Voyaging to Hawaii with Encore
The 44 metre Encore has proven herself as a formidable sailing yacht, having now undertaken the almost 3,000 nautical mile journey from Fiji to Hawaii as many as six times. Currently listed for sale, Camper & Nicholsons talks to Encore in house representative Phillip Pollak to find out about her latest oceanic crossing.
Though the construction of ice-classed expedition yachts is currently at an all-time high, it’s important to remember that explorers are not the only vessels capable of crossing long and arduous passages. Sailing yachts were the first to do so historically, and Encore is a contemporary reminder of this fact.
Delivered in 2013, Encore is “one of the last iconic collaborations of Dubois and Alloy Yachts,” notes Pollak. The sloop-rigged sailing yacht is equipped with a powerful sail plan, including a Genoa, Blade and Stay sail, as well as a fully battened mainsail on a Southern Spars carbon fibre mast and a boom with continuous carbon EC6 Rigging. This paired with the 876HP, Caterpillar C18 engine allows for swift top speeds of 15 knots and a 4,000 nautical mile range that allows her to make epic crossings such as the voyage she has just completed between the South and North Pacific Oceans – which took her less than two weeks.
For handling long periods at sea, Encore also “incorporates unique design features such as three furling headsails on identical Reckman furlers for efficiency in all wind conditions, redundancy in her systems, a huge freezer, ample storage, water making and tank capacity, safe, sun protected steering areas and a highly efficient, comfortable and fast hull with water tight bulkheads.”
Below deck, Encore’s interiors are designed in a traditional style, with rich wood panelling, Ralph Lauren fabrics and impressionist-inspired artwork decorating the common areas and four cabins.
Her toybox is equipped with kit for diving and other watersports, and all her crew are described as “experienced water men and women” – a useful skill to have while cruising through the crystal clear waters and impressive surf breaks of Fiji and Hawaii. While sailing around and between these idyllic Pacific islands, “the panoramic upper salon and lower salon, as well as the aft deck and cockpit” are where the owners and guests can be found spending most of their time on board.
Pollak also emphasises that Encore is well equipped for eager anglers – “the aft deck proved useful for catching fish,” he explains, highlighting that “we always catch fish, and on this voyage we caught two large Yellow Fin Tuna and a large Mahi Mahi!”
Though this is not the first time that Encore has undertaken the passage, passing by the island of Vanua Leva on the way to her final destination of Honolulu, it was the first time back on the familiar pathway since the pandemic interrupted their plans. Her owners are avid travellers and sailors and use their experience journeying around the globe to inform their visits to their favourite destinations – the islands of Hawaii and Fiji.
“The owners have made multiple circumnavigations of the world on their previous Alloy Yachts’ Sloop, and enjoy the South Pacific for the natural beauty, incredible diving and people,” explains Pollak. He adds that while being based in the US “will be more convenient for potential clients to view the boat,” as it’s now for sale, the owners enjoy spending time in Hawaii as they “love the Aloha spirit and natural beauty of the islands,” considering the state a “home away from home”.
Encore is available for sale with Camper & Nicholsons. Check all the details here.
