A legendary performance yacht with a racing soul has just changed hands — but the story behind it might surprise you.
The iconic 35-metre Green Marine sailing ketch Sojana has officially been sold, marking another chapter in the legacy of one of the most recognized high-performance yachts on the water. This impressive deal was orchestrated through the collaboration of two major industry figures: Nicolas Marchand from Bernard Gallay Yacht Brokerage, who represented the seller, and Hank Halsted from Northrop & Johnson, who introduced the new owner.
Launched in 2003, Sojana was born from a visionary design brief by the renowned Farr Yacht Design studio — a name synonymous with world-class racing performance. The goal? To craft the longest, fastest, and most powerful sailing yacht that could still be managed by an owner and a few capable friends, rather than requiring a large professional crew. In everyday use, Sojana cruises with just five core crew members, though she can swiftly be transformed into a full-fledged racing machine when the competition calls.
Her most recent asking price stood at €3,500,000 — a surprisingly accessible figure, considering her pedigree and nearly two-decade history of victories.
This yacht hasn’t just been maintained; she’s been continually reinvented. After undergoing a comprehensive cosmetic and technical refit in 2016, Sojana saw further extensive upgrades in 2022 and 2023. Highlights include a brand-new engine, freshly serviced generators, cutting-edge Hall Spars carbon rigging, North Sails 3Di wardrobe, and an advanced B&G H5000 navigation suite — all ensuring she remains at peak competitive and cruising performance. Simply put, this vessel is as modern under the hood as she is classic in style.
Built to dominate regattas, Sojana has a rich history of competition triumphs, famously excelling in celebrated events such as the St. Barths Bucket, Antigua Sailing Week, and the Palma Superyacht Cup. Under the ownership of the late Sir Peter Harrison — a highly respected name in the sailing community — she amassed a record of success that many yachts only dream of achieving.
Step inside, and the story shifts from raw power to traditional luxury. Designed by Ken Freivokh, Sojana’s interiors recall the golden era of yachting — rich mahogany paneling, gleaming gold-plated fixtures, and meticulously crafted details that balance elegance with comfort. Accommodation for eight guests is spread across four cabins, including two doubles, a twin, and a cozy “kids’ cabin,” while the master suite proudly takes position forward.
Her “warm and understated” main saloon invites relaxation, pairing built-in seating with soft sofas and a sunlit dining area perfect for post-regatta gatherings. Modern comforts such as air-conditioning, Apple TV, a SONOS sound system, and even an onboard sparkling water maker ensure no detail of contemporary luxury is overlooked — a refreshing blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.
According to BOATPro, Sojana has been available on the market since October 2023. The 124GT sailing yacht measures 7.7 metres across the beam and draws 4.5 metres. Her cruising speed under power is a steady 10 knots, though she’s famously “several knots faster” when her sails catch the wind — a testament to her enduring race-ready spirit.
So, while Sojana may have found a new home, her story is far from over. The question now is: will her new owner continue her competitive legacy on the regatta circuit, or take her in a completely new direction? After all, for a yacht of this caliber, merely sailing isn’t enough — it’s about making a statement.
What do you think? Should legendary yachts like Sojana remain on the racecourse or transition into the realm of private cruising? Share your thoughts — this is where opinions tend to divide among sailors and luxury enthusiasts alike.
