1999 Custom Lyle Hess Cutter

The Bluewater 32′ Bristol Channel cutter “HELEN” was designed by Lyle Hess and superbly built in 1999 by Rockport Marine.  Construction is traditional cedar planking on white oak frames and backbone with all bronze fasteners. Decks are solid teak and spars are Sitka spruce  The boat is outfitted with a new Beta diesel engine installed by Artisan Boatworks in 2022.  Sails were new in 2016.  

HELEN is a proven offshore cruiser of the highest possible standard, well outfitted and ready to head for the horizon.   Recent survey is available upon request.

She was originally named SEQUEL, then IOLAIRE by the original owner, PHALAROPE by the second owner, and HELEN by the current Owners.

There are a tube of original plans which include the interior, sails, and rigging; as well as a large binder of photographs of her under construction at Rockport Marine – from laying the keel to launch.

There are two Dinghy's available:  The original Iain Oughtred  Acorn Tender – Cedar strip planked w/ Okume transom and trim; or a  new 8’ Fatty Knees with sailing rig and Shaw and Tenney oars.  

 Improvements made by current owners:

 -Repower w/BETA 38 to include Bronze Engine Controls and Control Panel

 -Clean Fuel Tanks

 -New ABYC Compliant Holding Tank, head, and head plumbing.

 -New Interior Cushions

 -New Sail Covers

 -New Bilge Pump and Thru-Hull

 -New Batteries and charger

 -New electrical system - major rewiring

 -New Transducer / Depth Sounder

 -Painted Transom

 -New Anchor Rode 300’ 5/16 Galvanized Chain