Colin Archer Copenhagen Cruiser

S/Y Vilde – formerly Caliope III – is now offered for sale by House of Yachts Oslo.

This is a 40-foot, rock-solid Colin Archer yacht, built in 1981 at the highly esteemed Djupevåg Boatbuilders, based on the original Colin Archer drawings from 1902. Considerable refurbishment of hull and deck, done at Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter, in 2020, at cost of £75.000+. Reciepts and thorough documentation of the refit/restoration is available.

Crafted with traditional Norwegian boatbuilding expertise and using only the finest materials, this vessel is both a gem and a highly dependable long-distance cruiser. If you're planning adventures in nearby or far-off waters, S/Y Vilde deserves your serious consideration. This is a proven, original Colin Archer design in exceptionally good condition. The boat is truly unique and must be experienced firsthand.

In terms of wooden boats, S/Y Vilde is as close to maintenance-free as it gets.The hull is built from solid oak on oak frames. The woodwork is in remarkably good condition thanks to S/Y Vilde’s relatively young age and expert care. Above deck, everything is made from 2-inch thick Burmese teak, which has recently been refurbished. The quality and thickness of the teak is extraordinary—virtually impossible to find today. It is nearly maintenancefree: it only requires an occasional rinse or sweep—no sanding or oiling needed.

S/Y Vilde is easy to sail. In and out of harbors, you're assisted by a powerful Sleipner bow thruster delivering 110 kg of thrust. Raising the sails is made simple with an electric winch for the mainsail halyard and a Furlex roller furler for the staysail. Under sail, the boat is highly predictable and surprisingly swift. On longer passages, the balanced rudder, autopilot, and optionally a wind vane make life onboard relaxed and manageable. She’s slimmer than most Colin Archers, and as a result, faster—having logged 192 nautical miles in 24 hours, averaging 8 knots in 15 m/s wind. S/Y Vilde is easily capable of long voyages, and has sailed the Caribbean twice in its current ownership, including Atlantic crossing via Greenland.

Below deck, you’ll find traditional craftsmanship at its finest. All woodwork is in oiled teak and in outstanding condition. The galley, saloon, and cabins are thoughtfully laid out for both comfort and functionality, ensuring pleasant voyages in all weather conditions. 

Everything is solid, nothing is worn out, and the aesthetic is both historic and timeless. The interior reflects the owner's attention to detail, with smart, practical solutions throughout.

A U-shaped settee to port and a longitudinal settee to starboard provide comfortable dining for six, or up to eight when needed. A pilot berth to starboard is ideal for children or for relaxing during a bit of a swell. The skylight and windows provide lovely natural light. Up forward, there's a spacious forepeak with two single berths and a double bed. Aft, you’ll find the toilet and a wide quarter berth. Plenty of documentation is available, also from the recent 2020 refit. 

The yacht is currently located at Nesøya in the Oslofjord and is ready for viewing. Contact us to see this exceptional piece of sailing and cultural heritage!