Some Fun Details

Our search for the perfect boat took us to Cambridge, MD (for some entertainment, you could ask Charles about the multiple trips across the Bay Bridge) to see S/V Magic Kingdom. The boat was owned and loved for many years by a man in NJ, who clearly had a passion for her. We appreciate the care he took that made her the right fit for us. 

While she looked a little tired, all we could see was the strength and beauty beneath worn paint and tired teak. With the major systems all in working order and the known capabilities of this boat, along with some major recent work by the previous owner, we knew this was the one.

A few things that drew us to her were-- 

Her sea-worthiness, weight, and all fiberglass build (Capt. Charles)

Her spacious feel, ample storage, separate cabins, and separate shower room (Kat) 

Her updated chain plates, sails, and standing rig (both, but mostly Capt. Charles)

After a few months of rescheduled survey and sea trial dates, we finally got the stamp of approval from the surveyor that she was as solid as we thought she was. We closed March 31, 2026 and immediately began living aboard. We moved her from Cambridge to Deltaville, VA which will be our home for the summer while we work on her refit before going into the yard in September for some bottom paint and out of water repairs.

The past two months have seen lots of cleaning, plumbing projects, a new galley sink, one new head, and a new water heater-- just to name a few things. While doing all of this we are constantly imagining what else she wants from us and how to breathe fresh life into her while honoring her classic style.  We are so excited to get started!

Renaming a Boat

While it is sometimes frowned upon to rename a boat, we felt that this beauty deserved a new name for her new chapter with us. Officially we have already updated the name on the her documentation. When the refit is done, we will add her new name to the stern, after which we will complete the nautical ceremony to appease the sea gods and respect maritime traditions. 

Oh and of course we will post pictures.

According to the "world wide interwebs" (a favorite saying from Capt. Charles), specifically Google searches AI mode, here is a little general info on this boat--

The CSY 44 "Walkover" (also known as the mid-cockpit or walk-over cutter) is a rugged, heavy-displacement bluewater cruising sailboat designed in the late 1970s by Caribbean Sailing Yachts (CSY). It is celebrated for its tank-like build, massive interior volume, and exceptional safety in rough, open-ocean conditions. 

Core Specifications

• Designer: Frank Hamlin and Peter Schmitt

• LOA: 44'0" (13.41 m)

• Beam: 13'4" (4.06 m)

• Draft: 6'6" (1.98 m)

• Displacement: ~38,000 lbs (17236.51 kg)

• Rigging: Typically Cutter

Key Features

• The Walkover Layout: Because it is a center-cockpit boat, the main saloon and aft master stateroom are completely separated by the cockpit. To move between cabins, you must go outside and "walk over" the cockpit. This layout was originally engineered for the charter trade to provide maximum privacy between guests forward and the captain/crew aft.

• Bulletproof Construction: CSY was famous for overbuilding their boats to withstand the harsh Caribbean trade winds and groundings. The hull is made of extremely thick, hand-laid solid fiberglass (with no coring below the waterline).

• Engine Room & Workshop: A standout feature of the CSY 44 is its massive stand-up engine room, which provides excellent access to the inboard diesel and even includes a built-in workbench.

• Massive Galley: Originally designed to hold enough provisions for a two-week charter without shore power, the galley is equipped with a giant (roughly 10 cubic foot) top-loading refrigeration and freezer system.

• Ventilation: Designed for the tropics, the boat features abundant opening bronze ports and large hatches.

Sailing Characteristics

The CSY 44 is heavy and stiff, giving it an excellent righting capability and very comfortable motion in heavy seas. While it performs moderately well in moderate to strong breeze, its heavy displacement means it can be sluggish in light air. The cutter rig with a club-footed self-tending jib makes the sail plan easy to manage, even with a short-handed crew.