Najad 490, CARICIA

Broker’s Comments

The Najad 490 was the first Najad model to be designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. it is a true bluewater cruiser, offering good sailing characteristics and built by the skilful boat builders at Najadvarvet. Several Najad 490s have sailed around the world over the years. The Najad 490 is a centre cockpit yacht with a fixed windscreen offering great safety and comforts even in windy, cold and wet weather. The teak deck is not only beautiful but also offers great grip when working on the deck. The bow features a large sail locker, which is great for keeping downwind sails and fenders during passages.

CARICIA is a well maintained, one owner yacht, delivered in 2007 that has spent most of her summers in Scandinavian waters and the winters inside a heated shed. She has always been professionally taken care of, serviced, maintained and updated by Orust Yacht Service.

During 2018-2019 CARICIA received many updates in order to prepare her for a trip to the Mediterranean. Due to Covid the trip was postponed but was successfully carried out in 2022-2023.

The layout offers an owner’s aft cabin with centre double berth and en suite bathroom. The longitudinal galley and the navigation area are located directly at the entrance. The saloon has a sofa and two comfortable chairs. Forward of the saloon is a guest cabin with bunk beds, a forward v-berth cabin and a guest head with shower. The interior is built in selected mahogany and is in very good condition.

If you are looking for a ready to go bluewater cruiser, CARICIA is well worth a visit!

Key Facts

• Sleeps 6 in 3 cabins.
• Electric in-mast furling – 2019.
• Furling genoa and jib.
• Standing rigging – 2019.
• 4 x Electric winches.
• Yanmar 100hp.
• Bow thruster.
• Navigation system – 2018.
• SSB radio.
• Lithium service batteries – 2018.
• Battery charger – 2018.
• Heating by diesel and 230V.
• Watermaker.
• Washing machine.
• Stereo – 2016.
• Arch in stern with solar panels and integrated davits – 2018.
• Bimini.

Owner’s Comments

My pride and joy and my heart – CARICIA is more than just a boat – she’s a life companion and a dream come true. The journey began in the early 2000s, when my then-wife and I dreamed of sailing to the Mediterranean. After much searching and several visits to the ‘Open Yard’ boat show, we found the right boat – a Najad 490. The moment we stepped aboard, we knew she was the one. She was launched in 2007 and at first felt large and imposing, but we quickly felt safe and at ease with her.
In the very first season, I sailed to Belgium in tough conditions. CARICIA never gave cause for concern – she was stable, safe, and reliable, even when we lost the propeller off the Frisian Islands.

After my divorce in 2010, the plan was to sell the boat – but I realized I couldn’t bear to part with her as well. We found a solution that allowed me to keep her – one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Over the years, we’ve sailed in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. I’ve often sailed solo and have always felt secure. Ahead of our long voyage in 2022, she underwent extensive updates and additional servicing. CARICIA has always been professionally maintained, stored indoors during winter, and carefully looked after.

When the pandemic delayed our plans, we held on. In 2022, the dream finally came true – I sailed to the Mediterranean with my youngest son and lived aboard for six months. CARICIA did exactly what she was built for – with strength, comfort, and reliability.

Now it’s time for a new chapter. It’s with mixed emotions that I’m selling CARICIA, but I know she will bring the same joy and sense of security to her next owner. Maybe that will be you?