” In the dead of winter I went to a creek full of catamarans in Cornwall, met Scott Brown Multihulls who had just received details of Taraipo for sale in south Portugal. I hired a surveyor and we flew down to inspect Taraipo.”
Taraipo, Wharram 37’
Interview with the Captain – John Jameson
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Wharram?
I was looking for an affordable sailboat with which I could cross an ocean, downwind, comfortably and safely, singlehandedly.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Several keelboats of renowned seaworthiness, Contessa 32, Elizabethan 29 and others.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
In the dead of winter I went to a creek full of catamarans in Cornwall, met Scott Brown Multihulls who had just received details of Taraipo for sale in south Portugal. I hired a surveyor and we flew down to inspect Taraipo. She was built by Peter Scargo in Holland with ply/epoxy skinned with fiberglass.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
Wind generator, solar panels, sun awnings, spinnaker, Rocna anchor, and many others during a 9 year circumnavigation, as illustrated in my book Sea, Sun & Taraipo, Millionaires in Time from Amazon.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Her seaworthiness which I tested many times, ease of autohelm steering 24/7, acres of deck space for a tropical lifestyle.
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
My cousin in a 14’ sailing dinghy on the Salcombe estuary, in Devon.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
I am a member of the Royal Yachting Association.
What boats have you previously owned?
Mirror dinghy, 505, Thai catamaran, Eboat 22
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
I lived aboard for 9 years, sailing slowly around the world.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Stainless steel fittings which break without warning.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Wharram like yours?
Have a surveyor check her out before purchase. Check out the Wharram.com forum.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
The Polynesians that we met suggested ‘built in the night’ from an ancient fable.
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Tarapio!
