VIVID BLUE MARINE

1981 MARIEHOLM IF 26 ‘SEMPRA IN GIRO’

Exceptional Swedish classic – new rigging, 2025 sails and reconditioned Volvo diesel

£14,950

Lying: Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Hampshire

NEW STANDING & RUNNING RIGGING • 2025 MAINSAIL & HEADSAIL • RECONDITIONED VOLVO PENTA • FULL ENGINE SERVICE LATE 2025

Vivid Blue Marine is delighted to offer Sempra in Giro, an exceptionally smart and comprehensively upgraded example of the highly regarded Marieholm IF.

On a yacht of this age, buyers quite reasonably focus on the rigging, sails and engine. Here, the expensive work has already been done. Standing and running rigging have been renewed, both mainsail and 110% furling headsail date from 2025, and the reconditioned Volvo Penta 8hp diesel was professionally serviced by Cutler Marine in 2025. During our inspection, the engine fired immediately from cold at the first attempt.

Further investment includes new Selden furling equipment, renewed electrics by ACM of Emsworth, Raymarine chartplotter, ST2000 autopilot, new clutches/jammers, recent canvas, new upholstery and composite-teak cockpit decking.

The result is a beautifully presented Swedish classic in which much of the costly work associated with buying an older yacht has already been addressed.

THE MARIEHOLM IF

Designed by celebrated Swedish naval architect Tord Sundén, the International Folkboat developed the virtues of the Nordic Folkboat into a strong GRP cruising yacht.

Her slender, easily driven hull, long keel, moderate sail plan and tiller steering give the Marieholm the balance, directional stability and reassuring manners for which the design has long been admired. Built by Marieholms Plast AB at Hillerstorp in Sweden, the IF retains an enthusiastic following throughout northern Europe.

Sempra in Giro retains her original builder’s plate:

Type: Marieholm IF
Delivery year: 1981
Manufacturing No: 3373
Sail Registration No: 3400
Builder: Marieholms Plast AB, Hillerstorp, Sweden

CONDITION

Sempra in Giro presents extremely well.

Her handsome deep-blue topsides contrast with a crisp white deck and coachroof, while recent grey canvas complements her classic lines. The cockpit has been upgraded with attractive, low-maintenance composite-teak decking.

Below, traditional timber joinery is complemented by smart recent orange upholstery, contrasting cushions and a light-painted cabin sole. The overall impression is bright, warm and remarkably fresh.

RIG & SAILS

A particularly strong part of the specification, with considerable recent expenditure:

New standing rigging
New running rigging
2025 white Dacron mainsail
2025 110% furling headsail
New Selden furling equipment
New clutches/jammers
Two Lewmar winch handles.
Recent sail/boom cover
ENGINE & PROPULSION

Auxiliary power is provided by a reconditioned Volvo Penta 8hp diesel, driving through a conventional shaft to a three-bladed bronze folding propeller.

The engine received a full professional service from Cutler Marine in 2025 and, when inspected by Vivid Blue Marine, started immediately from cold at the first attempt.

Volvo Penta 8hp diesel
Reconditioned
Full professional service – 2025
Conventional shaft drive
Three-bladed bronze folding propeller
A simple shaft-drive installation and folding propeller are particularly appropriate to a yacht of this character.

ACCOMMODATION

The interior is remarkably inviting for a slender 26-footer.

Long opposing saloon settees provide comfortable seating and useful berths, with attractive traditional timber lockers and joinery throughout. Recent upholstery considerably lifts the accommodation while retaining the yacht’s Scandinavian character.

A particularly clever feature is the ingenious sliding galley. Rather than permanently occupying valuable cabin space, the galley slides into position when required and can be stowed away when not in use – a wonderfully simple and effective piece of Scandinavian design that makes excellent use of the available accommodation.

NAVIGATION & ELECTRICS

The yacht’s electrical installation has received substantial attention, with the owner advising that ACM of Emsworth renewed the electrics.

Equipment includes:

Raymarine chartplotter
Raymarine ST2000 tiller autopilot
Solar charging panel
The ST2000 is a useful addition for short-handed or single-handed sailing.

DECK & COCKPIT

The deck and cockpit are similarly well presented and equipped:

Composite-teak cockpit decking
Recent sprayhood
Recent sail/boom cover
Recent canvas by Cover Care, Thornham Marina
Stainless-steel pulpit, pushpit and guardrails
Tiller steering
Anchor roller
Solar panel
New clutches/jammers
The owner would like to make particular mention of the exemplary work of Josh Brookes, shipwright of Emsworth, as being the craftsman for the, hull, topsides and timberwork throughout the boat.

RECENT INVESTMENT

What distinguishes Sempra in Giro is the amount of expenditure directed towards the areas that matter on an older yacht: rigging, sails, machinery, electrics and general presentation.

In addition to her new standing and running rigging and 2025 sail wardrobe, she benefits from a reconditioned and recently serviced engine, renewed electrics, modern Raymarine electronics, recent canvas, new upholstery, composite-teak cockpit and repainted topsides.

Much of the work a buyer might ordinarily budget for after purchasing a yacht of this age has therefore already been undertaken.

BROKER’S COMMENTS

Sempra in Giro is an immensely smart example of this highly regarded Swedish classic.

The Marieholm IF offers something increasingly difficult to find: a beautifully balanced, easily handled yacht of genuine pedigree, with the simplicity and reassuring sailing characteristics of the Folkboat tradition but constructed in practical GRP.

What makes this particular example especially appealing is her recent investment. New rigging, 2025 sails, a reconditioned and professionally serviced Volvo diesel, renewed electrics and excellent cosmetics combine to make a compelling package.

There are cheaper 26-foot yachts available, but considerably fewer offering this combination of classic looks, proven design, recent expenditure and exceptional presentation.

Viewing is strongly recommended.

£14,950 – Emsworth Yacht Harbour, Hampshire