This week the spotlight is on a 2000 John Alden 42ft Bermudan Ketch lying Portland, Dorset.

A unique design, she has 7 sleeping berths in 3 cabins and 1 heads. She is beautifully constructed using both traditional and modern materials by Kenneth Fairbairn of Gweek Quay, Cornwall. Since her commission, her owners have spent a lot of care and attention on ensuring she is kept looking and working well, she also has an enviable inventory.

John G. Alden began his design career as an apprentice with B. B. Crowninshield (MIT Class of 1889) in 1902 and became a productive designer and experienced sailor by the time he departed to start his own Boston design office in 1909. His initial success was modest until he won his first Bermuda Race with Malabar IV in 1923. Alden’s subsequent Bermuda Race victories in 1926 with Malabar VII and Malabar X in 1932 provided his firm enduring fame and success. This long-lived design business finally closed for good in 2008.

If you would like to make an appointment to view please contact Boatshed broker Will West.

To read more about John Alden and his designs, please take a look at his website.