There are cruising yachts designed primarily around interior volume and marina convenience, and then there are yachts whose character makes their purpose immediately apparent. PASSPORT, a 1987 Gozzard 36, belongs firmly in the latter category. With her pronounced clipper bow, bowsprit, cutter rig, sweeping traditional profile, extensive teak joinery, and distinctive butterfly hatches, she offers the character of a classic cruising yacht combined with a remarkably practical design for extended life aboard.

Designed by H. Ted Gozzard and built in Ontario, Canada by North Castle Marine, the Gozzard 36 developed a loyal following among cruising sailors for its substantial construction, handsome craftsmanship, shallow draft, and exceptionally versatile interior. At 36’9″ on deck and approximately 42 feet overall with bowsprit, PASSPORT has the presence and usable space of a considerably larger yacht while retaining dimensions that remain manageable for a cruising couple. Her substantial 12’6″ beam contributes to both interior volume and generous working space on deck, while a draft of approximately 4’9″ opens up cruising grounds and anchorages inaccessible to many comparably sized offshore sailboats.

Her cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan well suited to changing conditions. PASSPORT accommodates a huge amount of canvas with mainsail, genoa and staysail, a keel-stepped aluminum mast, and well-situated winches suitable for single-handers. 

On deck, the Gozzard’s traditional appearance is paired with a layout designed for practical seamanship. Wide side decks provide straightforward movement fore and aft, protected by stainless lifelines, teak handrails, and additional safety netting. Her substantial bowsprit and foredeck accommodate serious ground tackle, including Bruce and Delta anchors with chain, handled by a sturdy Lewmar windlass.

The cockpit is deep and secure, with protective coamings and substantial storage beneath the seating. At its center is one of the model’s characteristic features: an island-style cockpit pod ahead of the Edson steering pedestal that serves as a table and footrest while providing a practical mounting point for sail-handling hardware. A dodger and bimini provide protection from sun and weather, while the stern gate, swim ladder, and stainless dinghy davits make water access and tender handling straightforward.

PASSPORT is also equipped for cruising beyond the marina. A 10-foot Avon inflatable tender and 8hp Mercury outboard provide shore transportation, while an SK watermaker adds an important measure of independence in remote anchorages. Two solar panels provide 125 watts of renewable charging, supported by multiple house batteries, an inverter, battery charger, and solar regulator. For cooler climates or winter cruising, an Espar hydronic heater provides cabin heat.

Navigation and onboard electronics include a Garmin chartplotter/GPS, Raymarine autopilot, radar, Navman depth sounder, wind instrumentation, Standard Horizon VHF, compass, hailer, radar reflector, and barometer. A bow thruster further assists with close-quarters maneuvering – a notable convenience on a substantial displacement cruising yacht.

Below decks is where the Gozzard 36 becomes particularly distinctive!

The interior is richly finished in teak with a teak-and-holly cabin sole, delivering the warmth and craftsmanship increasingly difficult to find aboard modern production boats. Rather than dividing the available volume into permanently enclosed compartments, Gozzard created a flexible living arrangement that allows the interior to change according to how the yacht is being used.

The main saloon incorporates generous seating, abundant built-in cabinetry and a folding dining table, while the forward accommodation transforms from an expansive V-shaped lounge into a full-width queen sleeping berth. By day, this arrangement creates an unusually open interior for a 36-foot yacht; by night, it becomes a comfortable private sleeping area. A roomy quarter berth aft provides additional sleeping accommodation or a secure berth while underway.

The L-shaped galley is positioned to port and equipped for extended cruising with 12V refrigeration system, Force 10 propane stove with oven, pressurized hot and cold water, substantial counter space, and extensive cabinetry. Opposite the companionway is a dedicated navigation station with the vessel’s electrical systems and instrumentation conveniently at hand.

The enclosed head is located immediately to port of the companionway and incorporates a composting toilet and shower, eliminating the need for a conventional holding tank. Multiple opening aluminum-framed portlights, two traditional butterfly hatches, screened openings, and the ventilated companionway provide excellent natural airflow for cruising warmer climates.

For sailors who value traditional yacht character but still want the equipment and practicality required for real cruising, PASSPORT occupies an appealing middle ground. She offers substantial construction, shallow draft, a versatile cutter rig, unusually flexible accommodations, extensive storage, watermaker, renewable charging, heating, tender package, capable ground tackle, and a meaningful offshore safety inventory in a manageable 36-foot platform.

Located in the Sea of Cortez, PASSPORT is already positioned in one of Mexico’s outstanding cruising regions. Whether the next owner intends to explore Mexico’s remote anchorages, cruise the Pacific coast, live aboard seasonally, or prepare for longer passages, this Gozzard 36 offers a distinctive and increasingly uncommon combination of traditional craftsmanship, cruising practicality, and unmistakable character.

Design Highlights

• H. Ted Gozzard-designed traditional cutter
• Approximately 42 ft overall including bowsprit
• Substantial 12’6″ beam
• Approximately 4’9″ draft for access to shallower cruising grounds
• Wide side decks with stainless lifelines, teak handrails, and safety netting
• Deep, protected cockpit with substantial storage
• Fold-down stern access and swim ladder
• Stainless-steel dinghy davits
• Rich teak interior with teak-and-holly cabin sole
• Signature convertible forward saloon/queen-berth arrangement
• Large aft quarter berth
• Composting toilet with onboard shower
• Opening portlights with screens and curtains
• Two traditional wood butterfly hatches

Equipment Highlights

• Raymarine and Garmin electronics 
• Bow thruster
• Lewmar electric anchor windlass
• 44 lb Bruce anchor + 50 lb Delta anchor with chain and rode
• Dodger and bimini in good repair
• 10 ft Avon inflatable dinghy
• 2007 Mercury 8hp outboard
• SK watermaker
• 125W solar array with regulator
• Multiple Group 27 house batteries
• Inverter and battery charger
• Espar hydronic cabin heating
• Adler Barbour 12V refrigeration
• Force 10 two-burner propane stove with oven
• Revere four-person Offshore Elite liferaft
• Standing and running rigging reported in good condition