Clinker Build Wooden Dinghy, Classic Sailing Boat

A Beautiful 15 / 16ft classic clinker boat built in the 1950s. The boat was originally a fishing boat, then used as a rescue boat famously rescuing people from radio Caroline. Two years ago when I purchased the boat it had new ribs steamed in, new gunnels fitted, new thwart, new hog, and a new pole among many other things were all added all made from oak. The boat is sailed in a class on Mersea Island known as the MFOB fleet (Mersea Fishermans Open Boat). The boats which sail in the class have to adhere to certain dimensions and be a certain construction and have a certain rig to be able to race.These boats cross a brilliant divide of fun to race but are also great classic day cruisers.

This boat has beed designed to be sailed either solo, or be raced with as many as three crew. New bigger boat forces sale (same fleet and arguably a silly move. These mid sized boats are more agile, just as quick and are better for the creek based racing that happens the majority of time here). In the first five photos the boat has a rig which has now been removed. Its been passed onto a new boat.

Instead of advertising the boat as just a hull I've dug out the orignal rig which came with the boat when we acquired it. Ive loosely rigged it up and I believe it would defiantly sail with a little tinkering however I'm selling it a project as there are a few bits that will need doing. The final 4 photos are how it is now. It will need a jet wash / scrub, antifouling, varnishing on the decks and exposed wood, and a few niggles sorting. I think a solid day of work and it could be in the water.

In its current guise with the smaller rig it would be a prefect day boat rather than a racer however if a bigger rig was found I'm sure it wouldn't take much to get it competitive. The boat comes with the trailer which is used to haul it in and out dingy style a few times a season for a scrub. It also sits on it during the winter. I see no reason it can't be towed some distance however I might be slightly nervous about it doing mega miles. To summarise... A beautiful classic ready to be enjoyed with a little work.

It needs some tinkering, a few fittings, some paint and varnish just in time for summer.It can be sailed single handed or raced, be trailer sailed or put on a mooring, a very versatile little classic. Any more information please don't hesitate to get in touch.Best bet is to either text or call on phoneEmail email This is a 99p auction that will fun for 7 days finishing on Sunday morning. I will require a deposit and contact within 12 hours of the auction ending from the winning bidder. Please only bid to buy and only bid if you collect however I might be able to help deliver within a 20 mile radius. The boat is advertised elsewhere.

Thanks for looking.