Discovery 55, PAMELA

Broker’s Comments

PAMELA is #3 of this remarkable series of bluewater cruising yachts created by John and Caroline Charnley – who founded Discovery Yachts. They worked with Ron Holland, Ken Freivokh and a team of committed craftsmen to create the Discovery 55 which has become the benchmark by which others are judged in this size segment. They are the last word for 2-handed mile munching.

PAMELA initially kept in the Channel Islands after launch, before being sold to her second owners and named BLUE MONCHU. These owners cruised her extensively in the Mediterranean both East and West. In 2015, she was purchased by her current owner and substantially refitted at the Berthon Boat Company in 2015/2016 in preparation for a circumnavigation.

Work carried out includes:

• New North Sails.
• Rebuild and repaint of main mast and boom.
• New standing rigging.
• New running rigging.
• Overhaul of all deck gear.
• 2,000-hour engine refurbishment.
• New electronics.
• New communications.
• Dinghy refurbished 2016 and rework of davit system.
• New anchor windlass and anchoring arrangement.
• Full safety equipment sufficient for world cruising.
• Full review of all systems – plumbing, refrigeration, electrics, generator.

Her owner’s plans have now changed and PAMELA has been used in the Eastern Atlantic and has also spent some time cruising in the Mediterranean. During this period, she has been meticulously cared for. A full log of service work is available. PAMELA is now ready for a very serious adventure with her new owners.

Owner’s Comments

I spent two years looking at various bluewater yachts in the 55ft range. I shortlisted down to four types of yachts and I made a detailed analysis and compared all factors in an Excel file. I looked at hull construction, the rig, quality of finish, inside and outside, interior layout and appearance and the Discovery 55 easily came out on top. Apart from having classic modern good looks, the Discovery 55 is a good and comfortable sailing yacht.

I could not count the number of times people spoke to me about how lovely the yacht looks and that it was the best looking in the marina.

With regard to her sailing capabilities, I have sailed against 40ft racers upwind in strong conditions and I could hold height on them and sail faster.

In light airs (6-10 knots) and flat seas, PAMELA can sail on a reach at wind speed, as I have done many a time and that is without using the asymmetric spinnaker.

We have been in 40 to 50 knot winds gusting over 60, sailing upwind and she has handled it well.

The self-tacking jib is a great bonus especially since I mostly sail shorthanded, usually with just 2 or 3 people onboard. It is great if you are short tacking close to shore, getting out of the tide etc.

We have never used the regular spinnaker that came with the boat but instead always use the asymmetric which makes handling easier.

I have sailed 250 miles averaging 10 knots in 15 knots true wind, both helming and switching to the autopilot.

My original intention was to spend about 4-5 years cruising around the World, hence the total refurbishment, which took place over two winters.

However, my plans changed and I spent the last few years cruising the Eastern Atlantic from France to Portugal, the Canaries, Madeira and the Azores islands and sometime in the Mediterranean where I’m now based. Three winters were spent in the Canaries.

PAMELA has been maintained in good condition throughout the past few years and she give trouble free sailing.

PAMELA – The refit of a Discovery 55 for bluewater cruising (2016):