Learn more about Interlude
With the square sail on her foremast, Interlude is technically a “hermaphrodite brig”, which is defined as a two-masted sailing vessel square-rigged on the foremast and fore-and-aft rigged on the mainmast. With this rig, Interlude qualifies as a Class A Tall Ship, based on the tall ship classes defined by Sail Training International. She is a proven blue-water passagemaker, having covered 10,000+ ocean miles since we began our Caribbean adventures in 2019. About 5,000 these miles were sailed double-handed by a cruising couple, and for the other 5,000 we were joined by friends. Interlude could continue to be used as a private recreational vessel (as we have used her), but she could also be an excellent day-charter or economical sail training vessel.
Highlights:
Hull: Steel, flame-sprayed with aluminum during construction
Designer: Thomas Colvin (Pipistrelle design)
Year build: 1985, in Gulfport. Mississippi
LOA: 62′
LOD: 50′
Beam: 13.6′
Draft: 5′
Displacement: 32,000 lbs
Registration: Canada (but could resume her former US documentation if purchased by an American)
Sleeps: 5-7
Asking price: USD $199,000 as of Jan 1, 2025
Full specifications and inventory
Full details, including specifications and inventory, are available here:
Interlude specificationsInterlude history and projects
Learn about Interlude’s history with her four owners since 1985, and the projects we have undertaken since 2014
Interlude historyOur Adventures with Interlude
Learn about our exciting adventures on Interlude since 2014, completed with multiple videos
Interlude adventuresPurchase price
Interlude is priced at USD $199,000, a significant reduction from the market value estimate of USD $245,000 In her most recent survey (2023). The surveyor estimated replacement value at $1,650,000.
Current status and immediate plans
Interlude is on the hard in Nova Scotia. Subject to a prior sale, we will launch her in spring 2025 and sail her back to Ontario. Details on our itinerary will be available in April
What makes Interlude unique?
To our knowledge, Interlude is one of only two vessels built to Thomas Colvin’s Pipistrelle design. She is in many respects a classic boat with traditional rigging that can nevertheless be handled by two people, but she is also fully equipped with modern systems and electronics. Here are 10 characteristics that make Interlude special
Hull
During construction, the hull was flame-sprayed with a thin coating of aluminum that provides exceptional corrosion resistance. The welding is of a very high quality. The white-painted bilges are clean and dry
Classic schooner rig
Interlude’s masts are raked back slightly. Combined with her ratlines, pin rails, and aft deck railings, to many she gives off strong “pirate ship” vibes. Her rig also contributes to excellent sailing performance with multiple possible sail combinations. She is capable of 8+ knots on her favourite points of sail. While 62′ LOA with the bowsprit, she handles like a 50′ boat
Square sail
Everything about the square sail is fun and efficient. Apart from looking super-cool, the square (built by the renowned sailmaker Andy Soper of Kingston ON) is surprisingly effective on points of sail up to a close reach. It opens and closes like a curtain for ease of handling
Strong rigging with Stalok terminal
The stainless rigging is overstrength and in good condition. All of the rigging terminals are Stalok fittings, which provides strength, longevity and ease of repair
Hard bimini with solar panels and water collection
The 600 watts of solar panels are sufficient to run the boat at anchor with minimal use of the generator. The ability to capture rainwater means fewer trips to a marina while cruising. The front, back and side curtains can be easily detached when not needed for protection
Shoal draft full keel
Interlude draws less than 5 feet. Her long keel provides stability, easy steering under the autopilot, and excellent protection for the rudder which is mounted aft of the keel.
Separate clean engine room with plenty of storage
The separate engine room enables access to all the boat’s key systems with plenty of elbow room to perform maintenance, and provides secure storage for spares and supplies
Northern Lights Lugger Diesel and Generator
Lugger engines and Northern Lights generators are renowned for being reliable for up to 10,000 hours before a refit in commercial vessels that run their engines and generators continuously. In calm conditions Interlude happily cruises at 6 knots under power
Spectacular woodwork throughout
The craftsmen that built the interior and exterior woodwork were highly skilled and meticulous. There are three intricate and unique wood carvings in the salon, and many outstanding features on deck
Excellent privacy for 2 couples or a family
The forward cabin combined with the aft cabin provides privacy and comfort for 2 couples or a family with kids
Interlude will be available for inspection beginning in April 2025
As a certified Sail Canada and ASA offshore sailing instructor (my sailing / instructor resume is available at https://robmclean.ca/sailingresume.html), I am leading an Atlantic crossing until March 2025. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact info@sv-interlude.ca.
We are scheduling an “on the hard” open house in Nova Scotia in the week of April 21. Or you can see her on the water in Halifax, Quebec, or Montreal as we make our way to the Kingston area in spring 2025. Specific dates will be announced in early April, but note that we are planning an “on the water” open house event over the July 1-4, 2025 period in Kingston Ontario.
For Interlude’s eventual purchaser, arrangements can be made for me to provide: hands-on instruction on sailing a schooner and handling the square sail; a full briefing on all systems; and assistance with relocation if required (subject to prior commitments).
Contact us for more information
Reach out to the email address below if you are interested in learning more about Interlude