Irwin 52 Cutter Ketch “Parmelia”

Overview

An exceptional example of a much-loved cruising yacht, maintained with the care and attention more commonly associated with a professionally managed superyacht.

Parmelia is one of those rare yachts that has been more than simply owned — she has been cherished, meticulously maintained and entrusted from one custodian to the next.

Built by Irwin Yachts in Florida, Parmelia is a substantial 52-foot centre-cockpit ketch, offering traditional bluewater cruising capability, generous accommodation and the comfort of a well-equipped home afloat.

What sets Parmelia apart is the extraordinary standard of care she has received. Professionally maintained throughout much of her life, she has benefited from substantial investment in machinery, rigging, navigation equipment, onboard systems and presentation.

Her replacement Yanmar diesel engine has only 174 hours, complemented by a Cummins Onan generator with approximately 616.5 hours. Standing rigging has been replaced by S&H Spars in April 2022, with further upgrades including a replacement bowsprit, bow thruster, updated Raymarine electronics and cruising equipment.

Below decks, Parmelia offers the warmth of traditional timber joinery, a spacious saloon, generous galley, comfortable private accommodation and the practical amenities needed for extended cruising. Air conditioning, a watermaker, washer/dryer and substantial electrical systems contribute to a level of onboard comfort seldom encountered in yachts of this vintage.

Her extensive maintenance records, historic survey documentation and professionally managed upkeep form an important part of her story.

Parmelia deserves to be inspected by buyers who appreciate not only the quality of a well-found cruising yacht, but the dedication required to preserve one to this standard.

We are looking for Parmelia’s next custodian.

Inspection by appointment through Oceania Marine Australia.

Extensive Planned Maintenance & Upgrades | 2023-2024

Parmelia has benefited from a continuous programme of professional maintenance and improvement throughout her life, overseen by an experienced professional captain.

During 2023-2024, she underwent a particularly substantial programme of planned maintenance and upgrades, with significant investment across her rigging, electrical systems, navigation equipment, onboard comfort and safety systems.

Her electrical systems received extensive upgrades, alongside the installation of a new suite of Raymarine navigation equipment. New air-conditioning units were installed in 2023, servicing the aft state room, saloon & forward accommodation (2025). A new bow thruster was also fitted in 2023.

Safety improvements included the installation of a fixed FM200 gaseous fire suppression system in the engine room in April 2023.

Considerable attention was also given to her presentation, with extensive interior and exterior varnishing undertaken in 2023. Her underwater hull received antifouling in 2024, while further exterior teak varnishing was completed in October 2026.

This programme of work reflects the ongoing care and professional stewardship that distinguishes Parmelia from many cruising yachts of her generation.

Rather than a yacht requiring restoration, Parmelia represents an opportunity to acquire a substantially upgraded, professionally maintained cruising ketch, with an extensive history of ongoing investment and care.