Hero 114 CS

Escape is a Hero 114 CS (38 feet) from 1986, launched in 1992. She was designed by the renowned civil engineer Eivind Amble and built in Norway. From what we have been able to find out, only about 10 examples of the Hero 114 were ever built.

The boat’s design was the result of a competition in the Norwegian sailing magazine Seilas to create the ideal long-distance cruising yacht. The outcome was a boat that has safely and comfortably carried crews across oceans and around the world. For many years the Hero has been the dream boat for those who long for bluewater sailing. Many Norwegians have made that dream come true in a Hero — perhaps the most famous is Sorgenfri. Today several Heroes are out on long voyages; notable examples include Fatuhiva, Stabukk, and Sorgenfri on yet another adventure.

Our boat has previously completed long-distance voyages under the name Yr. She is solidly built in fibreglass with a moderate rig, fin keel, and excellent sailing characteristics and seakeeping abilities. Our boat has three cabins, and the interior is solidly finished in mahogany.

We purchased the boat in February 2024 and were fully aware that she needed some TLC to get her ready for long-distance cruising again. Like most boat projects, the to-do list seems to gain one or more new items every time we manage to tick something off.

Escape has been well maintained over the years. The engine was replaced in 2012 with a Vetus 4.17 and has now accumulated approximately 1,300 hours. New genoa in 2023 (we are unsure of the exact year the mainsail was replaced).

In recent years we have upgraded her with a complete new Raymarine electronics package: 9-inch Axiom chartplotter, Quantum 2 radar, i70s autopilot with wind, depth and speed instruments. She also has a 600 Ah lithium battery bank with Victron charger and battery monitoring system. We have replaced all the wiring and installed a new main electrical panel.