/ 
Launched in 1958, the "Marike" was built at the Thomsen in Denmark, designed by the architect Slaaby Larsen, for the 6.5 KR class of cruiser-racers. Originally named "Morena", the yacht soon changed hands. In 1960, she was acquired by a German enthusiast, who renamed her "Marike" in honor of his daughter. Today, this name finds a new resonance with the current owners, Marie and Eric.
For almost fifty years, she sailed in the hands of the same owner, mainly in the Baltic Sea, taking part in numerous regattas and remaining faithful to her original design. This longevity testifies to the quality of the construction, with a mahogany hull and oak frames that ensure both sturdiness and allure.
In 2010, the classic changed hands again. Pascal, then based in Douarnenez, decided to bring the boat back to Brittany via the Kiel Canal. This transfer marks a new chapter for the yacht, which becomes one of the first to join the classic racing center in Port-Louis. During this period, the boat took part in regattas such as Voiles de la Citadelle and Armor, gaining notoriety among classic racing yachts.
Meticulous maintenance and careful modifications
The "Marike", despite its carefully preserved original appearance, has not escaped the rigors of time and the maintenance work necessary for its longevity. Over the years, she has been pampered, maintained and delicately modernized. Her mahogany hull, gleaming under the varnish, demands constant attention, as do the teak deck joints, which, worn by sea spray and sun, are soon to be replaced.
New owner Eric, faithful to the spirit of the boat, has added his own personal touch. A black and yellow spinnaker, vibrating in the wind, now completes the color harmony, while paying tribute to her unique character. Inside, a few practical features have been added, without betraying the soul of the boat.
You spend 80% of your time maintaining it. I always say it's hard work, but it really deserves it. And then, honestly, it's a pleasure.
The next stage, in a few years' time, will be more radical: the hull will have to be completely stripped, every layer of varnish removed, years of antifouling erased, to restore this jewel to its original lustre. And yet, in the midst of these transformations, the boat has retained what makes her so charming and rare: her bronze fittings, weathered by time, which continue to seduce classic yacht enthusiasts, as a nod to her past and to those who sailed her before her.
Undeniable sailing qualities
This yacht is particularly efficient in regattas, thanks in particular to its excellent upwind performance. With a beam of 2.55 m for an overall length of 11.25 m, and a draught of 1.80 m, its keel, representing almost 50% of its total weight (5.8 tons), provides great stability. Rigged as a sloop, she is stiff under sail, ensuring good upwind performance even in strong winds. Although this racer-cruiser requires precise trimming to avoid difficult helming behaviour, it is a pleasure to sail. It is particularly appreciated among classic sailboats for its seaworthy qualities, with a weight distribution and center of gravity optimized for racing.
A future full of promise
The "Marike" will continue to be part of the Port-Louis classic racing cluster, taking part in upcoming regattas and events, including the French Metric Championship in Lorient in June 2025. This event will bring together several renowned classic yachts, including the famous "Moonbeam" and the "Mariquita".
