Super Van Craft 1380, MALAIKA OF LONDON

Broker’s Comments

Klaassen & Sons Jachtbouw of Voorschoten in the Netherlands specialised in building supremely elegant yachts – initially when the brothers Jan and Leen Klaassen started working in timber (from 1933), and then in steel from 1947. Their excellence in high-quality interiors, combined with classic exterior lines and versatile internal layouts, made their Super Van Craft line an instant hit with wealthy clients from the Lowlands and internationally. This reputation for craftsmanship and a focus on superior finish is wholly evident in MALAIKA OF LONDON – a beautiful Super Van Craft 1380 hailing from 1993, which is offered for sale in Lymington.

Fitted with rugged, naturally aspirated twin MAN D0226 ME diesel engines producing 110 HP, she affords excellent fuel economy at a relaxed cruising speed of around 7 knots, and boasts typically brilliant living and socialising spaces, both inside and out. Her generous provision of stowage space on board ensures that long-term passage-making and extended periods aboard are a breeze, and she features all creature comforts, including a generator, heating, washing machine, TV, and dishwasher.

She underwent a substantial refit in 2022 under her current ownership, building upon her highly competent original Dutch construction. This work included:

• Hull paintwork cleaned and minor repairs made.
• Repainted grey rub bar.
• All brightwork sanded to bare wood, repaired where necessary, and revarnished.
• Full engine service, including all new filters.
• New seawater pumps fitted.
• Fuel pumps stripped and serviced.
• Water strainers replaced with new bronze and glass strainers.
• Fuel tanks cleaned and flushed.
• New 24V batteries (x6).
• New 4-man life raft with custom-made mount and stern bracket.
• New Lofrans windlass with helm control switch and 30m anchor chain.
• All new skin fittings; stern gear and steering gear serviced.
• Bow thruster serviced, including new seals.
• New stainless steel radar arch fabricated and fitted, supporting radome, anemometer, AIS aerial, and VHF aerial.
• JABSCO searchlight added.
• New TV aerial mounted on the arch.
• Teak console built and installed for all instruments, including Garmin equipment, plus new VDO engine instruments.

Navigation has been upgraded with all-new Garmin equipment, including log, depth, wind, AIS, radar, and chart plotter. The upgrades include:

• Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv chart plotter.
• GMR18HD radar.
• Garmin 315i DSC VHF.
• Garmin AIS transceiver.
• Garmin wired log, depth, and wind instruments.

MALAIKA OF LONDON is a fantastic-looking boat that will certainly turn heads whether cruising on the European canals or snugly berthed in a marina. She would make a superb pied-à-terre from which to explore, and her condition belies her age.

Owner’s Comments

MALAIKA has been our first boat, and one that we have truly loved. Over the past four years, we have covered 2,300 nautical miles around the coast, including trips to the Isle of Wight, Solent, Littlehampton, The Hamble, Eastbourne, central London, and several journeys to Southwold and Ipswich. She is easily manageable by the two of us, and thanks to her twin engines, bow thruster, and easy handling, she is often taken out solo. Bear in mind, we started as complete novices! The previous owner kept her as a liveaboard in St Katharine Docks, but we wanted to spend more time at sea, so we undertook a significant upgrade of the navigation, safety equipment, and instrumentation in 2022. We frequently entertain on board—she has a great galley and outdoor space—and she always attracts a lot of attention in any marina.