Kelsall 46

Legendary Kelsall 46 Trimaran

Introducing the Triple Jack, a legendary Kelsall 46 trimaran originally built in 1980. This vessel has a rich history, having sailed across the Atlantic and competed in numerous Caribbean regattas. After sustaining damage from Hurricane Irma, Triple Jack underwent a meticulous six-year rebuild by professional craftsmen. Under the guidance of her owner for 30 years, she was restored to be better and stronger than ever. Following a season of local racing, she successfully competed in last year's RORC Caribbean 600, passing the test with flying colors. Equipped with a rebuilt Yanmar engine and a suite of electronics, Triple Jack now features a fully carbon rig and state-of-the-art new sails, ready for her new owners to continue the adventure.


Main Description


Boat History

Triple Jack is a 47-foot trimaran designed by renowned naval architect Derek Kelsall and constructed in 1979 using foam-core GRP by her first owner, Frank Wood. She made her racing debut in the 1981 Two-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race (TWOSTAR), but unfortunately suffered a dismasting 190 miles before the finish. Wood attempted another transatlantic race in the 1984 OSTAR, which also ended in a dismasting.
In the late 1990s, Richard Wooldridge and Steve Davis of Exmouth, UK, acquired Triple Jack and sailed her to the Caribbean, where she became a prominent competitor in the regional multihull racing scene. She secured victories in major Northeast Caribbean regattas over 26 years, including Les Voiles de St. Barth, the St. Martin Heineken Regatta, and the BVI Spring Regatta.
On September 6,2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the British Virgin Islands, causing severe damage to Triple Jack. The storm tore her from her mooring, leading to multiple impacts that left her upside down on a concrete bridge, with a broken mast, crushed coach roof, and detached sponsons.
Undeterred, Richard and Steve embarked on an extensive six-year rebuild at Nanny Cay Marina. They modernized and strengthened the vessel, incorporating a new carbon mast and boom, composite chainplates, Dyneema standing rigging, a redesigned coach roof, and, for the first time, an inboard diesel engine. The restoration was a community effort, with friends and family contributing, often working on Sundays.
Triple Jack was relaunched in March 2023 and made a triumphant return to racing by competing in the 2024 RORC Caribbean 600. This marked her return to ocean racing after a 39-year hiatus since the 1984 OSTAR. She completed the race with an impressive elapsed time of 3 days, 6 hours, 40 minutes, and 24 seconds.


Owner's Comments

Triple Jack is not just a vessel; she embodies a legacy of resilience and passion for offshore racing. Under our stewardship for the past three decades, she has evolved from a competitive racer to a symbol of determination and community spirit. The extensive rebuild following Hurricane Irma was a testament to her robust design and the dedication of those who love her.
Equipped with modern amenities and state-of-the-art racing gear, Triple Jack is ready to continue her legacy in the hands of new owners who appreciate her history and capabilities. Whether you're aiming for podium finishes in prestigious regattas or seeking thrilling offshore adventures, she is poised to deliver exceptional performance and unforgettable experiences.


Basic Information


Name: Triple Jack

Make: Kelsall

Model: 47

Year: 1980

Vessel Type: Trimaran

Length: 47'

Hull Material: GRP Airex cored

Registration Country: BVI British

Location: Nanny Cay, BVI

Dimensions and Weights


LOA: 47'

Draft (max/min): 8' / 3'

Beam: 29'

Displacement: 9,456 lbs / 4,298 kg

Speed and Performance


Cruising Speed: 6 knots (2,500 RPM)

Max Speed: 8 knots (3,000 RPM)

Range: 548 nautical miles

Tankage


Fuel: 1 tank, 25 gallons (Plastic)

Fresh Water: None

Holding Tank: None

Accommodation


Cabins: 2

Berths: 6

Heads: 1

Seating Capacity: 6

Engine Information


Manufacturer: Yanmar

Model: 3GM30F (1995, rebuilt in 2022)

Horsepower: 30 HP

Engine Type: Inboard, 4-stroke

Drive Type: SD20 Saildrive

Fuel Type: Diesel

Propeller: FlexoFold 2-blade (Composite hub, bronze blades, 18")

Engine Hours: 120

Electronics and Navigation


Autopilot: ST1000+ Tiller Pilot

Chart Plotter: Simrad

Depth Sounder: ST60

Speed Log: ST60

Primary VHF Radio: ICOM IC-M330

Secondary VHF Radio: Handheld ICOM

Wind Instruments: ST60 (Direction and Speed)

Compass: Yes

Stereo: Bluetooth amp with speakers inside and out

EPIRB: Yes

AIS Receiver: Yes

Deck Lights: Yes

Additional Info

Equipped to RORC Offshore Cat 1/2 Multihull standards (2024 C600 race).


Electrical System


DC Voltage: 12V

House Batteries: Full River Type 31, also used for the engine

Battery Monitor: Link 1000

Alternator: Hitachi 85 Amp

Mechanical Equipment


Manual Bilge Pumps: Yes (1)

Electric Bilge Pumps: Yes (4)

Steering: Tiller

Safety Package: RORC Cat 1/2

Fire Extinguishers: Yes (2 Kidde)

Deck and Cockpit Equipment


Anchoring:

Primary Anchor: Fortress FX with 30' chain and 200' rode

Secondary Anchor: 35 lb CQR with 20' chain and 200' rode

Cockpit Awning: Yes

Fenders and Dock Lines: Yes

Sails and Rigging


Main Mast: Carbon, 60'

Genoa Roller Furling: ProFurl 430 race

Mainsheet Traveler: No, twin mainsheets

Spinnaker: Yes (2)

Sail Area:

Main: 66 sqm

Genoa: 47 sqm

Screecher: 75 sqm

Standing Rigging: Colligo fiber

Chain Plates: Composite

Winches


Mast: 2 x Lewmar 44

Cockpit: 2 x Lewmar 54,2 x Lewmar 44,2 x Lewmar 30

Backstay: 2 x Lewmar 44

Sails


Main: Fat head, fully battened (Zoom Sails Nautospher V450,2023)

Genoa: Carbon, filmless (Zoom Sails, 2023)

Screecher: Dacron (Zoom Sails, 2023)

Spinnaker: Dacron (2016)

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Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.