There is a particular pleasure in finding a well-maintained older vessel, and Seika delivers precisely that. Launched in 1975, this 12.6-metre sloop was drawn by the storied American firm Sparkman & Stephens and measures around 41 feet on deck. Nearly five decades on, she carries her age gracefully. The white hull and topsides are clean and clearly cared for, the burgundy canvas sits in pleasing harmony with the bottom paint, and the whole package presents a period-correct colour scheme that feels entirely right on a boat of her vintage.
The Sparkman & Stephens name means a great deal to anyone serious about offshore sailing. Olin Stephens and Drake Sparkman established the firm in the late 1920s, and over the decades that followed their designs defined what a capable ocean racer should be. America's Cup victories, Sydney to Hobart wins, and consistent success across the full range of offshore competition all speak to what their hulls could do. The underlying philosophy was always the same: build boats that handle heavy weather and keep their crews safe. That approach has aged well, and an older S&S design performing exceptionally well against foul conditions in a recent Solo Trans-Tasman race speaks directly to how durable these hulls remain in practice.
At 41 feet, Seika occupies a size bracket that has long been considered ideal for blue-water cruising. Designs of this era and this length are characterised by elegant, classic lines, a strong ability to point upwind, and the kind of steady temperament that encourages confidence when conditions deteriorate offshore. Below the waterline, Seika follows the conventions of her time: moderate-to-heavy displacement combined with a deep fin keel. That configuration tracks well on passage and remains manageable when the sea state builds.
The cockpit is generous enough to give a helmsman genuine comfort on a long watch while still leaving room for guests to sit without crowding the working area. A canvas bimini provides shade overhead, with a solar panel mounted on top of it, and a clear rolldown screen across the transom offers protection from wind and spray when the conditions call for it. One detail stands out: exposed raw timber running across the cockpit that connects Seika directly to her 1970s origins and reflects just how well she has been looked after across the years.
Down below, Seika has the warmth and character that only a well-kept timber boat produces naturally. Immediately to starboard of the companionway steps sits an L-shaped galley equipped with a gimballed stove and solid storage. To port, a dedicated navigation desk caters to those who still prefer to work with paper charts. The main saloon stretches along both sides of the centreline, with comfortable settees, a fold-down table between them, and a gently curved deckhead that adds meaningful headroom and gives the space a visual generosity that straight-lined interiors rarely achieve.
Forward of the saloon, a double V-berth cabin is reached through an attractive rounded timber door. Further aft, two single berths are positioned behind the galley and navigation desk respectively. At roughly 1.5 berths in width, both serve well as sea berths on a passage. The heads compartment is separate, fresh, and functional, with a hot water shower included.
Back on deck, the side decks are wide enough to allow confident movement forward when handling sail. A small dive platform fitted to the stern, complete with solid handrails, makes dinghy transfers considerably more straightforward than clambering over the transom. Colourful sails add a lively note to an otherwise classic profile.
Seika's hull construction is triple-diagonal Kauri sheathed in epoxy glass, a combination that has demonstrated its durability many times over since her launch. The Solé diesel engine was installed in 2003 and has logged approximately 1,645 hours. Rounding out her systems are a 220-litre fuel tank, straightforward shaft drive, solar panels, and an inverter, giving Seika a solid platform for extended passages away from marina facilities.
Seika is currently listed with Vining Marine Group at $84,000 NZD. For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Dan Noakes on 022 432 6007.
