Serendipity 43
Serendipity 43 is a boat that was designed by Doug Peterson to compete in ocean racing in 1980. Characterized by the use of kevlar composites and cutting-edge equipment, Serendipity boats have taken top honors in several big races over the years, including Scarlett O'Hara's big win at the 1983 SORC.
All hulls for the Serendipity were molded at the now defunct New Orleans Marine. Most hulls were shipped to Serendipity Marine in California, hence the name "Serendipity 43". Outfitting ranged from outright racing yachts while others were modified to be highly competitive racer/cruisers. Some hulls were purchased by individuals who outfitted the boat themselves. A number of hulls were shipped to Palmer Johnson in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to be outfitted as luxurious racer/cruisers. Palmer Johnson unsuccessfully attempted to build these one-design racer/cruisers as a modern alternative to the New York 40.
The Serendipity 43 was a particularly well-designed medium displacement IOR racer. They were also well build with a large percentage of them still being cruised (some around the world) and raced 30+ years after their launch.
Sources
- The Serendipity 43 Fleet at Blogspot
- Personal experience with the owner of "Fruition" a new Palmer Johnson outfitted Serendipity 43 in 1981 and purchaser of her from that owner in 1996