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design foundations of this type of vessel were laid in the late nineteenth
century by which time the archetypal English gaff cutter had evolved
into a near perfect expression of hull and rig.
Whether racing or trawling their straight stems, graceful counters
and rakish rigs dominated the sailing scene in the late Victorian
England. Their speed and sea keeping abilities were the stuff of legend
and even today cutters such as the recently restored Partridge of
1885 are still winning classic regattas and races.
I grew up in and around the south east of England where many a fine
cutter had her home port and I have wanted one for the best part of
fifty years.
Although tiny by comparison, "Secret" shares a common heritage
and I have worked harder on her lines than any other in an effort
to capture the essence of the old timers in a thoroughly modern trailer
yacht.
Intended primarily as a day sailer with good weekend facilities, the
emphasis is on cockpit comfort and space rather than a cavernous cabin
with all mod cons. The boat will sleep two down below and two under
canvas in the cockpit. Ample space is provided for portable toilet,
sink stove and icebox. The cabin features a canvas hatch and specially
cast bronze oval ports. The cockpit is self-draining and will comfortably
seat four along one side ("R" Type).
Auxiliary power is supplied by an electric motor sliding down through
a hinged flap in the counter; the twin batteries are stowed forward
under the bunks. A petrol outboard can be fitted but should be removable.
The total weight of the boat is 650 kg including trimming ballast.
Structurally, Secret is built around our time honoured slot system
marine ply framework. A laminated keel/stern/stern assembly runs the
whole length of the boat, extending down to include the ballast which
is in the form of lead ingots, housed in a faired hardwood "box."
The machined marine ply frames, seats and bulkheads interlock fore
and aft and athwartship and slot into the keel forming a light, strong
box section framework.
Next a series of closely spaced stringers are fitted around the hull
and the ply skin is screwed and glued in place. The bulkheads, floors,
seat bunks, and lockers are all an integral part of the structure.
There are no jigs or strong-backs needed and with all the components
pre-fabricated, build time is very fast. We confidently expect that
most builders will be able to get a Secret in frame within a week
or so.
Fairing the hull and achieving
a good finish will always take time and superb cabin joinery is not
an overnight job. To help make the work easier, many finishing components
are pre-machined to fit to the framework and a selection of matching
timber off-cuts is provided for custom work.
The boat is thoroughly engineered to the best of my ability and while
certainly not cheap, in kit form it will represent a huge saving on
similar custom built craft.
The keel is of Oregon pine (Douglas fir) and Tallow Wood, stringers
of Oregon and Western Red Cedar, the turn of the bilges is also Cedar.
Interior trim and other bright work will be in Queensland Red Cedar
- a tough resilient yet lightweight timber with a selection of fine
Australian timbers also available. The spars are hollow and of the
best clear Oregon pine.
The sailcloth is available in tan, cream or white and custom made
fittings are in stainless steel. Good quality cordage and chandlery
is by Ronstan. The rig includes two rows of reef points on the main,
roller reefing to the foresail and a variety of jibs set flying on
the bowsprit.
Secret can be rigged, launched and sailed by the single-hander. She
draws 2'3"(.675m) when afloat.
Secret has proved to be beautifully balanced on all points and in
all conditions, quick to manoeuvre and satisfyingly fast. In about
8-9 knots of breeze she points efficiently to about 45 degrees and
makes around 5 knots. On a reach over 7 knots has been recorded. The
boat has an easy motion in moderate chop and has proved to be drier
than expected. Secret has exceeded all expectations and we are delighted
with her.
For those who require even more performance there is the "R"
type version. This boat features a larger battened main, larger jib
and gennaker, larger cockpit and a smaller, lower cabin roofline.
The two bunks below will remain for basic accommodation but no space
will be allowed for stove or sink in the cabin. Both rigs on both
hulls are interchangeable. The "R" type with a crew of three
or four will be very competitive in classic boat competition and in
mixed handicap fleets.
The most popular options, however, remain the "C" type hulls
and "R" type rigs.
The Secret is available in RTA Kits, part built or fully finished.
To discuss the matter further ring Scruffie Marine on (61) (0)7 55451015,
or email Derek Ellard - designer, Scruffie Marine.
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