Built in 1948 by Porin Vene of Helsingforg, Finland, to a design by E. Olafsson. Arrived in the Isle of Wight with her Russian first owners in 1949 and bought by a local dentist. She has been based in the Solent since then, racing regularly in the various regattas. Bought by the present owner in 1994, she has been used mainly for racing in the Classic Regattas with the occasional cruise.
Large volume yacht with a high freeboard and long counter stern. The underwater shape is very graceful and sleek making her a fast and long legged boat.
Planked in 1 ½” Pitch Pine fastened to heavy sawn oak frames at 24” centres. 2 steamed intermediate timbers fastened with copper nails and roves.
Heavy Iron strap floors with large gauge iron floor bolts through the planking.
Iron keel bolts through the strap floors with an external iron ballast keel. No internal ballast.
Pitch Pine T&G deck laid on pine deck beams to a heavy beamshelf all round which is through bolted with the heavy sawn oak frames. Deck is sheathed with GRP and finished in cream non-slip deck paint. Heavy scrubbed teak toe rail all round with a teak rubbing strake.
Small coachroof aft of the mainmast with a teak skylight in the coachroof. Varnished teak coamings with 3 bronze portholes each side. Laid teak coachroof deck with a varnished sliding entrance hatch.
Large self draining cockpit aft of the coachroof with low varnished teak coamings all round. Scrubbed teak cockpit thwarts at deck level with a deep self draining well.
Mizzen mast is at the aft end of the cockpit, then aft of this is a separate small cockpit for the helmsman. Helmsman cockpit is a square hatch with hinged lids that fold out to create thwarts on the deck.
Very large open deck with plenty of space to work and move around. Galvanised stem head fitting with twin fairleads. Large oak Sampson post with a manual windlass on the centreline.
Stainless steel pulpit and stanchions with double guard wires and a stainless steel pushpit with a slatted teak seat.
Sliding teak forehatch with the gas locker aft of this on the foredeck.
Very wide side decks and a small aft deck due to the helmsman cockpit. Aft deck has two large mooring cleats on the centreline with the mizzen sheet track between.
Rig
Fractional Bermudan ketch on keel stepped hollow built spruce masts. Masts were split and rebuilt in 1995.
Varnished wooden slab reefing booms, main boom new in 2012.
Stainless steel standing rigging new 15 years ago. Stainless rigging screws bound in leather to internal galvanised chainplates.
Main mast has twin lower shrouds with a single cap shroud and jumper struts to support the upper section. Forestay to the stem head with a detachable inner forestay to take a staysail. Split standing backstays with running backstays to the upper spreaders on levers.
The mizzen is supported by twin lower stays, single cap shroud and jumper struts. Running backstays on block and tackles.
Sails
Battened mainsail and hanked on headsails.
Main Deegan 2012 Good condition
Genoa Deegan 2008 Good condition
Genoa Deegan 1998 Serviceable
Spinnaker Deegan 1998 Serviceable
Spinnaker Deegan 2006 Good condition
Winches
2 pairs of large Meisaner non self tailing sheet winches on the side decks by the main cockpit.
Machinery
Bukh 36ME 3 cylinder diesel engine producing 36hp, installed in 2010 as a reconditioned unit.
Bukh gearbox with single lever controls to an offset stainless steel shaft and 3 blade Gori feathering bronze propeller.
Stainless steel diesel tank aft on the port side under the side deck.
Batteries
Dedicated engine start battery with two domestic batteries. Charging from engine alternator.
Accomodation
The interior has been fitted out in a simple fashion to accommodate the fact she has mainly been used for racing in the present ownership.
Steps down from the centre line hatch over the engine box. Large quarter berths port and starboard.
Saloon under the coachroof with a settee berth to port and a U-shape seating are around a table to starboard.
Galley is forward of the saloon, split either side of the boat with a sink to starboard and a 2 burner gas stove to port.
Heads compartment on the starboard side with a Jabsco sea toilet and sink.
Large forepeak area with V-berths. Ample space forward of this for stowage of sails, fenders etc.
Inventory
Steering compass
NASA sounder
NASA log
VHF radio
Horse shoe life buoy
Danbuoy
Fire extinguishers
Main anchor with chain
Kedge anchor with chain
Spray hood
Boom cover
Fenders
Warps
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Wooden ships comments on this John Alden Challenger Centreboard Yawl
The challenger yawl was one of the last designs drawn by John Alden himself before his death in 1962, and is very similar to the S&S designed Finisterre. The offices of Alden and Stephens had spent many years competing against each other on the racing circuit, but a co-operation between the two great designers during WWII brought their designs closer together.
The American navy employed Stephens and Alden to carry out in depth research into hull design by employing state of the art tank testing techniques. The result of this was that they gained an enormous wealth of knowledge in the field of hydrodynamics and employed this in their post war yacht designs.
Halmatic of Portsmouth saw the business potential of the Challenger design and started moulding the hulls in fibreglass which was the newest and most up to date construction material of the day. As was typical of many early GRP boats, the lay up was enormously thick as the material had not been proved with time, so to ensure the strength the builders made the hulls incredibly thick. Several boats were built to this design using conventional timber construction techniques, but the lure of the modern GRP meant Halmatic found a healthy market for these yachts in the USA. Yachting World remarked in 1960 that there were obvious benefits for the owner in having a GRP hull, and although it was not common at the time, they stated it would not be long before we caught up with the Americans and GRP yachts of Class III RORC and larger would be commonplace in UK waters. This of course was very true, and within 10 years it would be hard to find a yard building wooden yachts on a commercial basis.
Built in 1960, this yacht had a major refit in 2002 by the previous owner in which the hull was stripped below the water line, dried using the Hotvac system, and had 5 layers of glass cloth applied then finished with an epoxy coating.
Hull constructed of heavy GRP layup with fibreglass frames and stringers. Steel frames in way of the main mast to stiffen the hull in the high stress areas. Frames in the saloon and forepeak reinforced in 2002.
