1987 German Frers Mini Maxi 78ft, EUR 459 000

German Frers Mini Maxi 78ft Cannonball from 1987

The 78-foot IMS Mini Maxi Cannonball is a truly iconic sailing yacht, designed by German Frers and built in
aluminium, combining legendary race performance with proven offshore capability. Her racing heritage is
exceptional: Cannonball is a winner of the Newport–Bermuda Race and a strong competitor at the Maxi World Championships, sailed by some of the most renowned skippers and tacticians of her generation. Her remarkable story even extends beyond the sailing world, with an appearance in the Hollywood film Masquerade. After her competitive racing career, Cannonball was carefully transformed into a fast, powerful and comfortable yacht, retaining her Mini Maxi DNA while becoming well suited for long-distance cruising. The yacht has benefited from continuous investment and a series of substantial refits over the years. In 2015 the engine was relocated to achieve perfect balance, hydraulic winches were installed, the electrical systems were renewed and the hull was repainted.
In 2019 the Yanmar main engine underwent a complete overhaul. Further upgrades followed in 2020, including a new synthetic deck on part of the yacht, a new rudder, new bowsprit, a new jet bow thruster and a full repaint. Most recently, in 2024, Cannonball received new through-hulls, a new shaft seal and a completely new set of Rolly Tasker sails. The current owners have sailed Cannonball extensively, covering impressive sea miles and cruising areas including Australia, Indonesia, South Africa and the Caribbean. These voyages are a testament to her strength, speed and comfort on long passages, and have created a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Today, Cannonball is fully prepared for her next chapter. She represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine German Frers Mini Maxi with outstanding race credentials, extensive blue-water experience and a carefully upgraded configuration, ready for new adventures with her next owner.