Our Golden Goose on the Water
We bought our beloved Ghostly Goose, a Hunter Legend 466 yacht, on Halloween – 31st October 2001. Her name was a playful nod to the date, but also to the unexpected windfall that made her possible. She was our “golden goose,” born from a successful business sale, and she truly became a gift that kept on giving.
We owned Ghostly Goose from new until 2022. She’s now moved on to a new life in Scotland with a new owner and a new name – Casper – but for us, she’ll always be The Goose.
From the moment we stepped aboard, it was clear she was designed for comfort, elegance, and serious cruising.
The Hunter Legend 466 is a stylish, well-appointed yacht built for long-distance sailing and living aboard. With her sleek lines, spacious layout, and all the mod cons you could want, she felt more like a floating apartment than a boat.
In our first two years together, we explored the Mediterranean in depth. We travelled through the French canals, hugged the coast of Corsica and Italy, and sailed the Greek Islands for two glorious seasons. After that, we brought her back to the UK and enjoyed coastal cruising in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and of course the diverse coastline of the UK – from the East Coast to the West Country. Those years were full of discovery, laughter, and lasting friendships. The Goose quickly gained a reputation as the “party boat”, and many a lively evening was spent with old friends and new, music playing, wine flowing, and the stars above.
Externally, the Hunter Legend 466 is unmistakable. She’s sleek and low-profile with a graceful, sweeping stern. Wide walkways offer safe and easy movement around the deck, and her roomy cockpit is perfect for lounging or dining alfresco. The helm is smartly designed, with everything at your fingertips and an autopilot system that makes handling her in challenging conditions a breeze.
Inside, she’s bright and airy. The main saloon is flooded with natural light from a large skylight and numerous windows. Plush seating and a generous layout made it a comfortable space to unwind, whether with guests or just the two of us. The galley was a joy to use, fully equipped with a large fridge and freezer, oven, stove, and even a microwave. The dining area easily seated six adults, making entertaining a real pleasure.
Accommodation was always a standout feature. She had three roomy staterooms, each with its own ensuite. The master cabin, located aft, offered a large island berth, lots of storage, and lovely natural light. The forward guest stateroom was equally comfortable, and the third cabin – with twin bunks – was perfect for children or extra guests.
Under power, the Yanmar diesel engine could push her along at around seven knots, and under sail she was a joy. With a powerful mainsail, roller furling genoa, and a spinnaker for lighter winds, she offered great performance in all conditions.
Owning Ghostly Goose was more than just owning a yacht – it was a chapter of our lives filled with adventure, connection, and freedom. She was our home, our escape, and our celebration of a dream realised. Though she now sails under a new name, the memories we made aboard her will always remain part of us.