Planet of Hamble

Description

A particularly characterful British-built cruising yacht, Planet of Hamble is a 1984 Rossiter Curlew 32, built by Rossiter Yachts of Christchurch. With her traditional lines, substantial construction, twin bilge keels and warm teak-and-mahogany interior, she offers something quite different from the typical production cruiser of this size. Powered by a Bukh 36hp diesel engine, with engine maintenance and antifouling completed in 2026, she is also equipped with a bow thruster, making handling in confined spaces considerably easier. Her twin bilge-keel configuration gives the additional flexibility of drying out and opens up cruising grounds unavailable to many fin-keel yachts. The mast is mounted in a tabernacle with lowering gear, another unusually practical feature for inland waterways, bridge clearance or maintenance. Planet of Hamble is currently lying in Lymington Yacht Haven and is available for viewing by appointment through Waterlife – Independent Yacht Brokers.

At a glance

Principal particulars

Dimensions

Construction

Built in 1984 by Rossiter Yachts of Christchurch. GRP hull, deck and superstructure; blue hull; twin bilge keels; transom-hung rudder with tiller steering. Substantial traditional construction.

Mechanical and Electricals

Single Bukh DV36 36hp diesel engine with shaft drive. Engine maintenance completed in 2026; antifouling completed in 2026. Bow thruster fitted. Thermokool engine-driven refrigerator, calorifier supplying hot water, and two 28-gallon freshwater tanks. Electrical specifications and battery details not supplied.

Navigation equipment

Sails and spars

Original tan Dacron sails, described as serviceable. Mainsail, jib and cruising chute. Mast mounted in a tabernacle with lowering gear.

Accommodation / Galley

Below decks the Curlew offers a traditional cruising-yacht interior with extensive timber joinery and a notably warm, classic atmosphere. The saloon provides generous longitudinal seating to port and starboard with a central table and good storage beneath. Forward is a separate twin-berth cabin, with a separate heads compartment. Traditional teak and mahogany joinery. Galley equipment comprises a cooker and sink, Thermokool engine-driven refrigerator, calorifier for hot water, and two 28-gallon freshwater tanks. A Taylor brass cabin heater complements the period interior.

Deck and cockpit

The cockpit is a good size for a yacht of this era, with substantial timber seating, cockpit grating and extensive varnished joinery. Wide side decks lead to a practical foredeck, with stainless-steel guardrails and pulpit. A mainsail cover is fitted and the mast-lowering gear is accessible from deck level. Dark blue hull, timber rubbing strakes and substantial stainless-steel railings give her a purposeful cruising-yacht profile.

Broker comments

Planet of Hamble is an interesting yacht for somebody looking for a solid, traditional British cruising boat rather than a modern lightweight production yacht. The Curlew’s combination of twin bilge keels, 36hp Bukh diesel, bow thruster and lowering mast makes her unusually versatile. There is scope for cosmetic improvement — the exterior timberwork and some deck areas would particularly reward attention — but the fundamentals make her an appealing project for an owner wanting a capable cruising yacht with genuine character. With engine servicing and antifouling attended to in 2026, she represents an opportunity to acquire a distinctive 32-foot cruiser suited to coastal cruising, the Solent and drying harbours. Viewing is recommended.

Photographs & plans