The underwater area was filled and finished with epoxy and given 2 coats of Coppercoat which is still proving effective barrier to fouling.
The topsides were sanded back and sprayed using a Hempels 2-pack paint.
External lead keel bolted through the hull with bronze bolts. 350lb bronze centreplate drops through the lead ballast keel, operated using a simple screw mechanism to a stainless steel braided wire. The centreplate was removed in 2002, the enormous bronze pivot pin was replaced along with the stainless wire. The mechanism is easily operated with a handle on the forward bulkhead of the cockpit.
Decks are constructed of a single layer of GRP. This means it is not a sandwich type construction which can have problems with water ingress and saturation. Deck is finished in 2 pack deck paint.
Coachroof coamings made of solid teak and mounted onto the GRP deck carlings. Toughened glass windows with stainless steel bezels along the coamings. The coachroof deck was replaced in 2011 with marine plywood sheathed in epoxy cloth.
Cockpit constructed in solid teak with plenty of space for the crew. Thwarts and cockpit sole finished in straight laid teak planking with thwarts all round and a bridge deck to the companionway. Port and starboard thwarts lift to give access to deep cockpit lockers.
Wheel steering on a new stainless steel pedestal with a repeater screen for the Raymarine plotter mounted in front of the wheel. Cables to steering quadrant and teak rudder, rebuilt 2013 with new bronze internal bolts. Unlike some boats, there is still plenty of space to move fore and aft around the wheel without disturbing the helm.
Watertight hatch in the sole gives access to the stern gland.
The generous beam which was an emerging feature of American yacht design at the time allows for wide side decks for easy movement around the boat. Large foredeck with centre mounted Lofrans electric windlass.
Twin roller stainless steel stem head fitting incorporating fairleads and attachment for the forestay.
Stainless pulpit with port and starboard navigation lights.
Forehatch at the forward end of the coachroof with varnished teak handrails either side.
Hatch just aft of the mast over the main saloon. Small step in the coachroof up to the doghouse. Companionway with sliding hatch and garage offset to starboard with spray hood mounted on the raised coachroof. A pair of chromed dorade vents mounted on varnished teak boxes in way of the main mast. Spinnaker pole mounts on the coachroof
Deep hardwood toe rail all round with stainless steel stanchions mounted slightly inboard so as to avoid dirt building up between the stanchion base and toe rail. This is only possible because of the very wide side decks, still allowing plenty of space to move around.
Aft deck with a self draining gas locker recessed in. Large mooring cleats, bronze fairleads and a bronze dorade vent to allow ventilation into the lazarette.
Mizzen is deck stepped just inside the aft cockpit coaming with the short mainsheet traveller forrard of this. Still allows room for the helmsman to move around the wheel and to be within easy reach of the mainsheet which is useful when short handed.
Rig
Bermudan yawl rig on 1987 white painted alloy masts.
Main mast is keel stepped with a reinforcing steel shoe to spread the load. Roller reefing varnished spruce main boom with a stainless steel roller mechanism on the goose neck.
Deck stepped alloy mizzen mast with varnished wooden boom and stainless gooseneck.
Captive wire Lewmar halyard winches on both main and mizzen.
Stainless steel standing rigging all new in 2003 to internal stainless steel chainplates.
Mainmast has a jumper strut, single lowers, intermediate stay, single cap shroud and an unusual swept back cap shroud running just aft of the spreaders. Single standing backstay
Mizzen has single lowers, single cap shroud and a similar swept back cap shroud to the main mast.
Roller furling headsail on ProFurl furling system installed in 2007.
All running and standing rigging was replaced in 2003.
Winches
Pair of large Lewmar 2 speed primary sheet winches mounted on stainless steel brackets on the side deck and fastened through the cockpit coamings
Pair of top action spinnaker winches at the aft end of the cockpit.
Lewmar captive wire halyard winches on each mast
2 Lewmar single speed winches on the mainmast.
Sails
Mainsail Good condition
Mizzen Good condition
Genoa Good condition
Storm trysail Good condition
Storm jib Good condition
Mizzen staysail Good condition
No.2 genoa Tired
No.3 genoa Tired
Spinnaker Serviceable
Cruising chute with snuffer (2007) As New
Machinery
Yanmar 40hp 3 cyl marine diesel installed new in 2002. Yanmar gearbox with stainless steel shaft to 3 blade Featherstream propeller fitted in 2007.
Engine beds cut out and completely rebuilt to take the new engine. Propellor, shaft, and stern gear all new in 2002.
Stainless steel 40 gallon diesel tank under the settee berth. Stainless tank below the cabin sole in the bilge with a total of 70 gallons that is currently not in use but could be utilised for fuel if longer voyages were anticipated.
Dedicated 105ah engine start battery.
2 x 180ah domestic batteries charged from the engine alternator with an Adverc battery management system to optimise charging time.
All pipe work and seacocks replaced in 2002. Seacocks are now Marelon
Accommodation 6 berths
Companionway is offset to starboard in the cockpit with steps down into the saloon. This was a clever trick which maximises space for the galley while still allowing for a usefully sized chart area on the opposite side.
L-shaped galley to port with the cooker on the outboard side and the large work surface stretching over half the beam of the boat to the aft against the bulkhead. This means the galley does not encroach into the saloon and is another benefit of the offset companion steps.
2 burner gas stove with grill and oven. Plenty of storage behind the galley with dedicated lockers for crockery. Deep top access chest fridge, requires new compressor. Single stainless sink with hand pumped fresh water from 40 gallon stainless tank under starboard settee berth.
Chart desk to starboard with standing room to work at the desk. Electronics under the deckhead with lockers behind.
Spacious saloon with full standing headroom. Drop leaf table on the centreline with inlaid varnish sole boards. Port and starboard settee berths with full length very wide pilot berths both sides.
