TREHARD MARINE
AIZU is a 98’ (30.18m) high-performance sailing yacht that combines proven blue-water capability with a highly versatile ownership profile. Built by the respected French shipyard Tréhard Marine in Antibes and delivered in 1989, she was conceived as a serious offshore cruiser with the strength, balance and pace to deliver confident ocean passages, while remaining exceptionally practical in shallow cruising areas and charter-led destinations.
Penned by Gilles Vaton, AIZU presents clean, purposeful lines and a powerful sail plan that will appeal to owners who value authentic sailing performance. She is fast under sail, composed offshore and exceptionally reassuring on passage. A key commercial advantage is her retractable centreboard keel, which reduces draft to approximately 2.3m for access to sought-after shallow-water cruising grounds such as the Bahamas, while extending for impressive upwind ability and offshore stability. This is a rare and highly valuable combination of access and performance.
AIZU is also particularly well suited to charter operation. Her four equal double staterooms make her an excellent platform for families or groups of friends, while her shallow draft unlocks cruising grounds that are typically the preserve of multihulls, yet with markedly superior seaworthiness and offshore comfort. For buyers evaluating charter as part of their ownership strategy, AIZU offers credible income potential and a compelling opportunity to offset operating costs without compromising the private-use experience.
AIZU has benefited from attentive ownership and a well-documented programme of upgrades, culminating in a major refit completed in 2023 and supported by further works in 2007, 2019, 2020 and 2022. The most recent refit brought her firmly in line with contemporary market expectations, including a refreshed interior, new American black walnut flooring, upgraded systems and a clean, modern finish throughout. New sails were fitted in 2019, and she is currently completing her five-year survey together with a full rig service, presenting a buyer with a yacht in genuine turn-key condition.
The interior, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, delivers a refined Scandinavian aesthetic with broad market appeal. American black walnut, warm tonal contrasts and quality materials create an atmosphere that is understated, contemporary and enduring. A semi-raised saloon with expansive windows introduces excellent natural light and uninterrupted sea views, enhancing the onboard experience both at anchor and underway. The main saloon is arranged with a comfortable lounge to port and formal dining to starboard, offering a layout that is equally effective for private cruising and guest entertainment.
Accommodation is one of AIZU’s strongest selling points. She hosts up to eight guests across four double staterooms, each with en-suite bathroom facilities, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, entertainment systems and generous storage. Notably, the owner’s cabin mirrors the guest cabins in both size and configuration, providing excellent flexibility for owner use or charter deployment. Separate crew accommodation for four supports efficient onboard service while preserving guest privacy.
On deck, AIZU offers a highly practical and appealing setup for life on board. The generous aft cockpit is configured for open-air dining and relaxed socialising, with adaptable shade that enhances comfort throughout the day. Forward, the foredeck provides ample lounging space for sunbathing or quiet enjoyment at anchor. Easy access to the water is provided via the swim platform and ladder, complemented by storage for a tender and water toys, as well as a deck shower for convenience after swimming.
Powered by twin Steyr diesel engines and supported by generators, full air conditioning, WiFi and updated navigation electronics, AIZU successfully bridges serious sailing pedigree with modern onboard comfort. She is a proven world cruiser that has been carefully updated to meet today’s expectations, delivering an increasingly rare combination of performance, accessibility and liveability. For a buyer seeking sailing integrity, guest equality and genuine cruising freedom in one package, AIZU represents a compelling opportunity in the current market.
Highlights
- 98’ high-performance aluminium sloop by Gilles Vaton with proven blue-water pedigree and impressive offshore capability
- Retractable centreboard keel offers exceptional versatility, combining shallow-draft access with strong offshore and upwind performance
- Fast, stable and confidence-inspiring sailing platform ideally suited to active owners and long-range cruising
- Major 2023 refit supported by ongoing upgrades, with five-year survey and full rig service currently being completed
- Contemporary Scandinavian-inspired interior with American black walnut finishes and abundant natural light throughout
- Four equal double guest staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, ideal for flexible owner use or charter appeal
- Well-conceived deck layout with spacious social areas, foredeck lounging and flexible shade for comfortable outdoor living
- Fully equipped for modern cruising with twin Steyr diesel engines, generators, air conditioning, WiFi and updated navigation systems
- Separate crew accommodation for four allows efficient operation while maintaining guest comfort and privacy
- Turn-key and increasingly rare in today’s market, offering an outstanding balance of performance, access and onboard liveability
