SV Mango has been around the world twice and a half. I have no idea how many miles she has under her keel, but surely it is a happy keel that has seen the full spectrum of blue.

Mango a classic 1969 Pearson 43′, a new point of departure.

The Pearson 43 is a classic fiberglass sailboat designed by William “Bill” Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts in the United States. Production ran from approximately 1968 to 1972, with sources varying slightly on the exact start year (some cite 1968, others 1969) and end year (1971 or 1972). It was introduced as a flagship model during a transitional period in yacht design, bridging the Cruising Club of America (CCA) rating rule and the emerging International Offshore Rule (IOR). The design emphasized offshore capability, balancing racing performance with cruising comfort. Approximately 45 to 150 units were built (estimates vary), making it relatively rare today. Shaw, who joined Pearson in 1964 as Chief Architect, tank-tested the hull at the Stevens Institute of Technology, resulting in a stable, maneuverable boat with low resistance and a clean flat wake. It was marketed as a “new point of departure” for Pearson, suitable for both competitive racing and family cruising to distant destinations. The model was trend-setting in the late 1960s and early 1970s, focusing on light-air performance and luxurious liveaboard features.

1969 – A New Point of Departure

Home at Sea

You have to sail this magnificent yacht and feel the way she moves through the water to fully appreciate what a great design really means. We call her a trend-setter — a point of departure for designs to come — a fix from which the industry will take its future course.

Designed by Bill Shaw and tank-tested at Stevens Institute, Mango (Pearson 43, Hull #10) is remarkably stable and maneuverable with very low resistance and a clean flat wake. Her sail area to wetted surface ratio is high and her waterline length gives her the long, loping stride and grace of a much larger boat.

For the cruising sailor, her broad beam, relatively short ends, large cockpit, and strong fiberglass construction provide exceptional room, comfort, and luxurious accommodations normally ascribed only to personally designed custom yachts.

I am going to start using this page to document everything I can learn about this amazing boat and her journey around the world.