William Fife and Son closed in 1939- What happened next? At the beginning of World War II the Fife yard was taken over by the Admiralty as it had been in World War I. This time it was not to build boats for the war effort. The Admiralty’s under water research station at Portland on the […]
For the want of a keel the yacht was (nearly) lost
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 […]
