McGruer Bermudan Ketch

Wooden Ships Comments on this McGruer Bermudan Ketch

Designed by Ewing McGruer and built by McGruers of Clynder on the Clyde, Scotland in 1929.

This yacht was built for a Dr Carslaw, a founding member of the Clyde Cruising Club and launched as Rowan 11 in 1929. Dr Carslaw had 2 boats built by McGruers and wrote about his sailing exploits around the West Coast of Scotland with his 4 yachts in a lovely little book – Leaves from Rowan’s Log.

Rowan IV, Carslaws last boat, shares a recognisable feature with Rowan II, the dog-house, which is not typical of McGruer’s work and must have been a special request from Dr Carslaw on both yachts. One can understand that the dog-house on both boats must have been a great advantage sailing in the Scottish climate.

Sold by Wooden Ships to the last 3 owners, we have seen her undergo various refits and repairs which have all helped bring her up to the standard she is today.

A detailed survey was carried out in 2019 and substantial structural repairs done by an experienced yard following this survey.  Work included new keel bolts, lots of re-fastening and a replacement engine.

The current owner continued this work with a virtually new interior, new rigging

At 11 TM (Thames Tonnes) this is a spacious and very sweet yacht with a fine bow and an elegant elliptical counter stern.  The work done recently has been a huge benefit to her longevity and she is now in fine order and ready for her next custodian.

Length on deck                          38’

Lwl                                                28’

Beam                                            9’6”

Draft                                             5’8”

Thames Tonnage                       11TM