1980 Kelsall 47 (Caribbean)

S/V Triple Jack is a Virgin Islands (British) based 1980 Kelsall 47 For Sale By Broker. Responses to inquiries may come from a broker who is representing the owner as a fiduciary. This owner requires financial settlement only. No trades.

Legendary Kelsall 46 trimaran originally built in 1980. She was sailed across the Atlantic by her owners and competed in many Caribbean regattas. After sustaining damage in Hurricane Irma Triple Jack was painstakingly rebuilt over 6 years by professional craftsmen. Under the careful supervision and guidance of her same owner for 30 years she was built back better and stronger than original. After a season of local racing she was prepared for and competed in last years RORC Caribbean 600. A fitting test for which she passed with Flying colors. Well equipped with a rebuilt yanmar and a suite of electronics. Now sporting a fully carbon rig and state of the art new sails Triple Jack awaits her new owners to continue the adventure.

Boat History  

“Triple Jack” is a 47-foot trimaran designed by the renowned naval architect Derek Kelsall and constructed in 1979 using foam-core GRP by her first owner, Frank Wood. She made her racing debut in the 1981 Two-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race (TWOSTAR), but unfortunately suffered a dismasting 190 miles before the finish. Wood attempted another transatlantic race in the 1984 OSTAR (Observer Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race), which also ended in a dismasting.

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In the late 1990s, Richard Wooldridge and Steve Davis of Exmouth, UK, acquired “Triple Jack” and sailed her to the Caribbean, where she became a prominent competitor in the regional multihull racing scene. She secured victories in major Northeast Caribbean regattas over 26 years, including Les Voiles de St. Barth, the St. Martin Heineken Regatta, and the BVI Spring Regatta.

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On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the British Virgin Islands, causing severe damage to “Triple Jack.” The storm tore her from her mooring, leading to multiple impacts that left her upside down on a concrete bridge, with a broken mast, crushed coach roof, and detached sponsons.

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Undeterred, Richard and Steve embarked on an extensive six-year rebuild at Nanny Cay Marina. They took the opportunity to modernize and strengthen the vessel, incorporating a new carbon mast and boom, composite chainplates, Dyneema standing rigging, a redesigned coach roof, and, for the first time, an inboard diesel engine. The restoration was a community effort, with friends and family contributing, often working on Sundays.

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“Triple Jack” was relaunched in March 2023 and made a triumphant return to racing by competing in the 2024 RORC Caribbean 600. This marked her return to ocean racing after a 39-year hiatus since the 1984 OSTAR. She completed the race with an impressive elapsed time of 3 days, 6 hours, 40 minutes, and 24 seconds.

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Owner’s Comments  

“Triple Jack” is not just a vessel; she embodies a legacy of resilience and passion for offshore racing. Under our stewardship for the past three decades, she has evolved from a competitive racer to a symbol of determination and community spirit. The extensive rebuild following Hurricane Irma was a testament to her robust design and the dedication of those who love her.

Equipped with modern amenities and state-of-the-art racing gear, “Triple Jack” is ready to continue her legacy in the hands of new owners who appreciate her history and capabilities. Whether you’re aiming for podium finishes in prestigious regattas or seeking thrilling offshore adventures, she is poised to deliver exceptional performance and unforgettable experiences.