Free Lady was built in 1998 for Jessica Schroder, a well-known yachtswoman who wanted a boat she could sail with her family and entertain on in style. Based on Nauticat Layout B (see picture), Free Lady was designed to incorporate almost the whole of the extras list as well as Jessica’s personal requirements. Nauticat produced a yacht to rival any of her peers which still sailed like a dream. In the 1998 Round the Island Race, Jessica skippered her to 25th place overall. With four teenage children, eventually the family outgrew her. She was so delighted with Free Lady’s comfort and performance that she commissioned another Nauticat, a 515. She reluctantly placed Free Lady on the market, looking, as we are now, for an owner who would have as much fun with her as she had had.
In 2003, Camilla and I decided to sail off on a year long sabbatical. Based on my experiences on sailing courses, previous boat ownership and racing with friends, I drew up a detailed checklist of my requirements. I was looking for a boat which would give us the sailing experience I wanted without compromising on the home comforts we were used to. Then began the process of researching the European market to find the right boat at the right price.
Free Lady was everything I wanted and more. She even had room for my golf clubs! We added a few more extras to make her suitable for long passages. These include the water maker, new batteries, a more powerful battery charger, advanced weather information, ocean-level safety equipment and – most importantly of all - a home cinema system. We also commissioned Nauticat UK’s craftsmen to convert the aft stateroom from its previous four bunk layout to the current sumptuous owners accommodation.
On July 4th 2003, I set off with my crew en route to the Mediterranean. As I was using the journey to qualify for my Yachtmaster Ocean, we sailed straight across the Bay of Biscay from Brest to Lisbon in five days – a total distance of 720 miles. Quite a shakedown cruise! Passing through the Straits of Gibraltar I was thrilled to register a SOG of 10.7 knots (admittedly with a little help from the current). Camilla joined me in August, and we spent a fun, comfortable and trouble-free summer cruising the Balearics and French and Spanish coasts. Many of our friends came to join us through the summer and fortunately Free Lady never felt cramped, even with six people living on board for a week! Finally we arrived in Rome for Christmas. In January, much to the other cruisers' amazement, we set off back across the Med to Gibraltar via Sardinia and Barcelona. There aren't many liveaboards who would even consider that kind of trip at that time of year, but thanks to Free Lady's seaworthiness and the warm, dry indoor helming position we enjoyed some of the best sailing since we left England.
Its June 2004, our sabbatical has ended, and we’re back to work. We’ve had a wonderful time with her, and hope we’ll be able to sell her quickly to someone who will get as much enjoyment from her as we have had. Free Lady is now back in the UK and available for viewings in Hamble Point Marina, Southampton. You could be setting off on your adventure this summer.
Free Lady was built in 1998 for Jessica Schroder, a well-known yachtswoman who wanted a boat she could sail with her family and entertain on in style. Based on Nauticat Layout B (see picture), Free Lady was designed to incorporate almost the whole of the extras list as well as Jessica’s personal requirements. 
In 2003, Camilla and I decided to sail off on a year long sabbatical. Based on my experiences on sailing courses, previous boat ownership and racing with friends, I drew up a detailed checklist of my requirements. I was looking for a boat which would give us the sailing experience I wanted without compromising on the home comforts we were used to. Then began the process of researching the European market to find the right boat at the right price. 
Free Lady was everything I wanted and more. She even had room for my golf clubs! We added a few more extras to make her suitable for long passages. These include the water maker, new batteries, a more powerful battery charger, advanced weather information, ocean-level safety equipment and – most importantly of all - a home cinema system. We also commissioned Nauticat UK’s craftsmen to convert the aft stateroom from its previous four bunk layout to the current sumptuous owners accommodation.
On July 4th 2003, I set off with my crew en route to the Mediterranean. As I was using the journey to qualify for my Yachtmaster Ocean, we sailed straight across the Bay of Biscay from Brest to Lisbon in five days – a total distance of 720 miles. Quite a shakedown cruise! Passing through the Straits of Gibraltar I was thrilled to register a SOG of 10.7 knots (admittedly with a little help from the current). Camilla joined me in August, and we spent a fun, comfortable and trouble-free summer cruising the Balearics and French and Spanish coasts. Many of our friends came to join us through the summer and fortunately Free Lady never felt cramped, even with six people living on board for a week! Finally we arrived in Rome for Christmas. In January, much to the other cruisers' amazement, we set off back across the Med to Gibraltar via Sardinia and Barcelona. There aren't many liveaboards who would even consider that kind of trip at that time of year, but thanks to Free Lady's seaworthiness and the warm, dry indoor helming position we enjoyed some of the best sailing since we left England.
Its June 2004, our sabbatical has ended, and we’re back to work. We’ve had a wonderful time with her, and hope we’ll be able to sell her quickly to someone who will get as much enjoyment from her as we have had. Free Lady is now back in the UK and available for viewings in Hamble Point Marina, Southampton. You could be setting off on your adventure this summer.
