Moody 64, BEARS

Broker’s Comments

The 2004 Moody 64, designed by Bill Dixon, is a well-resolved example of a modern bluewater cruising yacht, conceived to combine offshore capability with a high standard of onboard comfort. Positioned at the upper end of the production market of its time, it reflects a design philosophy aimed at long-range passagemaking without requiring a full professional crew.

From a naval architecture standpoint, the Moody 64 adopts a moderate displacement hull form, with a displacement-to-length ratio that places it between traditional heavy cruisers and lighter performance-oriented yachts. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio, around 18, indicates balanced rather than aggressive performance. Under sail, the yacht is not particularly fast in light airs, but once powered up it delivers steady, predictable progress with a notably comfortable motion. In heavier conditions, the hull’s mass and form stability contribute to a reassuring, sea kindly behaviour, allowing the vessel to absorb wave energy rather than react abruptly.

The cutter rig configuration, typically equipped with in-mast furling and furling headsails, is central to the yacht’s short-handed sailing concept. Combined with electric winches and well-organized deck ergonomics, sail handling is manageable by a couple, even on extended offshore passages. This operational simplicity is one of the yacht’s defining strengths in comparison to similarly sized cruisers of the same era.

A key feature of the design is the deck saloon arrangement, which enhances natural light, visibility, and interior volume. While this improves liveability significantly, it introduces certain trade-offs, including increased windage and added structural and engineering complexity. As with many luxury cruising yachts from the early 2000s, the Moody 64 incorporates extensive onboard systems, which can translate into higher maintenance requirements and more demanding refit considerations over time.

In summary, the Moody 64 is not a performance cruiser in the strict sense, but rather a capable, ocean-going platform that prioritizes safety, comfort, and ease of handling. It remains a credible bluewater yacht with genuine passagemaking credentials and a design approach that anticipated many aspects of contemporary cruising yachts.

Owner’s Comments

I found this yacht laid up in a boatyard in Sicily. She had been sitting idle for a long time and was in a state of semi-abandonment. It was clear she had been through some difficult years: neglected systems, widespread signs of wear, and many details left unattended. Yet beneath that layer of neglect, the inherent qualities of a serious blue-water design were still evident — the Moody 64 by Bill Dixon. That is what convinced me to take on the project.

Over the past four years, I have personally and closely followed all the work carried out by the yard and the various specialists involved. The priority was to bring her back to full safety and seaworthiness. The essential work focused on a complete overhaul of the systems, structural checks, restoration of deck equipment and running rigging. At the same time, considerable attention was given to the interior, restoring dignity to the living spaces and returning them to a more than respectable aesthetic condition, while carefully preserving the yacht’s original character.

It was a job carried out with care and respect, far more than a mere technical exercise: a progressive restoration driven by the desire to return this yacht to the sea, where she truly belongs.

Today, four years later, I can say that she is once again solid and reliable, and she has given me some real satisfaction. On long passages, her typical Bill Dixon performance shines through — the safety and speed of those sleek, flowing lines. The sail handling is straightforward, rationalised and ergonomic. Even for a yacht of this size, she is surprisingly docile in harbour, manoeuvres well and makes berthing straightforward. The layout provides extremely comfortable living spaces with excellent habitability, and even when fully occupied there is a high degree of privacy.

There is still room for further improvements and personalisation, allowing a new owner to complete the refit according to their own vision and taste.

In the meantime, my own personal journey has changed, and I have embarked on a new chapter in life. For this reason, the time has come to pass her on. This yacht still has a great deal to offer and deserves an owner who will continue the work that has been started and complete her refit with the same care and passion.