Classic Wooden Yacht, Deben 4 Tonner, 23ft, 2 Berth, Built 1938 - Project

This beautiful classic small yacht has otherwise been known as the Gentleman' Pocket Cruiser. This is PROJECT and you will see from the pictures the current state (as she stands on a dry stand in Bosham West Sussex) but I have also included pictures of her when she was last in prime condition around yr.2009. I bought this as a project for myself but personal circumstances and health have prevented me from doing the necessary work and it is time to move this on to someone with teh time and passion to see her restored. The engine was winterised when I bought her years ago and remains so with only 60 running hours from new. I have stripped off the deck and removed any wood inside and out that I did manage to complete fine varnish finishes on (hatchway, seating and other panels) which is stored safely in my garage.

In addition all the sails are stored in sail bags in my garage along with the boom and mainsail which is all in fantastic condition. Unfortunately the mast had perished beyond repair so will need replacing. The storage fees are all paid to end April where she stands in Bosham and is included in this Auction. You are more than welcome to visit her (Leading Wind) in Bosham and also inspect the parts that remain in my garage in tip top condition. Now follows the technical description of the boat - feel free to contact me with any questions.

Description Built by Whisstocks Boatyard, Woodbridge, Suffolk in 1938 to a W.M. Blake design. This long keeled yacht has had a mixed history there is a full and well documented history of the vessel including original photos when she was launched in 1938. Solid oak beams and larch carvel planked hull with a mahogany superstructure. Engined 5 years ago with a Yanmar 1GM10 inboard diesel (winterised with 60hrs run time only - fitted 2009).

All sails are from 1997 but have had little use. Anyone with a passion for classic yachts will find "Leading Wind" irresistible if they have the time and passion to restore. 'Leading Wind is an attractive boat. She has been specifically planned for single handed sailing and foredeck operations can, if necessary be conducted from the fore hatch Two important features are that the mast has been adapted to suit a tabernacle and the cast iron keel runs the full length of the wood keel which adds considerable strength to the centre line construction Construction Carvel built hull of larch planking. Mahogany transom fitted to an oak knee.

Mahogany superstructure Transom hung pine rudder. Varnished mahogany tiller. Glass sheathed marine plywood deck laid over the original Tongue and Grove pine decks. Deck edge of Iroko foot rails. Three bladed bronze propeller fitted to a stainless steel shaft.

The fore hatch has been rehung so that it is hinged against the mast to make working on the foredeck easier. Her opening brass portholes have also been replaced with new. Accommodation The cosy, traditional interior of Leading Wind is endearing and comprises of a cabin with two berths. Galley area has a mentholated spirit Origo 3000 hob with 2 burners. Charcoal cabin heating, new, unused installed 2009.

A bucket now replaces the heads. The warm wood interior is of paint and varnish. Standing headroom at main hatch 5ft Sails and rig Sloop Bermudian rig with Whisstock varnished wooden mast and boom . Braided polyester running rigging and stainless wire standing rigging. The owner comments that the sails have had very little use since new and always in sheltered waters, so are still in good condition Mainsail - McKillop 1997 No 1 jib McKlillop 1997 Reaching jib McKillop 1997 Storm jib McKillop 1997