Plenty of stowage under pilot berths. Solid fuel stove at forward end of saloon to port with original tiled surround. Hanging lockers and storage port and starboard at forward end of saloon.
Heads compartment to port at forward end of saloon with Jabsco sea toilet and hand basin.
Forepeak with twin V-berths under the forehatch and storage under. Anchor locker forward with space to stow extra fenders and warps.
Interior joinery was refurbished in 2002 with most brightwork being sanded and revarnished with new upholstery and curtains.
The interior of this yacht is very spacious for a yacht of this period as the American designers had realised the hydrodynamic benefits of increased beam. At first this was purely a performance feature but they quickly realised it meant there were benefits for the owner with increased interior volume. 2013 survey available.
Inventory
Steering compass
Raymarine GPS chartplotter/radar with repeater at the helm
B&G H1000 wind/log/depth
Icom DSC VHF
Raymarine autohelm ST6000 (2007)
VISIBALL radar reflector
Electric anchor windlass
35lb CQR
50m 3/8” chain
2 x Danforth anchors
160’ 18mm warp
Fenders
Warps
Emergency tiller
Boarding ladder
Stainless gangway
Boathook
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
This is without doubt one of the most stunning and eye catching yachts in UK waters and requires a new owner who has the ability to sympathetically refit her to retain the charm and beauty that was built in to her in 1937.
Designed by William Maxwell Blake and built by Whisstocks of Woodbridge in 1937, she was a wedding present for her first owner, E.P Allen. He owned the boat through to 1951 and was the first editor of the RCC Atlantic Crossing Guide. The intention was to carry out a transatlantic cruise, and while this never came to fruition, she was built with this in mind hence the reason why her scantlings are slightly over spec.
Blake took his inspiration from EP Allen’s winning entry to a Yachting Monthly design competition, and Mirelle is remarkably similar to the John Alden designed ‘SVAAP’ which differed with a transom stern and Bermudan ketch rig. The addition of the counter was a stroke of genius and never has a sweeter set of lines been put on paper than when Blake drew the counter of this yacht.
Blake also employed the metacentric shelf theory in her design, as did the well known designer Dr T. Harrison Butler. This means the hull and rig is incredibly well balanced and she can be trimmed to sail with neutral helm on virtually any point of sail.
After many years of adventure with the yacht, including a tale of sailing her through a minefield immediately after WWII, Philip Allen eventually sold her after commissioning a new larger boat, CORISTA, designed by Jack Jones, from Whisstocks. The second owners were Mr and Mrs FFV Manfield who bought the boat through George Jones, Jack Jones’ brother, who was the Woodbridge broker and “Yachting Monthly” correspondent, after being towed into Ramsgate with engine failure in their own motor boat. They had decided they wanted to learn to sail, George Jones assured them that they could learn to sail on her and they duly did. The Manfields carried out significant work including a new mast, replacement engine, and replacement of all strap floors.
After 33 years of fun, the Manfields sold the boat to the current owner in 1984 who has sailed her many miles around the southern North Sea and English Channel.
She has undergone 2 significant periods of refit in the present ownership, the first after sustaining damage in the 1987 October hurricane, and the second in 2001 after she had started making a little water. At this time the strap floors were replaced again, several frame futtocks replaced, the mast step renewed in teak., The cockpit was replaced with a self- draining epoxy/plywood design in 1995.
She has now been laid up ashore for four years and is in need of a new injection of enthusiasm to get her sailing again.
Planked in 1 1/8” first growth Burma Teak fastened with turned copper boat nails to grown oak frames at 2’ centres. Intermediate steam bent CRE timbers fastened with copper nails and roves. Silicon bronze screw fastenings in the hood ends and the garboards.
Heavy pitch pine beam shelf with clamp in way of the shrouds and a pitch pine bilge stringer at roughly waterline level for added strength.
External iron ballast keel of 3 ¼ tons fastened with wrought iron keel bolts, new in 2002, through the teak backbone. ½ ton of internal lead trimming ballast.
Strap floors made of iron. Last removed and replaced new in 2002
Original 1 ¼” straight laid teak deck on oak deck beams, caulked and payed in the traditional manner. Originally secret nailed, it was later screw fastened from the top with plugged screws. The current owner has since applied Coelan to the deck and finished with Blakes deck paint to give a low maintenance and watertight deck.
Coachroof coamings in 1 ¼” Burma teak with 3 chromed bronze Simpson Lawrence opening portholes (renewed 1989) each side. Marine plywood coachroof deck sheathed in epoxy glass and finished in deck paint. New in 2002.
Simple self draining cockpit arrangement constructed of sheathed marine plywood, with teak grating, new in 195.. The coachroof coamings extend aft to create the cockpit coamings fitted at deck level and finish at the aft with a large corner post. The aft end of the cockpit is open and flush decked.
The cockpit well is constructed of sheathed marine plywood with seating at deck level.
Tiller steering with an ash tiller on a bronze head fitting protruding through the aft deck. Varnished teak hatch between aft end of cockpit well and the tiller head gives access to the lazarette.
Bridge deck to the entrance hatch with a brass compass binnacle on the bridge deck.
This yacht has the most graceful lines with a sweeping sheer and delightful counter stern. She has a reasonably high freeboard for a yacht of this period but that does not affect her grace due to the elegance of the sheer. The interior volume is significantly more than contemporary yachts because of the fullness of the bilge and unrestrictive beam, giving a nice feeling of space and comfort within the cabin.
Flush deck to help with the line of the sheer. Galvanised stem head fitting with chain roller to starboard and gammon iron to port. The high varnished teak toe rail stops short of the stem on the port side to allow the offset bowsprit to pass through. Bronze fairleads set into the toe rail with cleats either side.
Pair of bitts and traditional roller system for the heel end of the bowsprit offset to port with a galvanised Reids manual windlass aft of this.
Teak varnished forehatch gives access to the forepeak.
