Imagine a sleek, 35-meter racing ketch slicing through the waves, its green hull gleaming under the sun. This isn't just any yacht; it's Sojana, a legend in the sailing world, and it has just changed hands. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite its racing pedigree, Sojana is designed to be handled by its owner and friends with minimal crew, blending high-performance sailing with luxury cruising. So, what makes this sale so noteworthy? Let’s dive in.
The deal was brokered by Nicolas Marchand of Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage, representing the seller, and Hank Halsted of Northrop & Johnson, who brought in the buyer. Sojana, delivered in 2003, is a masterpiece by Farr Yacht Design, renowned for crafting high-performance racing yachts. Its mission? To be the longest and fastest yacht of its kind, yet manageable by a small team. In cruising mode, it operates with just five crew members, but it can seamlessly transform to accommodate a full race crew when needed.
And this is the part most people miss: Sojana isn’t just a racing machine; it’s a luxurious retreat. Its interior, designed by Ken Freivokh, exudes timeless elegance with dark mahogany paneling and gold-plated fittings. Accommodating eight guests in four cabins—two doubles, a twin, and a cozy 'kids' cabin'—it’s perfect for family getaways or entertaining friends. The main saloon, described as 'warm and understated,' features built-in seating, plush sofas, and a bright dining area. Modern amenities like air-conditioning, Apple TV, a SONOS sound system, and even a sparkling water machine ensure comfort at sea.
Sojana’s racing credentials are impeccable. Under the late Sir Peter Harrison’s ownership, it dominated regattas like the St. Barths Bucket, Antigua Sailing Week, and Palma Superyacht Cup. Recent upgrades, including a new engine, serviced generators, North Sails 3Di sails, Hall Spars carbon rigging, and a B&G H5000 electronics suite, keep it at the forefront of performance and technology. But here’s the controversial bit: with a cruising speed of 10 knots under power and 'several knots faster' under sail, is Sojana more of a racer or a cruiser? The answer might depend on who you ask.
Listed for €3,500,000, Sojana had been on the market since October 2023, according to BOATPro. Its specifications—124GT, a 7.7-meter beam, and a 4.5-meter draught—make it a formidable yet manageable vessel. So, what do you think? Is Sojana the ultimate blend of speed and luxury, or does it lean too heavily into one category? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
