When Fred Meyer, the then Chairman of the International Eight Metre Class Association found Severn, a 1929 Eight Metre designed and built by William Fife III, he decided to restore her. There was only one drawback – her keel was missing! Many yachts laid up during World War II lost their keels to the war effort. […]
Bluebottle Crew Stories
The Royal Dragon Bluebottle has caught the attention of author David Goodday, but coming from an unusual angle. Much has already been written about the Dragon class yacht and her exploits but very little is available on her crew members, and the people behind the scenes. The author is particularly interested in Clive David Smith […]
A 1973 cruise on board OWL
In July of 1973 Marianne Beerman-Kok joined as crew on board the Frederick Shepherd design OWL on a sailing trip from Tobermory to the Hebrides. There were 8 on board from Scotland, England, France and the Netherlands. A 55′ gaff ketch built in 1909 by the White Bros. of Southampton she was owned and run by […]
Confessions of a serial classic boat owner
Let me clarify, right from the start, confessions might be doctored in case my wife reads this! Secondly, classic to me is anything built before 1999 and thirdly, as we all recognise, we are financially poorer custodians not owners. Hopefully, future custodians will lift this latter burden but continue to love these boats as much […]
Spiced Up at Grenada Sailing Week
The last week of January saw a fleet of both modern and classic racing off the coast of the spice island Grenada. Sponsored by Island Waterworld the conditions were perfect and here are a few of the wooden boats captured through the lens of Tim Wright.
