Danish Topsail Schooner

Wooden Ships Comments on this Danish Topsail Schooner

Built in Denmark by Ustrup of Vejle in 1934.

Originally built as a fishing vessel for gill net fishing, she is typical of the Danish designed vessels of the period with a bluff bow, sweeping sheer line and an elegant elliptical counter stern.  Launched with the name MIAS, she worked out of Hvide Sande with the fishing number RI100.  Sold to the UK in 1979 where she fished out of Sunderland, before moving to Maryport in 1987.  She continued fishing until purchased by the present owners in 1996.

Converted to her current configuration by her shipwright owner between 1996-2000, she carries an eye catching topsail schooner rig and has an MCA Category 2 commercial licence for 12 persons.  During the initial conversion all her hull fastenings were doubled up with approximately 10% of the oak hull planking replaced along with most of the deck beams, carlins and then a new deck laid.

Very nicely fitted out below decks with 8 berths including 2 doubles and 4 singles.  Laminated teak bath in the heads compartment.

She has cruised over the last 25 years as a family boat and as a charter vessel, exploring the Irish Sea, Scotland, Ireland and Brittany.

A superb little ship that doesn’t need a large crew to handle her, ideal for continued charter work or sailing as a private yacht.  She has excelled appearing in various films and TV productions with her rig making her very attractive to the productions crews looking for something a bit special.  She also has the visual impact to command appearance fees for the various boat festivals around the UK where she is a regular attendee.

Length on Deck                          47’

Length Overall                           62’

Beam                                            14’6”

Draft                                             6’6”

Air draft                                       50’

Displacement                              41.9 tonnes

Sail Area                                      11340sqft