1997 Custom

William Hand 39

39' / 11.89m

ARDEA is a custom built cutter-rigged motor-sailor based on the William Hand design legacy. She was launched in 1997 and has proven to be an excellent sailor as well as a comfortable cruiser.

Stepping aboard Ardea is tantamount to stepping inside the dreams of her builder. Walter Piersol, a beloved art teacher, sculptor, boat builder and avid sailor built her to plans drawn by William Hand, but outfitted her in a manner worthy of a vessel bound for distant horizons. If you are looking for a unique, one-of-a kind sailboat, built by the hands of a craftsman interested in practicality, reliability, and functionality, then you need look no further.

In addition to quality, solid fiberglass construction, Ardea is equipped with the types of fixtures you would expect in a handcrafted vessel. A Paul E. Luke oven and 3-burner stove occupies the galley with a stainless steel surround. A deep, double sink and refrigerator/freezer and separate microwave compartment round out the thoughtfully-designed galley.

The main salon features a Luke polished brass fireplace to add warmth for longer sailing seasons, but also to dry out wet gear. The custom woodwork in the main salon is impressive, and storage locations abound. As you move forward, there are separate compartments for head and shower, each with their own sink.

Forward of the head compartments, a V-berth with bunks has ample room for storage, berthing, and access to the chain locker. The aft cabin is accessed through a passageway workshop that has a bench, vise, and enough drawers for all of the spares and tools one might need. This passageway also facilitates one of many engine access points.

The aft cabin contains a queen sized berth with storage under and around, with seating areas, and an additional engine access area. You can fit inside the engine compartment to access any maintenance item with relative ease.

On deck she is outfitted for safety and simplicity. Wide decks with tall bulwarks provide generous working space and solid footing and handholds. The deck and cockpit were repainted with fresh non-skid in 2022. The genoa is on a roller furler, and anchoring is made simpler with a Lofrans manual windlass and anchor washdown. The staysail has a self-tacking track for easier sail handling. Moving aft, safety bars surround the mast base giving security as well as a pinrail for securing halyards. Her cockpit has a T-Top style hardtop and dodger which provides shade, protection from weather, and also could serve as a solar panel location. The helm station provides clear visibility and access to engine controls, and the wheel is wrapped in French spiral-hitching--a classy touch! She is equipped with basic instrumentation--depth, wind, speed, VHF, radar, and two GPS units. She has an autopilot and rudder position indicator, but those systems are currently not installed.

Under motor, an Isuzu 4 cylinder diesel provides 75 hp and the propeller is a Luke folding model with integrated line cutter. A Vetus bow thruster is available for assistance in tighter turns and docking operations. Her sails are rather new--main and staysail were made in June, 2020. Genoa is in good condition as is the spinnaker. Sails have Sunbrella covers to match the boat paint scheme.

A recent survey (June, 2023) was performed and is available for viewing. Owner is motivated to sell and will entertain all reasonable offers.