I would love to say that we have made a start with the refurbishment on Katharine Mary, however we have been very busy in the yard with refurbishments, insurance work along with the general day to day accessories and spares, which sadly means KM is still untouched.
We let Martin loose with the masking tape, marking out the areas for repairs, I can still see beyond the tape, and she will be finished and on display at London Boat Show in January, how can we not have her on show next to a brand new Drascombe Lugger for the 50th Anniversary, this is where I have to let the workers know who is in charge at the yard.
Someone told me recently I was mad to even contemplate restoring this boat, and all it was good for was fire wood. I have to say that person was soon informed that by restoring this boat meant a lot not only to me, but also knowing a piece of the Drascombe history, from where it all began, has been saved and will be refurbished.
Martin is a skilled wood worker, and with plenty of practice on old wooden Luggers recently, I know Katharine Mary will be finished to a high standard, she will never look brand new, as she is a 50 year old boat, however we will be proud to have her on show next year.
Below are a few photos of where Martin got carried away with the tape.
I will keep you update as we start work on her, the sails are off and ready to be valeted, the spars are all in good condition, ready to be stripped down and re-varnished.
Next task is to take off all the fittings, nothing will be new unless we really have to.
Til the next update
Sharon x
A fine and brave decision to save the first Lugger. Look forward to reading about your progress. If it's made of wood it can be fixed! Andrew
ReplyDeleteFor me it would be a no brainer not to restore Katharine Mary, she's a boat that started a small revolution in the recreational sailing world, the innovative design and construction method has proven itself to be sound an effective.
DeleteThank you, our two daughters have bought her, as they feel the same as me about her.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right, if it is made of wood, it can be fixed or repaired.
You've taught your daughters well Sharon. 👍
DeleteReally good to know Katharine Mary is being restored. It's the sort of work I loved doing. A great project with a real purpose behind it.
ReplyDeleteI can remember being onboard Katharine Mary many years ago, probably around 1967/8 to have a photo taken for a now long gone newspaper The South Devon Times, no doubt that photo and article still exists in the newspaper archives in London, possibly worth chasing up if anyone has the time, the article praised the design and character.
ReplyDelete