Alden Malabar II 2004

Occasionally, a classic yacht emerges whose elegance is simply undeniable. With her stunning lines and commanding presence, Decatur turns heads wherever she goes.

Few yachts capture a sailor’s heart quite like a schooner, and Alden quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest designers of them. It’s fair to say that whenever sailors gather over a drink to talk about classic schooners, the name Alden is sure to come up.

Decatur is a Malabar II, designed in 1922 (104 years ago) by John G. Alden. The original Malabar II was built in 1922 by Charles A. Morse & Son in Thomaston, Maine. The famous Malabar yachts were all designed by, built for, owned and raced by John G Alden. Malabar II was the second in a series of ten schooners that Alden designed for himself.

The striking lines of the Malabar II also caught the eye of some big Hollywood producers and a Malabar II featured heavily in the movie ‘Message in a Bottle’, staring Kevin Costner and Robin Wright-Penn.

Alden’s design brief for the Malabar II was for a yacht that could stay at sea in almost any weather and yet would not be too much to handle alone. To achieve the latter, all of the sails are self-tending while tacking and drop easily into lazy jacks. The foremast is stepped well forward to keep the jib small enough to handle comfortably. John Alden noted that Malabar II would beat to weather under foresail alone and would “move along well in light weather. ” It was the efficiency of this rig, combined with her carefully drawn lines, that made Malabar II truly distinctive.

The name Decatur is a tribute to Stephen Decatur a famous American naval officer and Commodore, born in 1779, his career was bought to an early end when he was killed in a duel with Commodore James Baron in 1820.

Decatur was built by master shipwright Keith Allen with the assistance of his daughter Bernadette Hedger. The hull is carvel planked and constructed from highly prised Huon Pine that is copper fastened and caulked with Oakum and cotton, with Scented Maple and Gympie Messmate steamed ribs and sawn frames of New Guinea Rosewood. The decks are constructed from White Beech, laid over dual layers of plywood and sheathed in Dynel cloth to ensure long-term watertight integrity and durability. The keel is solid and very durable quarter sawn spotted gum. The masts are Silver Durgong and the gaffs and booms are Oregon.

The builders’ meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, from the selection of fine timbers to the bronze hardware, wooden blocks, and traditional rigging — all perfectly in keeping with a classic design of this era. The quality of the build is exceptional, and she has been carefully maintained by her current custodian.

Decatur is a true celebration of traditional wooden boatbuilding at its finest. Stepping aboard feels like travelling back through maritime history, where craftsmanship, character, and seafaring heritage come vividly to life.

Stepping down the companionway, you’re welcomed into an interior brimming with the charm of a bygone era. The saloon is intimate and wonderfully cosy, with two generous settees flanking a fold-out dining table. A diesel heater adds a thoughtful touch, and it’s easy to picture yourself unwinding with a good book and a favourite glass of red on a cold winter’s evening. The timberwork is simply stunning, showcasing a rich blend of exotic species including Papua New Guinea Rosewood, Huon Pine, Spur Mahogany, White Beech, and Queensland Maple.

The master cabin lies forward in the forepeak, offering twin single berths in a space that feels both intimate and timeless. Once again, the timberwork and detailing are simply breathtaking — the kind of craftsmanship that quietly leaves you speechless and reminds you this yacht is truly something special. In the saloon, both settees are fitted with lee cloths, converting easily into secure and comfortable sea berths while underway. An additional single quarter berth to starboard provides further accommodation, thoughtfully arranged for life at sea.

The galley is refreshingly simple and purpose-built for life aboard. A beautiful Taylors metho stove and oven take pride of place — a hand-built English classic renowned for quality, with new units retailing in Australia for around $16,000. The stove is fuelled by a generous paraffin tank, efficiently pressurised with a bicycle pump. Adjacent to the galley on the starboard side is a top-loading 12-volt refrigerator, neatly integrated and ideal for extended cruising.

Decatur is powered with a reliable 40hp Yanmar diesel engine with only 1145hr on the clock. She is shaft driven with a three blade fixed prop.

To commission a master boatbuilder — if you could even find one with the traditional skills required to build a yacht like Decatur — would cost well north of $750,000. Offered at a fraction of her replacement value, Decatur represents not only exceptional value for money, but also a rare and genuinely unique opportunity that comes along only once in a blue moon.

Don’t be the one who lets her slip away — pick up the phone and call Chris on 0428 444 727 to arrange your viewing of this magnificent yacht.