Looking for Saunterer...

witch1902

witch1902

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31 Jan 2007
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www.witch1902.co.uk
I am researching the yachts designed and built by Charles Sibbick. One of the yachts I think still exists but have not been able to find is Saunterer, a 48 foot yawl built by Sibbick in Cowes in 1900. In the recent past she was owned by Alex Sutherland (and may still be) possibly in Scotland. I know the forum is good at locating boats, so where is she now, and where I can find recent photographs?
 
Sibbick designed some wicked looking boats, check out the reprint of Dixon Kemps "Manual of yacht & boat sailing" originally published in 1895 it has drawings of many fast boats of the time, some are way ahead of their time, the Sibbick rater looks very modern, in fact it could be said the Flying fifteen was a direct development of it!
 
There was a Saunterer in Tighnabruaich in the late sixties, early seventies, but unfortunately she was a Bangor S

Donald
 
On the question of the Burnham one-designs, I believe that before the first world war, and then into the 1920's the club raced a number of ex 24 foot raters built around the turn of the century (actually about the size of a 6 Metre) at least 4 of these were designed and built by Sibbick but I think other designers boats raced as well.
 
I thought that I wasn't imagining things. Just realised that the boat I was thinking about, Merrymaid, is on your website. It is at the side of a neighbouring yard.

Keith, I have the 1912 edition of Dixon Kemp's and marvel at the designs back then. I found a clients last yacht on there, L'Esperance - absolutely stunning 80+ footer and really shocked her when I showed her the plans.
 
Hi

To see the name Saunterer was a blast from the past. Alex Sutherland was, if my memory serves me, a member of the Royal Northumberland Y C and she appeared in the Year Books for many years, but was not kept in Blyth. I think she was in Scotland for awhile and the last entry I seem to remember was that she was in the Caribean but I could be totally wrong. If you look at the club website at this address you will find a paragraph about her and some of her colourful owners
www.rnyc.org.uk/history/cent2.htm

Sorry I can't be of much more help, but I remember going aboard her once in the early 50s ( when I was very small!). I think she was moored at Lindisfarne for the Club regatta. Good luck in your search and keep us posted.

James
 
FYI
There are two Sibbicks in Dartmouth. One is being sold by Wooden Ships and the other 'Ripple' owned by Peter Lucas

There is a 'Saunterer' at Totnes but it is that Bangor S class mentioned earlier
 
I noticed a "Saunterer" in Roseneath last week. She's on the hard. I did see her in the water recently and I "think" she is a yawl - I was't really paying attention.
I'll take a photo next week when I'm there and post it for you!
 
Hi Martin,

Despite computer problems.....

"Saunterer" (this one) has being hiding in the next-door yard for about 10 years or so. She was rescued and after a bit of work was launched a couple of months ago. With valiant effort she was kept afloat - just - and was taken out again a couple of weeks ago. I've asked some questions and am awaiting some answers. Dont know who the current owner is, but could find out.
Ran out of battery in the camera after 3 pics...... sorry! The topsides are in much better nick than the bottom, but wasn't able to get a vantage point.....

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She is between 45 and 50 feet long.
Having had a squint at "Witch" there looks a a bit of a resemblence?
 
Well done. I am fairly sure that is her, the design is very similar to Thalassa, I will check with Thalassa's owner and see if he agrees. Just keeping afloat sounds rather dramatic though. If you can find the owner and email me, or ask them to that would be great. Is it ok if I use your photos on my website? I will add an entry for Saunterer now we have found her. Another Sibbick yacht I know exists is the 30 foot cutter Wilful, I have the owners address in St Malo but no photos, does anyone have any?
 
Hi- I sailed on Saunterer with the owner Donald Sutherland for many years. His father was Alex Sutherland. Saunterer is registered at Royal Northumberland Yacht Club in Blyth and several photos exist of her in the clubhouse. (The old Tyne lightship). I also have photographs of Saunterer and friends who sailed her. I believe she was last at McGruers boatyard in Glasgow. I would be interested to know the current status of ownership as I believe she is still owned by Donald. She was built in Cowes in 1900 and was originally owned by Captain Oates of Scott's Antartic expedition.
 
Saunterer

She is now in Dartmouth being restored by Guy Cotham. Berthed on the town quay for the winter, he reckons its going to be about a years work having seen what he has done so far am sure she will be looking fine.
 
Looking for Saunterer

Thank you Banzeau for the photo of Wilful, and thanks to Sequoiah1 for the into on Saunterer in Dartmouth. I have been in contact with Guy and looked over her late last year. he is doing a great job. The last reply to this was more than two years ago, it's amazing how the forum works. My last request for news of the Sibbick yacht Nanette didn't find her, so how about another one. Gwenda (Ex Frou-Frou, Martlet) a cutter, 36.5 foot overall, 25.6 WL, 7.8 beam, 5 draft, 7 tons built by Sibbick in 1901. Listed in Lloyds 1972 as owned by Peter Graves of 10 Albion Street, London W2, presumably not the Hollywood actor of the same name, he also owned Mystery, Sunbeam sail No. V16. Gwenda is Reg No. 120423, registered in Cowes, home port Bucklers Hard in 1972. Does anyone know if she is around still?
 
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