1981 Sta Vs

Born in the early ‘80s, this Sta Vs carries the kind of solid, overbuilt character many skippers hunt for and rarely find. You can feel it in the thickness of the glass, the heft of the hardware, and the way she settles into a groove once the sails are trimmed. The lines are classic, with a purposeful sheer and a cockpit that feels secure rather than exposed. Down below, the joinery is likely simple but honest, with plenty of real wood and fewer plastic gimmicks. Expect systems that are straightforward to understand and maintain, and a layout that rewards practical sailors who value function and seaworthiness over fashion trends.

A 1981 Sta Vs makes a lot of sense in these waters, where conditions can swing from calm, glassy days to lumpy chop and surprise squalls. The sturdy hull form is forgiving when the breeze pipes up, while the moderate size keeps berthing, haul-out, and maintenance costs manageable. Its likely conservative sail plan and predictable handling are ideal for learning local wind patterns, sneaking into tighter harbors, and working tidal gates without drama. In a region where reliability matters as much as looks, this vintage design offers the comfort of a proven track record, with enough performance to keep passages engaging rather than exhausting.