Description

This class of yacht was designed by Tony Castro specifically for the BBC TV series ‘Howards’ Way’ which ran from 1985 to 1990, the prototype – ‘Spring of Tarrant’ – being central to the plot of the series. They were a popular class during that time. One requirement for the original design was that the vessel should have a shallow draft. Rather than install a complicated lifting keel, Castro designed the shallow wing keel and, (for the time, radical) twin rudders. This gave the boat a shoal draft of 3 feet with the added advantage that she can dry out upright.
The design proved to be fast both upwind and downwind, very manoeuvrable and competitive on the race course. It is understood that there are still many of this class of vessel racing and cruising today.
The vessel has been laid up ashore for approximately 2 years, however she is in good overall condition although in need of some general overhaul work before being launched once again. The engine starts, however a thorough service is recommended prior to further use. The standing rigging was professionally replaced in 2012. A road trailer is included in the sale.

Specifications

Accommodation

The interior is bright and simply yet neatly finished, with extensive use of interior GRP mouldings. The vertical 'backrest' seen in the first photo here hinges up, with two supports, to extend the length of the forward berth platform by about a foot, and also fractionally increases the length of the lower settee berths. The saloon table slides up and down the mast compression post to either stow it at deckhead level or lower it to provide extra space for the saloon berth. Saloon headroom is about 5' 10". The galley has a moulded-in sink and drainer, icebox, and space for a gimbaled cooker. A two burner gas cooker is available but not mounted. A small chart table is provided with the switch panel mounted here. The switch panel is currently not connected to the power supply. The aft cabin is a good size for the size of the yacht. A manual pumped toilet is installed in the head compartment along with a moulded GRP sink. The battery and battery switch are located in the head compartment. The upholstery is generally in good condition, although the aft cabin berth cushion has water damage.

Construction

The hull is GRP composite with painted gelcoat surface. The hull is strengthened in high load areas, e.g., in way of the keel, mast step compression post etc. and in way of through hull fittings. The deck and coach roof is a single moulding of GRP composite with gelcoat surface. All working surfaces are coated with a grey non-slip paint. The cockpit seats are coated with a grey non-slip paint. The hull is strengthened inside with transverse floors and the accommodation moulding as well as bulkheads for added stiffness. The interior woodwork is marine ply. A synthetic rubbing strake covers the external joint from bow to stern and around the transom. The keel is a shallow draft cast iron winged keel and she is fitted with twin rudders. The design was intended to allow the boat to dry out level on its wing keel, with the aft end stabilised by the twin rudders.

Equipment

Furlex headstay furler.

Navigation Equipment

Garmin GPS 152 – old monochrome display.
Autohelm Multi, Heading and Wind.
Raytheon ST60 CH Wind.
Autohelm Tri Data.
Raymarine ST60+ Wind.
Autohelm Compass.
Raymarine ST40 Depth

Engine(s)

Volvo Penta 2001 9 hp naturally aspirated single cylinder diesel engine with Volvo Penta Sail Drive. The engine is in need of thorough service but starts and runs. Plenty of access is available around the engine beneath the companionway steps.

Sails & Spars

The mast is a deck stepped aluminium Proctor fractional rig with a single set of swept back aluminium spreaders. Three watertight glands allow the electrics to pass through the deck without leakage. The Proctor boom is aluminium, equipped with an outhaul and jammers for the reef lines at the for’d end of the boom. The shrouds are all 1x19 stainless steel wire and were all professionally replaced in 2012.
North Sails Mainsail, Aramid
North Sails Medium / Heavy 150% No.1 Jib, Aramid
Symmetric Spinnaker
Watson Furling Jib

Location Map