The low profile coachroof extends forward to just aft of the mast with a nice radius to the coachroof deck to please the eye. Full length teak handrails either side with a centreline butterfly type skylight with armoured glass. Sliding companionway hatch on the centreline aft of the skylight.
Well type cockpit continuing the flush deck design leads to the small aft deck with open taff rail. Bronze mushroom vent and bronze mainsheet horse, made new to the original design as it was omitted from the original build to save cost.
Rig
Gaff cutter on keel stepped solid Sitka spruce made new in 1980.
All other spars are varnished pine including the gaff, boom, staysail boom, bowsprit and topsail yard and jackyard.
Roller reefing boom on Appledore Pattern bronze goose neck fitting. Gaff yard has wooden jaws.
Galvanised wire standing rigging by Spencer Rigging of Cowes, last replaced in 1984. The rigging has been well maintained and appears in good order.
Triple lower stays with a single cap shroud. Forestay to the stem head fitting with outer forestay to the bowsprit end. Running backstays with stainless steel wire falls to Highfield levers on the side decks. Wykeham Martin No.4 reefing gear for the jib on bowsprit traveller.
Dead eyes and lanyards to external galvanised chainplates, removed in 2003, re-galvanised and replaced with new bolts.
Sails
The main working sails all appear to be in good condition even if they are a little old. They were made from a Dutch material which is a mix of cotton and Terylene dressed in oil and ochre. This combination produces a material which looks very traditional and in keeping with the yacht, is very nice to handle and incredibly durable. Tow foresail and topsail are of blue Terylene.
Total working sail are of 670sqft.
Mainsail Gayle Heard 1986 Good condition
Staysail Gayle Heard 1986 Good condition
Working Jib Gayle Heard 1986 Good condition
Spitfire Jib Gayle Heard 1993 As new
Tow Foresail Suffolk Sails 2004 Good condition
Jackyard topsail Suffolk sails 2004 Good condition
Various older cotton sails available.
Winches
Pair of bronze Murray top action handed winches on the outboard side of cockpit coamings fitted on large teak bases.
Machinery
Volvo Penta MD2 raw water cooled 2cyl marine diesel engine, solidly mounted on an angle giving an offset wing propeller to port. Electric and hand start.
Volvo cone clutch gearbox to stainless steel shaft and 3 blade 16×8 bronze propeller gives 4 knots cruising speed. External bronze P-bracket with a cutlass bearing and a traditional stern gland with grease and packing.
20 gallon Vetus plastic fuel tank aft on the port side by the engine.
All seacocks are Blake’s cone type; all have been replaced and regularly serviced .
Electrics
All wiring renewed by Deben Marine in 1990’s to a high specification.
2 x 12volt batteries providing power for engine starting and domestics.
Charging from engine alternator and installed shore power system with 240v battery charger.
12-24v step up transformer for navigation side lights that run on 24v.
Contemporary bronze waterproof Admiralty pattern switches inside of the aft cockpit coaming, easily accessible from the deck.
Accommodation 5 berths + a pipe cot
The interior was entirely replaced after the 1987 refit as much of it had to be removed to gain access to the damaged areas of the hull.
Centreline entrance hatch with “garage” with steps down over the teak soundproofed engine box.
Galley to port with Taylors 2 burner model 029 paraffin stove and oven.
Stainless steel sink with bronze hand pump tap from 2×25 gallon stainless steel tanks port and starboard in the saloon. Sink is pumped overboard via the manual bilge pump and a diverter valve.
Storage lockers behind the galley with leaded glass doors.
Quarter berth to starboard with easy access and ample headroom.. Oikskin’s and sea boot locker ahead of quarter berth.
Saloon with 6’ headroom and a centre line drop leaf table mounted on stainless poles fixed between the deck head and cabin sole. These double as strong hand holds in rough weather.
Wide settee berth to starboard, with a settee berth and spacious pilot berth to port. Chart table folds down over the aft end of starboard settee berth so as not to encroach on the space while in port. Electronics panel by the chart desk under the deckhead with switches, GPS and sounder.
Large locker at forward end of the berth on the port side with a large Shipmate solid fuel stove alongside, set in an insulated hearth with flue going out through the deckhead.
Locker and storage arrangement to starboard.
Wide passage way going forward set to the starboard side of the mast with a clever folding door arrangement that doubles as a heads door. Hanging locker to starboard and heads to port. The passageway appears to open up the whole interior of the boat by being wider than normal, allowing line of sight right through from the companionway to the stem.
Heads with a Baby Blake sea toilet and pull out sink that drains directly into the toilet. Bronze fresh water hand pump.
Forepeak with 5’ headroom. Full length berth to port and a drop down pipe cot to starboard if necessary.
Teak anchor chain chute in the centre with anchor locker beneath. Storage space for fenders, warps, boarding ladder etc.
Inventory
Searby and Sons steering compass, swung and corrected.
Stowe sounder and thru’ hull log
Icom VHF
Garmin GPS
4 man Avon liferaft, needs servicing
Life ring with light
Danbuoy
2 fire extinguishers
Nutshell 9ft glued clinker stem dinghy built 1991 with rig and oars (stows in chocks on coachroof)
Avon Redstart inflatable dinghy with oars, pump and outboard bracket
Seagull 40+ outboard engine
CQR 45lbs anchor
CQR 35lbs
Reids Galvanised windlass
45 fathoms 7/16” chain
30 fathoms 16mm warp
Full winter cover with ridge pole and supports, new 2006
Alternative winter cover for use if laid up afloat.
Fenders
Warps
10ft ash boathook marked in feet.
This is a delightful yacht by anybody’s standards, beautiful and elegant, manageable by one person who knows what they are doing and with a history that is coloured with many tales. It is very rare to find a yacht of this pedigree and beauty in this size, small enough that she is a viable proposition for many yachtsmen and large enough to be a sensible family cruising yacht without having to live on top of one another. The fact that she has had three owners in seventy-six years speaks for itself.
