Alan Buchanan, now retired and living in Jersey, was based in Burnham ion Crouch and designed many cruiser/racing yachts that were predominantly built on the East Coast. Marcita is an excellent example of his more experimental designs. He has taken his liking for a long deep-keel with narrow beam to its furthest extent.

Marcita has a special place in the club as she was built at King's Yard in Pin Mill in 1957. We bought her in 2003 to make sure she stayed on the Orwell where she has been based for most of her life. 2007 will see her half century so watch out for news of her birthday party.

Under sail her narrow beam makes her somewhat tender. However, once heeled over, her long, deep keel keeps her on course as she accelerated with neutral helm, her gunwales thrillingly awash.

Below, Marcita offers a comfortable saloon with two berths and two very cosy quarterberths. To port a gas cooker with grill and oven to starboard a large chart table makes for easy navigation. Forward she has the heads, lots of storage and access to the forward deck.

Look at Hampshire Maid
Look at Night Wind
Look at Myfanwy
Look at Caressa
Look at Tai Mo Shan
Look at Infanta
Look at Ierne
Look at Cometa