I have been the proud, privileged owner of Toroa, a classic Rustler 31, for the past 5 years.  I wanted a strong, weather friendly boat I could sail single or short-handed.  An encapsulated hull, long-keel for strength were important to me as were windvane and autohelm steering for ease of solo travel.  

Her bigger brother, the Rustler 36, has an enviable reputation for Golden Globe circumnavigations etc but I felt the smaller version would have the same characteristics but could better suit my short-handed sailing aspirations.

I wasn’t wrong!

Toroa had it all, ready to go – it still has.  We met and sealed the deal just days before COVID restrictions were imposed in the UK.

She lived in Dartmouth for many years and had been extremely well kitted out by her then owner, who sailed the AZAB (Azores and Back race).  Her last owner added important items including the current anchor and chain (superb holding) and both the self-steering mechanisms.

To be honest, I have been the least adventurous of the past three owners. 

I wish it could have been different but while an experienced sailor, this has been my first ownership. Together we have explored the South-West Coastline over the past 5+ years.  A single-handed Channel crossing in 2023 was a highlight and the Jester (single-handed) Challenge 2025 to Southern Ireland was beckoning when recent events placed some doubt on my ability to use the boat sufficiently, if at all, in the 2025 season. 

So, reluctantly, she is up for sale. 

I am hoping someone with a sense of adventure who is looking for a ready-to-go inshore and offshore cruiser might find her just the boat they are looking for.

This webpost is in part a record of our time together and in part a paean to what was and what might yet have been.  In it you will find (follow the links):

• A brief history and maintenance/ service outline.
• A gallery (though regrettably not of her under sail, a problem for the single-hander and non-drone-user!).
• A detailed inventory