1980 East Coast 31 – “Panache”
Peter Cole–designed sloop, refitted and well maintained, with a new engine under warranty
Overview
Panache is a 1980 East Coast 31, designed by Peter Cole and built by East Coast Yachts of Gosford. They became popular for their strength, seaworthiness and high standard of original equipment and fit-out. Panache has had major upgrades to her sails, engine and rigging since 2021.
Recent Upgrades
Engine and Propulsion
New Beta 25 HP diesel, installed by Beta Diesel Australia in December 2021
Serviced annually by Beta Diesel Australia since purchase
5-year warranty remains in place until December 2026
New propeller (2022)Sails and Deck Gear (Oct–Dec 2021)
New mainsail with boom brake and new halyard
New jib (genoa) with new halyard, sheets and furler
New boom bag and lazy jacks
New jammers
New bimini and dodger
Rigging and Electronics (April 2024)
New standing rigging and backstay adjuster by Roni Rigging
New LED lighting, including navigation, deck and steaming lights
New wind meters and mast cabling, restoring full function to the Raymarine wind instruments
Accommodation
Double V-berth in the bow
Enclosed head behind the V-berth, port side
U-shaped saloon settee with dining table, port side
Single settee berth with additional upper bunk, starboard side
Compact U-shaped galley aft of the settee, port side
Navigation station opposite the galley, starboard side
Single aft quarter berth behind the nav station
Maintenance History
Panache has been antifouled every 12 months since purchase, and her engine has been serviced every 12 months. Servicing was more frequent early in the engine’s life to meet warranty requirements. Between antifouls she has had regular diver cleans, on average every two months. The hull has been well looked after.
Vessel Specifications
Name Panache
Type / Design
East Coast 31, designed by Peter Cole
Rig Sloop-rigged sailing yacht
Builder East Coast Yachts, Gosford (no longer operating)
Year Built / Launched 1980
Construction Solid GRP hull and deck; timber bulkheads, foam stringers and internal liners
Registration No. JB962N
Sail Number 444
LOA 9.54 m (31.3 ft)
Beam 3.14 m (10.4 ft)
Draft 1.7 m (5.7 ft)
Design Displacement 4,318 kg (9,500 lb)
Ballast 2,180 kg (4,800 lb)
Why Panache?
The East Coast 31 has a good reputation and a proven hull. This one comes with the big-ticket items already done: sails, rigging, engine and electrics. A 31-footer with this much recent work is hard to find. She suits a first-time yacht owner or an experienced sailor looking for a capable cruiser.

1980 East Coast 31 – “Panache”
Peter Cole–designed sloop, refitted and well maintained, with a new engine under warranty
Overview
Panache is a 1980 East Coast 31, designed by Peter Cole and built by East Coast Yachts of Gosford. They became popular for their strength, seaworthiness and high standard of original equipment and fit-out. Panache has had major upgrades to her sails, engine and rigging since 2021.
Recent Upgrades
Engine and Propulsion
New Beta 25 HP diesel, installed by Beta Diesel Australia in December 2021
Serviced annually by Beta Diesel Australia since purchase
5-year warranty remains in place until December 2026
New propeller (2022)Sails and Deck Gear (Oct–Dec 2021)
New mainsail with boom brake and new halyard
New jib (genoa) with new halyard, sheets and furler
New boom bag and lazy jacks
New jammers
New bimini and dodger
Rigging and Electronics (April 2024)
New standing rigging and backstay adjuster by Roni Rigging
New LED lighting, including navigation, deck and steaming lights
New wind meters and mast cabling, restoring full function to the Raymarine wind instruments
Accommodation
Double V-berth in the bow
Enclosed head behind the V-berth, port side
U-shaped saloon settee with dining table, port side
Single settee berth with additional upper bunk, starboard side
Compact U-shaped galley aft of the settee, port side
Navigation station opposite the galley, starboard side
Single aft quarter berth behind the nav station
Maintenance History
Panache has been antifouled every 12 months since purchase, and her engine has been serviced every 12 months. Servicing was more frequent early in the engine’s life to meet warranty requirements. Between antifouls she has had regular diver cleans, on average every two months. The hull has been well looked after.
Vessel Specifications
Name Panache
Type / Design
East Coast 31, designed by Peter Cole
Rig Sloop-rigged sailing yacht
Builder East Coast Yachts, Gosford (no longer operating)
Year Built / Launched 1980
Construction Solid GRP hull and deck; timber bulkheads, foam stringers and internal liners
Registration No. JB962N
Sail Number 444
LOA 9.54 m (31.3 ft)
Beam 3.14 m (10.4 ft)
Draft 1.7 m (5.7 ft)
Design Displacement 4,318 kg (9,500 lb)
Ballast 2,180 kg (4,800 lb)
Why Panache?
The East Coast 31 has a good reputation and a proven hull. This one comes with the big-ticket items already done: sails, rigging, engine and electrics. A 31-footer with this much recent work is hard to find. She suits a first-time yacht owner or an experienced sailor looking for a capable cruiser.
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Whist we try to be as accurate as possible for the descriptions we are not responsible for items, nor do we warrant any items, so we encourage you to inspect & survey the vessel.