A Plus (Archambault A 31) is a smaller version of the renowned A35 from the drawing board of Joubert & Nivelt.
Here is a thoroughbred racer for bay & coastal racing and well able for offshore racing & passage making. With a ballast ratio of c 40% and a TCC of 975 this is a yacht that will perform against the bigger 36-footers.
Boarding the open stern one could be on a larger 35+ yacht. A large open racing cockpit which will accommodate a crew of 6/7 in comfort. Carbon tiller with a handle extension. Aft of the helmsman is a large lazarette hatch which will store a liferaft, fenders, fuel cans and the like. The mainsheet trimmer has to hand a 9:1 main and 8:1 backstay. Outboard there is a removable swim/MOB recovery ladder.
All running rig lines are led back to the cockpit with a row of clutches above the companionway. Lewmar 46 two-speed winches for the 105% foresail and two Lewmar 40’s on the coachroof. Barber haulers and jib card lead to the cockpit.
Below there is c 6 foot head room and a practical and well laid out interior that has a standard of finish that exceeds that of many contemporary racing yachts. To starboard there is a navigation station with timber finish and grey work top. Here there is the newly installed B&G Zeus. To the port side a galley with timber surround and grey work top. Here there is a two burner cooker and a cool chest. The varnished timber sole and table contrast with the white internal moulding of the cabin top and sides. Grey settee berths to either side with Alacantra type fabric with the Archambault red sail logo in the centre of each. The coordination of colour in the fabrics and materials makes for a pleasing and comfortable interior that has been coordinated by a designer rather than a production manager, the interior has comfort and style. The forward cabin is accessed by a grey zip flap that can be left open to facilitate the storage of long furled sails. There are plenty of internal grab rails. Aft to starboard is the heads with holding tank. There the fuel tank is stowed and with its opaque PVC allows for easy check on fuel level. The easy unincumbered access to the engine, gearbox and sail drive is a mechanics dream. On the opposite port side a zip flap access to the aft double cabin. Six berths in all.
The Archambault A 31 is the ideal club & offshore racing yacht with fast passage ability. “A Plus” is very well maintained with many upgrades and renewals. Viewing by appointment with Ronan Beirne of Leinster Boats - Network Yacht Brokers Dublin.
Read the full advert on Afloat here
