robert Perry, internationally recognized cruising yacht designer.
Selected as one of the best offshore cruising yachts (along with the
Valiant 42, another Robert Perry design) – this distinction was
based on her capsize risk factor and comfort factor, roll and moment
of inertia factors as defined in research by SNAME (Society of Naval
Architects and Marine Engineers).
Blue Water Sailing, September 20, 2007 issue 60, writes “Lafitte 44
Cutter selected as Boat of the Week ... a hard to find heavy
cruising cutter ready to do circumnavigation”. She is admired by
yachtsmen the World over.
The Lafitte 44 Cutter “Spirit of 76 ”
is an exceptionally well-maintained yacht – consistently upgraded to
almost new condition. The Ford diesel engine had a major rebuild in
2003 and the Diesel Genset was rebuilt in 2007. Major components
have been upgraded, such as the rigging in 2005 to 2007 – including
new Harken Main Trailer System and Harken Roller Furling.
Her Mast is an electric stowaway – mainsail rolls into the mast.
Lafitte 44 yachts are known not only for their ocean cruising
ability but also for their unusually fine finished teak interiors.
Replacement value of a Lafitte is approximately $700,000 USD.
Sixty of the Lafitte 44’s were built at the Ta Shing Yacht Yard,
where Ted Hood’s Little Harbor yachts are also built. In fact, Ted
Hood was the first to bring the Lafitte 44 to the East Coast. The
Lafitte 44 Association has approximately 45 yachts sailing all over
the World – from Greece/Turkey to the South Pacific.
Many yachtsmen have circumnavigated the
Globe in a Lafitte 44. Some have published websites that are most
interesting, such as:
“Spirit of 76 “ is fully equipped to
sail anywhere. She has an up-to-date reverse cycle heat and air
conditioning system, a rebuilt main diesel engine, and “Furhmann”
Diesel Genset. Her freezer/refrigeration system is most reliable,
and each of the two “Skipper” heads has been recently rebuilt.
All thru-hulls are lubricated annually and tested. All hoses are
double SS secured, and all holding tanks and grey water tanks
function well. The power windlass is maintained annually, and she
has 3 anchors.
There is no damage on the hull or interior – woodwork down below is
like new and is professionally maintained.
Air vents are manual and also
electrically powered, and each cabin has high quality electric fans
with variable speed motors. Opening ports have screens.
All ladders have new anti-skid pads.
For offshore sailing, all details for
safety and security are in conformance with ORC Category 2
requirements, inclusive of jack lines, EPIRBS, cockpit security
systems, aluminum drawer/hatch security bars, etc.
A custom stainless boarding ladder is
new, as are all running rigging and halyards [stayset].
Overall, this seagoing yacht is up to
“Bristol” standards and is one of the best offshore cruising yachts
ever designed.
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