6th March: Seatern Leaves!

I offered Seatern for sale in April 2025 using Swallow Yachts as brokers, and throughout the summer various people came to view Seatern, some more than once.  I probably should have used other means to advertise Seatern, such as Apollo Duck and local facebook pages, but I was reticent to do so; perhaps a reluctance to part ways?

However a major problem in selling Seatern was the lack of a trailer (which was stolen in 2021) and the fact that it would take about 4 weeks to get one made.  So although there was some interest, each time the potential buyer decided against.  For each viewing I would clean Seatern down and, since there was hardly any rain during the summer, seagull droppings constantly needed removing!

On 22nd September, Lara at Swallow Yachts put me in touch with a German couple who were definitely interested.  However for various reasons they could not view Seatern until the 27th November when they came to Southampton for two days.  I was aware that, apart from having to buy a road trailer, they would have to pay VAT on importing Seatern into Germany and, together with the ferry expenses,  that would add significantly to cost of buying Seatern.  Thus, when they returned the second day it happened to be “Black Friday” and I made them a special offer which reduced the asking price significantly and they were happy to agree.

To avoid paying VAT on a new trailer both in the UK and again in Germany, they had a trailer constructed in Germany. Originally it was to be delivered towards the end of January with Seatern collected on the 13th February but delivery was delayed.  Finally Seatern was collected on the 6th March.  Since the buyer wished to come from Germany, put Seatern on the new trailer, and return the same day (!)  I did as muuch preparation as possible in advance.  All went reasonably well although it was a struggle getting the new trailer to fit Seatern, not helped by very heavy rain during the whole time we were doing it!