Bold statement: a legendary 35-meter racing ketch has found a new owner, but the real story is how high-performance design, expert refits, and strategic brokerage combined to make this sale possible. Here’s a refreshed, in-depth take on the Sojana story, preserving all key details while delivering a clear, beginner-friendly explanation with added context and nuance.
Sojana, a 35-metre green-energy-inspired sailing yacht, completed a sale after a transaction arranged by Nicolas Marchand of Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage, who represented the seller, and Hank Halsted of Northrop & Johnson, who introduced the buyer. The deal marks a noteworthy chapter for a vessel originally delivered in 2003 as a custom high-performance ketch designed by the renowned Farr Yacht Design studio. The brief for Sojana was ambitious: create the longest, fastest yacht workable for owner and friends with minimal crew, yet manageable in cruising mode by a core team of five. When needed, she can host a full racing crew without hassle.
Key background: Sojana’s pedigree is built for competition. Her design emphasizes speed and handling ease, making her an appealing option for serious regatta participation while still offering comfortable cruising. Over the years, she has demonstrated competitive credentials at prominent events such as the St. Barths Bucket, Antigua Sailing Week, and the Palma Superyacht Cup. Under former owner the late Sir Peter Harrison, she developed a notable racing résumé, reinforcing her reputation as a capable performer on the world’s regatta circuits.
Economic snapshot: Sojana’s last publicly listed asking price was €3,500,000. This figure reflects both her winning performance lineage and the value added by recent upgrades and refits. A comprehensive cosmetic and technical refresh took place in 2016, with more substantial upgrades executed in 2022 and 2023. Notable enhancements include a new engine installation and complete servicing of all generators, ensuring reliable power and performance. The yacht now features an updated equipment suite that boosts sailing efficiency and onboard comfort.
Technical and interior highlights: Sojana is a 124GT sailing yacht with a beam of 7.7 meters and a draft of 4.5 meters. Her cruising speed under engine power sits around 10 knots, while her sailing performance is described as “several knots faster” than that baseline. The interior, crafted by Ken Freivokh, evokes traditional yachting aesthetics with dark mahogany woodwork and gold-plated fittings. Accommodation sleeps eight guests across four cabins: two doubles, one twin, plus a forward master suite and a small dedicated kids’ cabin for families.
Public-facing amenities emphasize comfort alongside performance. The main saloon blends warmth with sophistication—built-in seating, plush sofas, and a bright, inviting dining area. Modern entertainment and convenience are woven in, including air-conditioning, Apple TV, a SONOS system, and a water purification/ sparkling water machine for easy refreshment.
Recent equipment and build specifics: Sojana’s sailing hardware has seen a notable upgrade with a North Sails 3Di sail wardrobe and Hall Spars carbon rigging, paired with a B&G H5000 electronics suite. These components collectively enhance performance, responsiveness, and navigation precision, aligning with the yacht’s racing-forward philosophy.
Market status and timeline: Sojana has been on the market since October 2023, according to BOATPro, indicating a measured approach to finding the right buyer who appreciates her blend of speed, pedigree, and refined comfort.
Inquiries and considerations for potential buyers: The sale reflects a balance between proven racing capability and the enduring appeal of a well-maintained, high-performance cruising yacht. Prospective buyers should weigh the cost of ongoing maintenance, the crew requirements for competitive regattas, and the potential value upside from continued upgrades or re-rigging as sailing technology evolves.
Question for readers: Do you view Sojana primarily as a race-proven champion with cruising comfort, or as a versatile performance yacht whose true value lies in its potential for ongoing competition and modern upfits? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss how you’d optimize a vessel like Sojana for both regattas and relaxed voyages.