Owner’s comment:
She is a very docile boat and easy to handle; she has none of the vices of some gaff cutters and will always answer her helm. The side decks are 2ft wide and the foredeck is unobstructed.
The hull lines were drawn in accordance with the then-popular “metacentric shelf theory” and she can be steered with a very light touch on the tiller; in fact the light weather helm can be trimmed out completely by adjusting the internal ballast, if wished.
The running bowsprit is entirely traditional and is a great help with marina dues in Holland and Belgium.
The un-cut aft coach roof coaming adds a lot of strength and watertight integrity, and the lack of cockpit lockers, apart from the lazarette hatch in the counter, makes her safe in bad weather; I have had the cockpit full in an F9 and the drains do work well.
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Wooden ships comments on this Royal Danish Yacht Club (KDY) Junior 15sq meter.
A classic little day sailer popular in Denmark, Holland and Germany.
In 1927 The Royal Danish Yacht Club instigated a move to encourage youngsters to learn to sail and looked for a small, affordable day sailer.
One club member went to Gothenburg in Sweden to see how the Swedes were approaching youth sail training and returned with a small yacht.
The Club then asked the Swedish yacht designer, Eric Salander to design a similar boat for their own training program and the result was the KDY Junior 15square meter
The first 4 boats were built by Sven Svendsen.
The class became popular with clubs in Sweden, Holland and Germany as well as Denmark.
A grp version was produced in 1978.
After 86 years the class is still very popular with regular international regattas and racing. Old boats are being restored and some new wooden boats have been built in Holland.
Often referred to as a mini Folkboat because of their obvious resemblance to that famous design, known as the Junior Boot in Denmark, the Folke Junior in Germany and the Deense Junior in Holland, these little boats have remarkable capabilities, several having sailed from Copenhagen to Norway and across to England.
They are economic, light weight, easily trailed and launched and suitable for both youngsters and adults to sail.
Length on deck 5.70m
Lwl 4.50m
Beam 1.75m
Draft .9m
Weight 695kg
Sail area 15 square meters
Construction.
Clinker planked pine, 11 planks per side.
Copper fastened to steam bent oak timbers on an oak back-bone.
275kg cast iron ballast keel with iron keel bolts.
Marine ply deck.
Varnished mahogany coamings.
Polystyrene buoyancy blocks under the after deck and in the fore peak according to Class Rules.
Rig.
Fractional bermudian sloop rig on a varnished spruce mast, stepped through the deck onto the keel.
External sail track.
Varnished boom with internal sail foot groove.
Stainless steel rigging to internal galvanised steel chain plates secured to the sides of the frames.
Sails.
Mainsail and jib. New sails in white terylene.
Found in Denmark in rough condition by the present Devon owner and brought back to UK on a trailer.
The bottom has been epoxy and glass cloth sheathed allowing the boat to be dry sailed without the risk of drying out.
Topsides varnished.
A trailer is available by separate negotiation.
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Wooden ships comments on this Cyril White Folkboat
A particularly special example of this famous class, one of the superb Folkboats built by Cyril White of Brightlingsea, 1964.
The Folkboat began in 1942 when the Scandinavian Racing Union wanted a stock design which could be produced economically in order to get more people out on the water and participating in sailing. A committee of respected designers could not agree on a design so the Union engaged Swedish Tord Sunden to amalgamate the best of all the designs put forward and the Folkboat, The People’s Boat, was born.
The result has been more successful than any of that first committee could ever have envisaged and the Folkboat is probably the single most successful design ever built with more than 4000 currently known to be in existence.
The first boat was built in Goteborg, Sweden in 1946. Tor Sunden modified the design for carvel plank construction in 1966 and in 1968 the first grp Folkboat was produced.
The racing people often say that the wooden boats are faster than the grp boats.
The original design known as the Nordic Folkboat was of clinker planking construction with a small coach-roof as far forward as the mast
and sitting head-room only in the cabin. The cock-pit was a generous size allowing 4 people to sail. The concept was kept very simple from the beginning with no engine, no heads and a simple fractional bermudian sloop rig.
A very active class association keeps a strict eye on the specifications which have changed little since the early days. As the popularity of the class spread beyond the Baltic various national associations grew up and with the introduction of carvel planked boats in 1966 variations of the coach-roof design were produced to give more space in the cabin. Folkboats were then built in many countries including UK. Poland, Hungary and East Germany had a large production which were usually cheaper than UK and Scandinavian boats.
The original Nordic Folkboat remains the classic even though limited in comforts. The English Folkboat adopted a larger coach-roof often stepped up into a dog-house to give more volume and standing head-room in part of the cabin while the Eastern European Folkboats went further with rather large coach-roofs which many nowadays think are a step too far from the original concept.
Cyril White very cleverly used the original clinker planked Nordic Folkboat hull but added his own coach-roof which is just a size bigger than the tiny Nordic design and running forward of the mast and tapering down in width and height. He kept the low profile in the coamings which is so important when respecting the original design but gained a little more head-room by building a marked camber into the roof. His cock-pit is bigger than the English Folkboat and the cabin is kept open plan, uncluttered by excessive joinery.
The result is probably the best of all Folkboats ever built.
Construction.
Clinker planked larch fastened with copper nails and roves to steam bent oak timbers on an oak back-bone. Garboards and hood ends all fastened with bronze screws.
Substantial grown oak floors maintain the strength of the back-bone.
Long external 1.16tons (1050kg) iron ballast keel
Iron keel bolts.
Deck
The deck is laid in marine ply, sheathed with grp and painted with off-white deck paint. Almost invisible fine grit “patches” render the deck non-slip.
Laminated oak deck beams, mahogany carlins with a pair of heavy section hanging knees either side of the mast.
Varnished mahogany king plank with varnished sapele toe rail and running strake.
This deck is particularly attractive in it’s simplicity, uncluttered, with good width side decks allowing safe passage.
