An OverSailed restoration project
Schelin Cruiser No. 16 · Built in Sweden, 1971
An old yacht, four friends and a new chapter under sail. We are restoring Gracil, a classic Swedish yawl, and documenting the work that will bring her back to sea.
Scenes from our other voyages: a reminder of why we want to get Gracil sailing again. Select a photograph to view it full size.
The boat and her story
Gracil is hull No. 16 of the Schelin Cruiser design, built in 1971 with a glass-reinforced plastic hull. Her narrow lines and long overhangs give her the unmistakable appearance of a Scandinavian yacht from her era.
Designed by Oscar Schelin, the Schelin Cruiser first appeared in 1964. The earliest boats were wooden; the design later moved into fibreglass production. Gracil was subsequently converted to a yawl, with an additional mizzen mast, and also carries a bowsprit.
She has a racing past as well as a cruising one. Plaques still fixed in her saloon record participation in Swedish regattas: small traces of a sailing life we hope to continue.
We bought her in spring 2026, after two seasons ashore. Under the old coatings we found that the work went much deeper than a fresh coat of paint. Since then, our time has gone into stripping the hull, investigating its condition and taking apart the machinery.
Our aim is to preserve her character while rebuilding the systems needed for dependable cruising. We want to understand the boat we sail, from the laminate and keel attachment to the engine and electrical installation.
| Length overall | 10.50 m |
|---|---|
| Waterline length | 7.40 m |
| Beam | 2.72 m |
| Draft | 1.42 m |
| Displacement | 4,500 kg |
| Ballast | 2,130 kg |
| Original rig | Masthead sloop |
| Designer | Oscar Schelin |
Source: Sailboatdata: Schelin Cruiser. These are model specifications, not a current measurement or weighing of Gracil. Her later modifications and cruising equipment may change her overall dimensions and displacement.
Work in progress
The refit covers the structure, machinery and everyday systems. Hull preparation and engine work have already begun; the remaining systems form the next part of the project. This overview reflects our plans and progress in October 2026.
Removing the old antifouling and epoxy coatings exposed widespread small areas of osmosis damage, along with cracked gelcoat above the waterline. Preparation and fairing are underway before a new protective coating system is applied.
The keel attachment needs careful attention: inspection has revealed deterioration in some of the studs. The refit also includes reviewing the underwater fittings and replacing ageing through-hulls and seacocks.
We are rebuilding the Volvo Penta MD2B rather than replacing it. The work includes dismantling and inspecting the engine, with attention to the cylinder heads, injectors, cooling system and wet exhaust installation.
A new 12 V installation is being planned around clear distribution, suitable circuit protection and battery monitoring. Charging arrangements will bring together the engine, shore power and solar generation.
Freshwater, drainage and sanitation systems are part of the overhaul. Inside, the focus is on ventilation, insulation and practical storage, while keeping the atmosphere of a classic yacht.
The deck hardware, standing and running rigging, bowsprit and mizzen installation will be inspected before the boat returns to sailing. The aim is to retain her distinctive appearance with reliable, practical equipment.
We bought Gracil and began finding out what it would take to return her to the water.
Stripping coatings, sanding the hull and dismantling the engine turned an ambitious idea into a hands-on restoration.
Complete the repairs, rebuild the systems and test the boat before setting out on new voyages.
Visit our updates for news from the project, or join us on Discord to talk about the boat. If you know the Schelin Cruiser design, have old photographs or recognise Gracil from her Swedish sailing years, we would love to hear from you.
Support helps us with the materials, parts and practical work behind the restoration. Advice, knowledge of the design and useful contacts are welcome too.