intheboatshed.net

John Welsford’s interesting Fafnir design. Click on the images for larger drawings

John Welsford tells me that the level of interest in his new Fafnir pocket cruiser design is exceeding all expectations.

It’s certainly an interesting boat - a blue-water cruiser capable of being build in a typical garage, and there’s a good case for saying that it’s the best choice available for someone who wants to sail alone in a small, easily handled boat.

Its crucial dimensions are:
•Length on deck 13ft 1in (4.00m),
•Beam 6ft 2in (1.90m)
•Draft 2ft 7in (0.800m)
•Sail area 139sqft (14.9sqm)
•Dry weight estimated 1430lbs (650kg)
•Ballast 550lbs (250kg)
•Maximum sailing weight 2420lbs (1100kg)

John describes Fafnir as a tough little cruiser for one or two, and tells a story about how the design came about at his website.
It seems a customer wanted to build a 10ft boat in which to circumnavigate, so John worked out a route, the amount of current assist that was possible, the weather windows and the climatic and stores consumption issues - and decided the voyage wasn’t practical.

But he went on to draw the minimum boat he considered workable - and Fafnir is the result.

Go to John Welsford’s site to learn more!

Bill’s little boat Faith. Click on the image to see his videos showing her
making way

Those of us who have had our faith shattered by the election of the new comedy mayor of London can draw some comfort from the success of a much more modest celebrity: Bill Serjeant.

Brave Bill has now made the trip from Essex to Plymouth in his little 14ft boat Faith, and I say he and his little craft deserve applause all round!

Follow his progress on his weblog Bill’s Log.

For more posts featuring Bill, follow this link.

Intheboatshed.net as it approaches its 200,000th hit

200,000 seems like a big number for a weblog devoted a such a niche subject. It’s great that we’re reaching lots of people!

If you’d like to receive a weekly digest, click on the link below - and if you’ve got a story to tell and pictures to share, please let us know at gmatkin@gmail.com. There’s no charge, and no obligation.

Was she built, and is she still alive in the world somewhere? If you have
information on this or any other Mylne yacht, please let David Gray know!

As reported earlier, naval architect David Gray recently bought the historic Mylne company complete with a vast library of plans and drawings. As he and his colleagues go through the files I gather some real treasures are turning up - and some interesting mysteries.

So can anyone help with answer David’s question below? Who was the boatbuilder? And what was her story? Then as now, I’m sure yacht designers frequently sweated blood over plans that were never built, but if she was made real, she’s the kind of yacht that would be outstanding anywhere. Follow the link to see the Mylne website.

‘Gavin

‘Please find attached the general arrangement drawing for the large gaff schooner we found yesterday. We are currently investigating to see if she still exists. Built for a Mr Lewis around 1912-1913, she’s 95ft over deck, 68ft waterline, 108ft spar length, 20ft beam and 11ft draft. If anyone has any information we would be pleased to hear from them.

‘Best regards

‘David Gray, Director
‘A Mylne & Co - Classic Yacht Design - Est 1896′