On the fore deck, an oak sampson post followed by the inner fore-stay attachment fitting and further back a bronze mush-room vent. The chain spurling pipe is off-set to stbd. Substantial stemhead fitting with single centre-line chain roller.
Stainless steel pulpit, 4 stanchion post set on teak pads with single guard wire.
Pair of teak bar/chromed bronze mooring cleats on the aft deck.
Long and short head-sail tracks on each side deck.
Coach-roof.
Varnished mahogany coamings with 2 fixed oval lights in bronze bezels each side.
Quadrant at mai deck level and half-round quadrant at upper level.
Coach-roof deck in grp sheathed marine ply.
Varnished sapele hatch on the forward end.
Sliding hatch cabin entrance with wash-boards.
Varnished mahogany grab rails each side.
Cock-pit.
The coach-roof coamings continue aft to form the cock-pit coamings sweeping gracefully down to aft.
Varnished mahogany bridge deck across the entrance hatch with a varnished mahogany seat locker each side. Mahogany helmsman’s seat across the after end under the tiller.
The seat lockers do not run back into the after corners of the cock-pit so that with the helmsman’s seat removed there is plenty of space for the helmsman to move to either side when heeled. The side of the hull above the sole is battened to take the helmsman’s foot.
Loose fitted scrubbed iroko sole boards allow water to drain straight down into the bilge and not weigh down the stern in the event of a serious wave coming over.
A vertical oak post in the middle of the cock-pit takes the main sheet block.
Morse engine controls on the stbd seat/locker.
Varnished oak tiller to transom-hung rudder.
Rig
Usual fractional sloop Folkboat rig on a Sailspar silver anodised aluminium mast with integral luff groove stepped through the coach-roof onto the keel.
Single spreaders with jumper struts above.
2002 stainless steel rigging. Single lowers from the spreaders set well aft, cap shrouds to the jumper struts, diamonds above to support the head of the mast. Single fore stay to the fore deck fitting set well aft of the stemhead.
Split standing back-stay to the quarter with tackle tensioner.
Norseman terminals and stainless steel rigging screws to internal stainless steel chain plates.
Varnished spruce square section boom with sail outhaul.
Harken main sheet blocks with jammer on the lower block.
Tackle kicker.
Winches.
Pair of chromed Lewmar 6 single speed top action sheet winches mounted on stainless steel brackets on the cock-pit coamings.
Tails to cleats on the inside of the coaming.
Pair of Lewmar 6 single speed top action halyard winches mounted on the mast.
Spinnaker pole loop on the fore face of the mast.
Sails
Mainsail 183sq’ loose-footed slab reef by Parker and Kay 2001 in very good condition.
Genoa 75sq’ by Parker and Kay, 2001 in very good condition.
No 1 genoa, ex Dragon race sail.
Spinnaker
Storm jib – unused.
Spinnaker pole.
Running rigging in Spectra and polyester braid, new 2002.
Covers
Mainsail and boom cover
Over boom cock-pit cover.
Over boom fore deck, coach-roof, cock-pit and transom cover, new 2011
Full length winter cover with a 3-section frame support.
Engine
1985 Yanmar 1GM10 single cylinder naturally aspirated salt water cooled 4-stroke diesel engine, flexibly mounted on a fabricated mild steel frame bolted t the two aftermost oak transverse floors.
Single lever controls to conventional centre-line shaft drive with 3-blade bronze rpop.
Fuel
Stainless steel fuel tank in the bilge aft of the mast.
Electrics.
12v 85amp/hr marine battery secured in the bilge just aft of the mast, charged by 35amp belt driven alternator on the engine.
6-fuse switch panel to the various lights.
240v mains shore power socket through approved 2012 RCCB trip isolator.
Accommodation. 2 berths
Access to the internal surfaces of the hull, deck-head and coach-roof is unrestricted by fixed linings, panels and the limited furniture.
Varnished mahogany bunk boards and slatted pine bunk surfaces.
New mattresses in 2011 in dark blue vinyl piped in Swedish yellow.
Galley work surface, chart desk, cave lockers and shelves in mostly varnished, some painted mahogany ply with solid mahogany trim
Hanging locker to stbd.
Thetford chemical WC fitted forward of the mast – unused.
Taylor 028 gimballed 2-burner paraffin cooker. (not currently installed but gimbals in position)
Scrubbed iroko sole boards.
Equipment.
Plastimo compass mounted on the port side bulkhead or at the chart desk
Raymarine ST40 Bidata giving speed, log, trip water temp, and depth with hi and lo depth alarms. Single cock-pit dial.
Garmin GPS72 12 channel hand held GPS with WAAS, water-proof and floating.
Swiftech 25/1 VHF/FM radio. Masthead arial
ICOM IC-M33 portable and water-proof VHF (call sign 2ERB7 registered to present owner)
Masthead Windex
Barometer
Masthead tri-colour nav light.
4 named fenders
Mooring warps
Boom crutch
2 x boathooks
Beaching legs
Manual bilge pump
12v 800gph Rule bilge pump with auto-float switch.
2007 Wetline 260 ECO inflatable dinghy with pump and oars.
Pair of long fend-off pole with soft ends – for fending off when berthing in tight marina berths – every single-hander should have them.
We consider the Cyril White Folkboats to be amongst the best ever built both in build quality and design and this is probably the best of all his boats.
Over the past few years she has had 3 knowledgeable and dedicated owners.
Reputedly sailed round UK by her 1987 owner Dr Paul Morris.
Sold by him in 1993 to Donald Warren from Suffolk then to a Roger Watkins
Will Taylor-Jones of Suffolk bought her in 2000. Will was then the quality control manager at Oyster Yachts and carried out a 2-stage refit subsequently racing her with some success. Her rig dates from Will’s ownership.
