LEVI CORSAIR
BUILT: 2013 PRICE: £175,000
In over a decade as a marine journalist I’ve tested hundreds of new boats. And in my house hangs a single framed photograph of me driving one of them. Frozen in time, a brand new Levi Corsair hangs in the air, propellers completely clear of the water. There are two reasons why that particular boat test is immortalised; it was one of the best driving experiences of my life, and in my opinion it’s the most beautiful boat in the world.
INTERIOR
Built in Venice, each Corsair takes eight artisans about five months to create. Mass production this is not. And it’s inside where this is most evident.
Lovingly lacquered mahogany and thick sumptuous leather is lit by carefully inset strips of LED lighting. Based on a design from the 1960s, there are vee berths forward and a small dinette opposite the galley as well as a separate heads.
EXTERIOR
A Corsair 27 won the 1963 Cowes-torquay before being developed as a sportscruiser. This current model is less a homage to that boat and more of a copy. It’s why the cabin top is low, the side decks wide and the sheer line to die for. Back in the cockpit, there are a pair of helm seats plus a deep, wide seat above the engines back aft. Complicated it’s not. Elegant it most certainly is.
PERFORMANCE
About the only aspect that has changed significantly is the motive power. In the 1960s, twin 150hp petrol
LOA 27ft 0in (8.2m) Beam 9ft 0in (2.7m) Draught 2ft 7in (0.8m) Displacement 5.4 tonnes Fuel capacity 540 litres Engines Twin VW Marine 265hp diesel engines engines were virtually race spec. This boat sports a pair of VW Marine 265hp V6 diesel engines. It’s why the original did about 30 knots, and this one does 45.
SEAKEEPING
Wessex Marine (importer of the Corsair) boss David Adams is a very experienced ex-powerboat racer, which is why I took his advice and hit the big waves off Poole at 30 knots when I tested it back in 2013. As we hung in the air for a sickening second after clearing the first aquatic ramp I thought we were about to break something, possibly me, but it landed as sweetly as an ice skater and begged for more. Fantastic!
FOR SALE Global Yacht Brokers www.globalyachtbrokers.co.uk