Island Packet 440

Purchased in the Netherlands in 2020 by Carol and Tom Wright who are the second owners. De-registered from the Dutch system, renamed EIVIVA and registered on the UK Small Ships Registry, 15th October 2020. SSR Number 178302.

Why did we buy an Island Packet? Our last boat was an X412, made by X Yachts in Denmark, it only weighed 7,500 kg, handled like a dinghy and was fast, especially into wind. However for a person like me there is a problem owning a fast boat. No one is allowed to overtake! If there is another boat on the horizon they are the next target to beat. Nothing better than thrashing the opposition. Carol always likes to point out that they are not racing us. But you can always tell when they start to tweak the set of their sails. I have grown tired of always racing everything in sight, I must be getting old, it is not relaxing at all. The IP440, on the other hand, is a heavy boat with a long keel, designed to be comfortable in a seaway and carry live-aboard cruising loads long distance. The cutter rig is not as fast as a Bermudan sloop rig but it divides the sail area into smaller, more handleable sizes and allows the boat to reduce sail down to a stay sail and a reefed main sail, for a more balanced sail plan in heavy weather. The deep keel makes the boat track well and gives a hull shape that cuts through waves rather than the slamming into them. It also puts the bilge water very deep so the cabin floor of the boat stays dry even when well heeled over. She is a very relaxing boat to sail and at the end of the day isn’t so far behind the opposition, even putting some to shame when the conditions are right.

The name EIVIVA is derived from the first two letters of the names Eileen, Violet and Valerie the three grandmothers who helped make Lucy and Alice.

From the original sales brochure:

“The 440 combines the superior comfort, ease of use, seakeeping and safety attributes that are the hallmark of every Island Packet Yacht along with the stunning good looks of its classic design. You’ll be turning heads (and sailing past other yachts) all around the world. This world cruiser is capable of distance days.”

Sailing past other yachts is an interesting statement, certainly not in light winds unless they are at anchor! But with a stiff breeze on the beam the cutter rig comes into its own, she picks up her heels and makes surprisingly good, and comfortable mile munching progress.