Sold by Wooden Ships to Derek Bullman, a meticulous owner who spent a lot of money perfecting the yacht with new fore hatch, rubbing strakes, toe rails, quadrants, re-sheathing the deck in epoxy/glass and more to bring her up to her current near-perfect condition.
Sold again by Wooden Ships to the present owner, a retired director of Brookes and Gatehouse who long yearned to own just such a boat and finally achieved his ambition by buying the very best Folkboat available in 2010. He has taken great pride and satisfaction in caring for her and ensuring her continued perfection.
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Designed by Francois Vivier inspired by the traditional Breton fishing boats. Francois Vivier is a popular French designer of traditional yachts as well as a respected historian and collector of traditional boat designs.
Built by Devon boat builder, John Moody in 1993. John had previously built a number of Francois Vivier Aber designs, 16’ edge-glued, centre-board, lug-rigged sail and oar boats and wanted some larger for the family.
The Mizainier has a steeply raked transom stern, marked drag on the keel with a deep heel, forward raked straight stem and a transom hung rudder.
She is an open boat with a brandy glass midships section giving her great hull form stability. She is ballasted internally with lead ingots.
Carvel planked in larch all fastened to the frames with galvanised boat nails.
Heavy grown Oak frames. Oak back-bone. Oak floors.
Substantial gunnel with thole pins for the sweeps and a sculling notch in the transom.
Heavy grown oak stem breast hook slotted to accept the mast which is secured with a galvanised gate. Mooring bitts and halyard pins each side forward.
Wide sole in pine boards. 1 thwart. The long tiller sweeps across the wide, varnished aft seat.
Standing lug rig on 19’ solid, varnished spruce unstayed mast stepped on the keel and slotted into the deep oak breast hook.
Red Duradon 3-reef lugsail laced to a 14’ yard and hoisted on a single halyard made off to a pin alongside the mast with a galvanised, leathered mast ring, tack hooked to the stem fitting. No boom. Sheeted to a galvanised horse across the transom. New lightweight tan terrylene sail purpose made for easy handling and light winds.
The boat was built without an engine and John sailed her regularly in Salcombe with no engine. Sold by Wooden Ships to the second owner in Cornwall who installed an engine in consultation with the builder.
Sabb 10hp single cylinder diesel. 5 gall stainless steel fuel tank aft with filter and water trap. Centre-line prop. Hand and electric start. 12v battery. 2 long sweeps.
After a few years in Cornwall, Annie was again sold by Wooden Ships to a Sussex owner where she served as a very successful picnic boat for family and friends. Sold by Wooden Ships again to the current owners on the Isles of Scilly. She is always a great attraction wherever she goes being such an unusual design, believed to be the only mizainier in UK waters.
Mainsail x 2
2 sweeps
Anchor, chain and warp
1 x 12v battery
Manual and electric bilge pumps.
Hand held compass and fixed compass.
Warps and fenders.
A superb heavy duty road trailer with integral launching trolley c/w spare wheel (Landrover) and securing straps allows single-handed launching and recovery. Boat and trailer have an all-up weight close to 2 tons. Previously towed by a long wheel-base Landrover.
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
7/8” mahogany planking fastened with bronze screws to oak timbers at 12” centres. Many timbers replaced with laminated oak in major refit by current owner which finished in 2007.
Marine plywood deck, sheathed in epoxy and painted, on a tongue and groove sub deck. Marine Plywood cockpit coamings with a sheathed coachroof deck.
Rig:
Bermudan ketch rig on keel stepped varnished wooden masts. Spars were new in 2007, built to original Hereshoff specification.
Stainless steel standing rigging new in 2007.
Main, mizzen and genoa all by Seven Sails and new in 2009. Full set of sail covers.
Machinery:
Vetus Marine 2 cylinder 16hp diesel, installed new in 2008 with only 300 hours. Complete stern gear, propeller, exhaust system and engine beds all new in 2008.
75L polythene diesel tank in starboard cockpit locker.
3 x 12volt batteries with 1 dedicated to engine starting. Smart regulated charging system plus a 240volt shore power charger.
Accommodation:
4 berths in a spacious cabin. 5’10” headroom under the dog house. The large coamings and wide coachroof give more interior volume than would be expected of a boat this size. Very clean and smart cabin, most of it new from the rebuild, cleverly laid out to give a lot useable space where 2 or three people can move comfortably without tripping over each other.
Galley to starboard as you enter the cabin with Origo 2 burner spirit stove and single stainless sink. Ample work surface area with top access fridge.
Centre drop leaf table with port and starboard settee berths.
Large heads compartment to port with Simpson Lawrence 400 sea toilet.
Fore peak with V-berths and storage.
Diesel fired cabin heater.
Inventory:
Steering compass
Log and sounder
Silva DSC VHF
Simrad TP32 auto pilot
Garmin GPS76
Navman Chartplotter 6”
NASA AIS
2 x Seago 275N lifejackets
Throwing line
2 x fire extinguishers
CQR anchor
50m of 8mm chain
8’ Seago inflatable dinghy
Suzuki 2.5hp 4 stroke outboard
Beaching legs
Spray hood
Cockpit cover
All over winter cover
Fenders
Warps
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Mahogany planking fastened with copper clenches and bronze screws to steam bent oak timbers. Marine plywood deck sheathed in epoxy glass cloth. Grown oak floors with external iron ballast keel. Mix of stainless steel and galvanised steel keel bolts.
Rig:
Fractional Bermudan sloop rig on deck stepped anodised alloy mast. Alloy slab reefing boom. Stainless standing rigging and rigging screws, 2003, to internal stainless chainplates. 2 mast winches for halyards and a pair of bronze Lewmar cockpit sheet winches.
Mainsail, genoa and spinnaker from 2005 by North sails in excellent condition. Older sail wardrobe by Quay sails, still in good serviceable condition.
Machinery:
Yanmar 1GM10 single cylinder diesel installed new in 1998. Centreline stainless shaft to 2 blade bronze propeller gives 5 knots cruising speed. New cutlass bearing and starter motor 2013.
