Achilles 7m

Does anyone have any information the Achilles 7m sailing yacht. I bought one secondhand recently but can't find any information about it. The particular boat is named Frantic and was built, I am told, in 1979. I am new to sailing so any information regarding setup greatly appreciated. Robert

They were built on the Gower coast by Butlers mouldings, and were a very popular boat in the 70's.

Designed by company owner Chris Butler, the Achilles in a fast seaworthy boat. One or two of them have made Trans Atlantic crossings.

The 24'version was superceeded by the 9M yacht which also sold very well untill the firm went bankrupt in the recession.

I believe that Chris Butler can still be contacted to answer the odd question, and I used to have the tel. no. However, I looked for it the other day but failed to locate it. If you wish to contact him I'll try again, or give you the E-MAil of my father who probably knows pretty much everything about the type himself.

Regards Gaz.

I have a Achilles 7 mtr they are as gareth states a fast boat. ¬There was approx 600 built and the first ones have three windows each side, but later ones after the first 50 had a one piece perspex window. There was also some modifications to the cockpit to create better sea keeping abilities. there also also been a article on it in the PBO. By the way there is no owners club as its been disbanded! Regards S.Richardson

I think that the 7m was an upgrade of the Achilles 24.

Had an Achilles 24 for 2years. Great boat, strong build, fast for size and steady in a sea, very well balanced with full Genoa & 2 reefs in a F7. Bit short on space but great value & cheap to maintain. Ideal starter boat. See Sailing Today report also, sometime in 1999.

We had a Achilles 24 in the 70's and it was a great boat. I thought that the 7m was a cut down 24 - built to conform with some handicap formula. Wasn't it also called the Achilles Sparta? Either way they are real yachts and a joy to sail! Peter