Ben Boardman is regretfully selling his part-complete restoration project Dawn II as a result of changed circumstances – and very much hopes that she will be taken on by someone who sees her as a classic.
Built in Falmouth in 1907 by WE Thomas of Falmouth, she has a splendid history. When owned by CJ Munford, Dawn II was the first winner of the Houghton Cup in 1911. This was the first UK offshore race: it was organised by the Crouch Yacht Club and the prize went to the first boat to sail from Burnham, round the Cork Lightship and return to Burnham.
Later, and rather strangely, she spend WWII stored in a naval stores ship.
Dawn II was written up by Francis B Cooke in one of his early books – the description appears in the book Cruising Hints published by Lodestar Books:
‘Another attractive design is that of a 5.75 ton canoe yacht, designed by Mr G Umfreville Laws for Mr H Algar, and now being built by Thomas of Falmouth. The yacht will be sloop rigged and fitted with roller-reefing gear. Her internal arrangement is excellent and she will sleep three, two in the cabin, and one in the fo’c’astle. She has a flush deck and a lifting skylight. The cabin is lined with ¼-inch kauri pine, and the bunks fitted with kapok cushions. To avoid spoiling the profile of the keel, 400lbs weight of iron has been placed inside in the form of a cast iron mast step.’
Ben says Dawn II’s pitch pine on oak hull is sound, and she has new oak deck beams and 75 per cent of a new coachhouse, and the hull is glass sheathed to a high standard. She has lots of original fittings and is currently stored under cover. He has lots of photos detailing Dawn II’s restoration to share and discuss with anyone interested in taking her on.
More information is available through the Canoeyawl.org website.
