Step into sailing history with the 1975 Contessa 32 RAPHAELLA, an exemplar of one of the most celebrated yachts of all time. Designed by the renowned David Sadler and crafted by Jeremy Rogers in the UK, the Contessa 32 is a true legend in the sailing world. Revered for her ability to handle all sea conditions with grace and reliability, the Contessa 32 has become a benchmark for seaworthiness and performance. Sought after by sailors and collectors alike, RAPHAELLA offers a rare opportunity to own an enduring classic, renowned for her timeless lines and proven pedigree.
RAPHAELLA’s build showcases the hallmarks that have made the Contessa 32 so iconic: her over engineered GRP hull, slender beam, and a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder for optimal control in heavy weather. Her updates include a Beta Marine BD722 engine (installed 2007), shore power, a Forgen wind generator, and a Spectra solar panel for reliable off-grid sailing. Below deck, her thoughtful layout features a forward V-berth, a welcoming saloon with U-shaped seating, and a practical galley complete with a Plastimo cooker and refrigerator. Every element reflects the craftsmanship and enduring quality that make these yachts so cherished.
Widely regarded as the ultimate cruiser-racer, RAPHAELLA is equipped to deliver on the promise of adventure. Her navigation suite includes a Garmin GPSMAP 500 chartplotter and integrated AIS, ensuring confidence on any passage. With her teak-laid aft cockpit, Seago inflatable dinghy, and full anchoring setup, she’s as ready for coastal cruising as she is for bluewater voyages. Owning a Contessa 32 is a badge of honor in the sailing community, and RAPHAELLA offers you a chance to join this elite tradition.
Specifications & Construction
Construction
David Sadler designer | Rogers/UK builder | Round bilge hull shape | Monohull hull configuration | Dark blue GRP hull | Non-slip laid grey GRP deck | White GRP superstructure | Gas locker fitted by Jeremy Rogers 2006/7 | Teak laid aft cockpit | Fin keel with skeg-hung rudder | Tiller steering
Deck
S-L Anchorman windlass | 15kg CQR bow anchor with 40m chain | Fortress and Bruce anchors | Various mooring warps and fenders | Cockpit table | Ensign | Courtesy flags | Anchor ball | Motoring triangle
Tankage
45ltrs fuel capacity (1 tank) | Water tank
Rig and Sail
Sloop rig type | Standing rigging replaced 2016 | Original aluminum mast (2006) | Replaced aluminum boom | Adjustable backstay | Harken furler with twin groove profile | Mainsail lazy jacks | Spinnaker pole
Winches
2 x Andersen 46 self-tailing genoa sheet winches | Lewmar mainsail halyard mast winch | 2 Lewmar 25 genoa and spinnaker halyard winches | 2 Lewmar 8 spinnaker sheet winches
Sails
White Kemp slab-reefed mainsail | White Kemp roller furling No.2 and No.4 genoas | Kemp spinnaker and gennaker
Machinery & Systems
Machinery
Beta Marine BD722 installed 2007 | 1,029 Running hours | PRM 80 gearbox (2:1) | Shaft drive to fixed 2 blade prop (2007) | Forgen Windgenerator
Electrics
12V and 220V on-board voltage | 110Ah leisure battery (domestic) | 75Ah engine battery | Vetus 240V mains battery charger | Shore power | Spectra 20W solar panel with regulator and cockpit connections
Navigation
Garmin GPSMAP 500 chartplotter | Simrad TP10 tiller pilot | Clipper speed and distance log with cockpit repeater | Clipper echo sounder with cockpit repeater | Standard Horizon Quest-X GX1500E VHF | AIS receiver integrated with Garmin chartplotter
Safety
Zodiac Coaster 4-person liferaft (2007, service required) | Manual bilge pump
Comfort & Accessories
Accommodation
Sleeps 5 in 2 cabins plus saloon | Forward cabin with V-berth | Walk-through heads with manual WC to port | Saloon with U-shaped seating to port | Sofa seating to starboard | Galley to port | Plastimo Neptune cooker with 2 hobs, oven, and grill | Refrigerator | Nav station to starboard | Pilot berth aft of Nav station
Domestic
Plastimo Neptune cooker | Refrigerator