Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah

AboutBlue Zulu III: A Unique Shuttleworth Ocean Cheetah 37 Catamaran

Blue Zulu III (ex Da Cheetah) is one of only two Shuttleworth-designed Ocean Cheetah 37 catamarans ever built, an incredibly rare and distinctive vessel.

After purchasing Blue Zulu III in Fareham, the previous owners undertook a series of important upgrades to prepare her for safe, offshore sailing. These included fitting a new mast, upgrading the engines, and enhancing the onboard systems to a seaworthy standard, enabling a successful passage to Troon, Scotland. Since then, Da Cheetah has cruised extensively along Scotland’s west coast, exploring both the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Above deck, Blue Zulu III has benefitted from several improvements:

• Mainsail control system upgraded with a full-width track

• New standing rigging stainless

• Safety rail installed on the transom

• Stern steps modified for better access

• Hydraulic steering system re-routed out of sight, fitted with an autohelm

• Custom binnacle added, creating a service area and mounting surface for navigation instruments

• Winches enhanced, including additions for handling a Parasailor

• Solar panels installed with two controllers—one for each domestic battery bank

• UPS units added to protect the heating system from power cuts when on shore power

• Sonic antifouling system fitted

Interior Features

The interior of Blue Zulu III was completely rebuilt as part of her transformation from a project boat to a fully functional, comfortable cruiser.

• Lightweight Cellite honeycomb panels were used throughout, shaped to match the hull curves and maximise space.

• Two heads compartments, one in each hull, were added.

• The saloon features large panoramic windows, seating for eight, and an integrated chart table.

• The galley, built on a raised mezzanine, maintains headroom while keeping the lower hulls fully usable.

• Two double aft cabins are fitted with sprung wooden bed slats and thick foam mattresses for maximum comfort.

While the rebuild prioritised functionality and seaworthiness, some cosmetic elements remain unfinished. The headlinings and wall linings still need to be fitted, and some saloon soft furnishings could be refreshed.

Ready for the Next Chapter

Despite these minor cosmetic tasks, Blue Zulu III is a well-equipped, comfortable, and capable catamaran, ready for a new owner to complete her finishing touches and continue her adventures.

The interior uses cellite honeycomb panels curved to follow the hull shapes to maximise space and, crucially, this has kept the weight down, essential to maintain the performance advantage of the trade-mark Shuttleworth flared hulls, which also allow wider accommodation than in the hulls of comparable-length cats.

The spacious accommodation is well-suited to long-distance cruising and/or living aboard.  Above decks, the provision of steps moulded into the cockpit, well-placed grab handles, guard-rails and pushpits all contribute to safety afloat for both children and those with limited mobility.

Accommodation

• 4 Double Cabins (including 1 forward cabin currently without a mattress, intended as a workshop space)

• 2 Heads Compartments (one in each hull, with manual toilets)

Bridgedeck Saloon:

• Galley up, with standing headroom (6’+)

• Saloon seating, cream vinyl/foam upholstery

• Chart table

General Equipment

Galley: Gas oven, grill, and hob

Heating: Eberspächer diesel-fuelled central heating (separate systems in each hull)

Electrical Systems:

• • 12V House Batteries: 4 x 120Ah Leoch AGM (2 per hull, separate systems, with battery monitors)

  • Engine Batteries: 2 x Odyssey PC 925

  • Inverter: 500W

  • 12V Sockets: 4

  • Solar Panels: 4 (mounted on davits, controllers port & starboard)

  • LED Interior Lighting

  • Shore Power

  • 1 x UPS Unit (replaced 2025)

Sails, Spars & Rigging

Mast: Z-Spars (2008), fractional double diamond rig with two spreaders (450mm reduction from original spec, as per designer)

Standing Rigging: Replaced 2024, stainless, 2mm above recommended spec

Mainsail: Flew Sails (2008) – Condition: Good

Genoa: Flew Sails (2008) – Condition: Good (roller furling, UV strip replaced 2025)

Spinnaker: Parasailor (2014) – Condition: Very Good, little used

Running Rigging:

• • Redesigned in 2010 with full-width track

  • Mainsail halyard replaced 2015 (Dyneema)

  • Other lines updated as needed

Sail Cover: Repaired 2025 (with spare cover included)

Electronics

• Raymarine:

  • Log/Speed

  • Depth

  • Wind Speed

  • Autopilot

  • GPS/Plotter

• VHF

Safety & Miscellaneous

Anchoring: Fortress anchor with manual windlass, chain and rope rode; spare anchor included

Radar Reflector

Navigation Lights: Deck-level starboard green missing/broken

Manual Compass