Thompson 62ft Timber Pilothouse/Motorsailer Bluewater Ketch EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION, SUPERBLY UPGRADED! Just Listed

A remarkable blend of heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and modern luxuries, Southern Cross London is a true maritime icon. This really is a yacht for the discerning sailor who values provenance as much as performance. Built in 1971 by Thomsons Yard of Buckie, Scotland, a shipyard renowned for rugged North Sea fishing vessels, Southern Cross London was the only pleasure craft the yard ever produced. Her lines echo the purposeful design of the working boats they crafted over five generations, with robust construction and a profile that turns heads in every harbour. Commissioned by Major Frederick W. Cunduff, then Managing Director of the legendary diesel engine builders Gardner & Sons Ltd, this 62ft vessel became the fifth 'Southern Cross' in his personal fleet -- a downsized version of his former 100ft steel yacht, now chartering in the Mediterranean. From these prestigious beginnings, Southern Cross London has led a life of bold adventures. She has circumnavigated the globe, explored the Sub Antarctic Islands, and cruised extensively through the Pacific and South America. After arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand in the mid-1980s, she passed through the hands of passionate owners who each made their mark -- from extended Pacific voyages to a stint in Australian 2B Survey, running charter cruises in Southern Tasmania.
Her current fastidious owners, John and Ruth Wylie, took stewardship in 2017, sailing from Tasmania to Sydney, Brisbane and a 12-month stay in Papua New Guinea, before returning south for an extensive, three-year refit. The result is a vessel that not only honours her legacy but now exceeds modern standards for long-range ocean cruising and liveaboard comfort. These major upgrades include 2022 COMPLETE ELECTRICAL REWIRE INCLUDES CUSTOM SWITCHBOARDS, 2022 NEW RAYMARINE ELECTRONICS SUITE WITH MFDS, RADAR, AIS, AND AUTOPILOT, NEW 2019 STANDING RIGGING, 2021 MASTS FULLY REFURBISHED, 160L/H STELLAR WATER MAKER ADDED. There are also detailed maintenance records and comprehensive logs documenting decades of upgrades and upkeep to this exceptional vessel.

Stepping inside, the freshly refitted interior is light-filled and thoughtfully designed. The wheelhouse is a commanding space, featuring a neatly laid-out helm with new Raymarine electronics, updated wiring, and a custom-engraved helm chair offering superb visibility. A bench seat along the aft bulkhead seats three comfortably, with chart storage and a desk space to port. An easy step down leads into the expansive saloon and galley. With its open-plan layout, the space feels like a warm, welcoming home afloat, centred around a generous timber dinette with seating for 8 in comfort. On the walls hang historic photographs from her build in 1971, including a charming shot of Major Cunduff standing proudly on the bow pre-launch. The galley is practical and spacious, with ample bench space, a stainless-steel sink with hot and cold water, a 2-burner electric cooktop and oven, and multiple refrigerators throughout the galley and pantry. Stunning timber flooring runs throughout the forward cabins, leading to two single-berth cabins (port and starboard) and a generous V-berth in the bow, all serviced by a head with original marine toilet (retained for character), basin and grated floor shower area.
One of the standout features of Southern Cross London is the private aft owner's suite, fully separated from the rest of the vessel. This spacious area offers a full walk-around double berth, a large ensuite with electric-flush conversion of the original toilet, and a walk-in dressing room (formerly the fifth cabin) with abundant storage.

Forward of the owner's suite lies a full-height watertight door into one of the most impressive engine rooms you'll find on a vessel of this size. Here, the vessel's origins shine: Twin Gardner 6L3B engines, beautifully installed in mirrored configuration, produce 172HP each and cruise effortlessly at 7-9 knots with remarkable fuel efficiency (7 knots @ 700RPM, 8 knots @ 800RPM, 9 knots @ 900RPM). Holding 3500L of fuel, she boasts a 1200nm range at 8 knots, making even the most remote cruising locations accessible! The superb engine room also houses a Gardner 3LW generator, Stellar 160L/hr watermaker, NEW Victron inverter charger, and the incredible original switchboard repurposed as a bespoke tool cabinet.

Outside, the original teak decks are in outstanding condition and could be mistaken for new. Built with 1¾-inch teak, they are bordered by high bulwarks and gloss-varnished caprails. The wide side decks provide easy access around the vessel, and the sailing systems are well set up for offshore sailing in even the most challenging conditions. The aft deck is one of the yacht's crowning glories - ideal for long lunches or evening drinks, with a stunning varnished timber dinette, integrated aft-facing settee, and a removable sunshade for comfort. Beneath the butterfly hatch, a spacious lazarette offers ample storage, with the addition of a washer/dryer tucked discreetly under a canvas cover.

With her rich, fully documented history, Southern Cross London is a rare and inspiring offering. She is not only ready for serious offshore passages, she's already proven. Her character is matched by condition, and she now seeks a new custodian to continue her story. From her sought-after Gardner engines to her modern navigation suite, fresh wiring, updated rigging and reimagined interior, she is a vessel that offers safety, comfort and legacy in equal measure. For more information or to arrange an inspection, please contact Jo Breen on Call Seller or Jack Allison on Call Seller .

Derwent Boat Sales offers the information on this vessel including condition, in good faith as provided by the Owner/Vendor. While confident about the accuracy we cannot Guarantee or Warrant it but will assist any prospective purchaser verify this as part of the purchase process.