GRETCHEN - 1981 Islander 36

A San Francisco Bay Sailing Classic - Beautifully Maintained, Thoughtfully Improved, and Powered by an Exceptionally Low-Hour Yanmar Diesel

Some sailboats come and go. Others earn a lasting place in sailing history. The Islander 36 is one of those exceptional designs.

Designed by renowned naval architect Alan Gurney and built in California by Islander Yachts, the Islander 36 has enjoyed an enthusiastic following for more than five decades. With approximately 770 built, the Islander 36 has become one of San Francisco Bay's most recognizable and respected racer-cruisers, celebrated for her handsome lines, rewarding sailing performance, and comfortable cruising accommodations.

GRETCHEN is a particularly appealing example, combining the timeless qualities of this celebrated design with substantial owner investment, recent upgrades, and an exceptionally low-hour diesel engine.

A Classic with Modern Advantages

One of GRETCHEN's most desirable features is her 2019 Yanmar 30 HP diesel engine with just 64 verified total hours. The engine had only 23 hours when her current owner purchased the vessel in March 2023. Serviced in 2026, this modern, low-hour diesel represents a significant advantage for buyers considering a classic sailing yacht.

Since purchasing GRETCHEN, her current owner has invested approximately $16,000 in repairs, restoration, and improvements, including extensive cosmetic and maintenance work completed in 2023.

Additional improvements include a 2025 bottom job with special protective coating treatment to the keel, a new Ritchie marine compass installed in 2025, representing an investment of approximately $1,000, and replacement of all five onboard batteries in July 2026.

These investments complement the Islander 36's enduring reputation as a rewarding sailing yacht with comfortable cruising accommodations.

Designed for the Waters of San Francisco Bay

The Islander 36 earned her reputation where sailing conditions can be both exhilarating and demanding. Her substantial keel, balanced sail plan, and responsive helm provide the kind of confident, rewarding sailing experience that has made this design a favorite among Bay sailors for generations.

Whether sailing across the Bay on a breezy summer afternoon, participating in club racing, or enjoying a relaxed weekend cruise, the Islander 36 offers a wonderful balance of performance, comfort, and traditional sailing character.

Her spacious cockpit provides an inviting setting for sailing with friends and family, while her sloop rig makes her equally attractive to experienced sailors seeking a capable and enjoyable cruising yacht.

A Surprisingly Spacious and Inviting Interior

Step below and discover another reason for the Islander 36's enduring popularity.

Large cabin windows fill the salon with natural light, creating an open, welcoming atmosphere rarely found aboard sailing yachts of this vintage.

Comfortable port and starboard settees provide generous seating, while the folding salon table stows away to create additional living space.

The practical galley is conveniently located to starboard of the companionway, with a three-burner propane stove and oven, refrigeration, stainless steel sink, and ample storage.

Opposite the galley is a dedicated navigation station with additional storage and access to the aft quarter berth.

Forward accommodations include a private V-berth cabin, hanging locker, and enclosed head with shower.

With approximately 6'4" of headroom, GRETCHEN offers comfortable accommodations for extended weekends, coastal cruising, or simply relaxing aboard after a rewarding day under sail.

Recent Improvements and Notable Equipment

• 2019 Yanmar 30 HP diesel - just 64 verified total hours

• Engine serviced in 2026

• All five onboard batteries replaced - July 2026

• 2025 bottom job with specialized protective keel coating

• 2025 Ritchie marine compass - approximately $1,000 investment

• Approximately $16,000 in repairs and improvements completed in 2023

• Hull professionally polished and waxed

• Exterior striping renewed

• Cabin windows removed, resealed, and reinstalled

• Interior wood repairs and refinishing

• Keel-stepped mast and sloop rig

• 6-foot draft, confirmed by owner

• Roller-furling headsail

• Raymarine autopilot

• Furuno radar

• VHF radio with AIS

• Harken traveler and Garhauer boom vang

An Enduring Classic, Ready for Her Next Chapter

There is a reason so many Islander 36s continue to sail the waters of San Francisco Bay. They offer something increasingly difficult to find: genuine sailing performance, practical cruising comfort, timeless good looks, and an enthusiastic community of owners.

GRETCHEN combines these enduring qualities with an exceptionally low-hour Yanmar diesel, five new batteries, recent underwater maintenance, and substantial owner improvements.

For the sailor seeking a proven Bay cruiser with character, capability, and a proud sailing heritage, GRETCHEN deserves a closer look.

Contact Rubicon Yachts to arrange your personal inspection of GRETCHEN.