AnnaMac
Member
The title of the OP has proved an opportunity for a cathartic release for me as I thought I was bordering on madness!
In 1998 I was attracted to and purchased a Wakering 33 from Gallions Point marina in London. She was a strip planked hull on laminated oak frames with teak laid decks, cabin and cockpit designed by Alan F Hill and built by Sutton and Smith at Wakering Essex. All together an attractive and capable cruiser, in much need of work.
Having restored her, re-engined and MCA coded her, I used her for my sea school yacht as well as personal cruising. I was very attached to her as being a well-built wooden yacht, I always considered she had a soul. Time and circumstances moved on and so did I, having moved to Scotland. A couple of other yachts were possessed in the intervening years, a Dutch motor sailor and a Maurice Griffiths bawley.
On returning to England, I purchased a GRP Dutch built Contest 31, again a very capable and comfortable cruiser. Last year the Wakering 33 came on the market having passed through a couple of owners.
Its condition had deteriorated and there was much to be done. It was at that point, a medical person could define it no doubt, the hint of madness associated with the ownership of wooden boats needing work returned. I simply had to have her back and the lockdown has provided the necessary time to restore her once again.
So, if the current circumstances permit, 2021 will see her back in the water and sailing.
This will be my last yacht!! Definitely.
In 1998 I was attracted to and purchased a Wakering 33 from Gallions Point marina in London. She was a strip planked hull on laminated oak frames with teak laid decks, cabin and cockpit designed by Alan F Hill and built by Sutton and Smith at Wakering Essex. All together an attractive and capable cruiser, in much need of work.
Having restored her, re-engined and MCA coded her, I used her for my sea school yacht as well as personal cruising. I was very attached to her as being a well-built wooden yacht, I always considered she had a soul. Time and circumstances moved on and so did I, having moved to Scotland. A couple of other yachts were possessed in the intervening years, a Dutch motor sailor and a Maurice Griffiths bawley.
On returning to England, I purchased a GRP Dutch built Contest 31, again a very capable and comfortable cruiser. Last year the Wakering 33 came on the market having passed through a couple of owners.
Its condition had deteriorated and there was much to be done. It was at that point, a medical person could define it no doubt, the hint of madness associated with the ownership of wooden boats needing work returned. I simply had to have her back and the lockdown has provided the necessary time to restore her once again.
So, if the current circumstances permit, 2021 will see her back in the water and sailing.
This will be my last yacht!! Definitely.