Accommodation:
4 berths with 2 settee berths and a double V-berth forward.
Sliding entrance hatch into the cabin. Galley to port with Plastimo 2 burner gas stove and grill, new in 2012. Chart desk to starboard.
Port and starboard full length settee berths with centreline gimballed table. Open bulkhead to forepeak with double berth. Blakes lavac sea toilet under the berth.
Light and airy cabin space with a mix of varnished mahogany and white gloss. Sitting headroom only as with all folkboats, but the space has been cleverly used to get the most from it.
Inventory:
Silva compass
Echo sounder
XM VHF
Fire extinguisher
CQR anchor
15m of 8mm chain
12m of 12mm multiplait warp
Mooring warps
Fenders
Cockpit cover
Cockpit tent
Hatch cover
Full winter cover
A very well maintained Folkboat that has had lots of time and money put into her in recent years. She has had a recent cosmetic refit including painting the interior and a topsides job. She is now looking very smart and is absolutely ready to go
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Wooden ships comments on this Deben Cherub Gaff cutter
Full spec to follow
Designer:
Blake
Builder:
Lawrence Harrington, Co. Corke
Year:
2005
Construction:
1” larch on oak frames, fastened with bronze screws. Yacht laid teak deck over a marine plywood sub deck. Galvanised strap floors with external lead ballast keel and stainless steel keel bolts. Self draining cockpit with a bridge deck, tiller steering on transom hung rudder. Big spacious cockpit.
Rig:
Gaff cutter rig on a solid keel stepped wooden mast with wooden slab reefing boom. Stainless steel standing rigging and rigging screws, renewed 8 years ago, to external stainless chainplates.
Sails all by James Lawrence, 2005, include mainsail, topsail, staysail and jib. All in excellent condition.
Machinery:
Vetus 16hp 2cyl diesel installed new in 2005. Only 57 hours. Centreline shaft to 3 blade propeller gives 5 knots cruising speed.
Stainless steel 10 gallon fuel tank under the cockpit sole.
Accommodation:
3 berths with 5’ headroom
Steps down over the engine box with a newly refitted galley to port and chart table to starboard. 2 burner gimballed gas stove and grill.
Seating to port with a Jabsco sea toilet forward of this. Full length settee berth to starboard, full length V-berths forward.
Interior is light and spacious, finished in varnished wood and white gloss paint.
Inventory:
Sestral compass
Clipper depth sounder
Clipper thru’ hull log
Fire extinguishers
15lb Bruce Anchor
60’ of 8mm chain
120’ 18mm warp
Mooring warps
Fenders
Beaching legs
All over 2 part winter cover (New)
This is a lovely little yacht with the big benefit of being a very new boat. Nice quality construction with a simple but effective interior layout making her very useable and comfortable. Superb coastal cruising boat in great condition
.Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
Wooden ships comments on this Laurent Giles Vertue
Designer:
Laurent Giles
Builder:
IBTC, Lowestoft
Year:
1993
Construction:
Conventional plank on frame build with Iroko planking copper fastened to oak frames. Bronze strap floors. Solid yacht laid teak deck, caulked and payed. Mahogany coamings with sheathed plywood coachroof deck.
Rig:
Typical Vertue bermudan ‘slutter’ rig on Kemp alloy deck stepped mast. Stainless steel standing rigging. Mainsail, genoa and storm jib by Sanders Sails.
Machinery:
Single cylinder 9hp Volvo Penta diesel with stanless shaft to 3 blade bronze propeller. 15l stainless steel fuel tank
Accommodation:
Solid mahogany interior joinery. 3 berths with the two saloon berths and a starboard side quarter berth. Galley to port with Plastimo 2 burner gas stove and grill. Hand pumped fresh water from 2 15l stainless steel tanks. Forepeak with centreline heads and ample storage.
Inventory:
Depthsounder – Stowe Log-speedometer – Raymarine ST60 Tri-data system Wind speed and direction – Windvane mounted at mast head. Handheld Anemometer Plotter – Yeoman plotter Autopilot – Raymarine AH800 Compass – Plastimo Contest 130 GPS – Garmin 152 VHF – Nasa DSC VHF (2004)
Electric windlass
Mainsail cover Spray hood – Owen Sails, 2008
Tender – Avon Redcrest Electric Navigation lighting all round
NASA ProPlus Navtex receiver.
Bosuns Chair.
Full canvas winter cover, can be fitted and used with rig up or down.
A very nice example of the Vertue, built comparatively recently so with none of the problems that can be found in older boats. Now smart and clean and ready to launch after fresh paint and varnish. This is very good value for a Vertue.
Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
45’ Laurent Giles cutter built in India in 1949. Double diagonal teak planking. Unmistakably Laurent Giles, she is just a big Channel Class. Proven ocean cruising boat, fast and capable. Offered for sale at only £24,000 due to the owners personal circumstances. woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yacht/45-laurent-giles-bermudan-cutter/... See MoreSee Less
After posting some teaser photos of Nell a little while ago, we have now formally put this fine yacht on the market. Nell is a G.L. Watson gaff cutter built on the Clyde in 1887 and completely rebuilt in Normandy, France between 2009 and 2017. This yacht is a totally unique piece of maritime history and is presented in superb condition. Her interior is her most remarkable feature and was designed by her first owner Robert Cowan Robertson. He was an artist based in Glasgow and his interior design was influenced by the fashions of the time with raised and fielded oak panelling, ionic pillasters and most notably stained glass sliding windows covering the portholes. The interior has been restored sympathetically and is largely original apart from some very small areas where damaged joinery needed replacing. The result is magnificent and sets this yacht apart as a unique piece of history. Full details and many photos available on our web site with the following link:woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yacht/g-l-watson-gaff-cutter/#classicboat #classicboatforsale #yachtforsale ... See MoreSee Less
