Earth Whispers

by Tim Keyes member of the Mid-Atlantic chapter

Earth Whispers is a French yacht built in 1975 by Nautic Saintonge. The Rorqual 44 CC ketch rig was designed as a performance sailing vessel. The company ceased operations in 1993, however, there are still a small number of this design in existence, mostly in Europe in and around the Mediterranean. The Rorqual P73 is the first fiberglass hull built based on their wooden hull design and this is the only one currently residing in the United States.

Earth Whispers is of classic design constructed of solid fiberglass laminate hull and recently restored core fiberglass deck and cabin top. This yacht is Ketch rigged with a displacement hull, modified fin keel and skeg hung rudder. Safety on deck is accentuated by a NuTeak deck, coachroof handrails, and perimeter double lifelines. All deck hardware is stainless steel and aluminum. The cockpit is wraparound coaming with wheel steering. The interior is accessed from the cockpit through the companionway. At bow is the guest cabin. Aft is the salon with port settee and starboard dinette and table. Aft to port is the galley with marble countertop, stove/oven, stainless steel sink and refrigerator/freezer/icebox. To starboard is the navigation station followed by the walk-through giving access to the master cabin and enclosed head/shower. Multiple overhead hatches provide natural ventilation and light. There is ample 12-volt overhead LED lighting. The interior joinery and finish is teak at the bulkheads and partitions and sole. Auxiliary power is a Perkins 4-236 80 Hp diesel engine. Approximate cruising speed under sail or power is 8 knots.

Over the past three and a half years this vessel has undergone a complete restoration of all systems including plumbing and tanks, all electrical systems, engine rebuild, propane system, electronics, hydraulic steering, all standing and running rigging, sails and a complete refit of the deck, deck fittings and hull including thru-hulls and the bonding system. The hull and topside have also been painted royal blue and cloud white with two gold boot stripes. The interior woodwork and cabin layout has been restored and refinished by the owners.

Earth Whispers
LOA: 43′ 8″ feet
BEAM: 11′ 9″ feet
DRAFT: 6 feet 8 inches
DISPLACEMENT: 12 Tons
SAIL AREA: 1025.81 Square Feet
WATER: 110 Gallons
DIESEL: 75 Gallons
ENGINE: 80 Horsepower Perkins
ELECTRONICS:
Garmin 7607 GPS – Chartplotter, interface: Radar, depth and autopilot
Garmin Autopilot Hydraulic SmartPump
Garmin GMR Radar / Garmin Wind Transducer / VHF / Compass