"Wendy Dee", Gaff Cutter lying Plymouth

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Comments

Builder's Comments

WENDY DEE was based on the design of the traditional Mevagissey sailing/working vessels but by adding flair on the bows and cutting away the forefoot it has made for a much drier boat which comes about more easily than the traditional straight stem designs. Lines at the stern have been fined but the full bilge amidships has been retained giving excellent stability and seaworthiness.

Tom Dudley

Owner's Comments

Why I bought her

WENDY DEE was originally built for the builders own use and because of this she was built to the highest standards of traditional boat building.

When I saw Wendy Dee it was love at first sight, she looked so boaty and solid.
I also liked her background of being based on Mevagissey traditional lines and although had been neglected for 5 years she was still a young wooden boat. Although this happened to her the amount of love the builder had put in her previously was clear to see. He named the boat after his wife (I guess he must have loved her too)!

What I did to her

Just about everything:- Over a period of 6 years with the help of a local shipwright.

WENDY DEE underwent a major re-fit in 1997 

Due to this work she is now a very dry boat taking in no water through her seams.
She also has no butt seams. Her planks are full length, every one.
Her deck was replaced, underside of decking routed to give plank effect. Coachroof heading were also replaced, lined inside with tongue and groove, external with non slip. 
New external lead keel replaced internal ballast and external iron keel. New stainless keel bolts. 
Her planks were splined, her floors were re-galvanised plus fore and aft external foots were re-galvanised.
Whole internal areas of boat re-painted, top to bottom. 
New stanchions, bases and guard rails.
New stainless pins etc for rudder. 
New prop, new re-conditioned engine 2005, plus filters, pipes and exhaust system, new fuel tank. 
New electrics, wiring, batteries, lighting. 
New upholstery, toilet, sink and fittings, new cooker.
New fresh water tank. 
New rigging & much new ropes etc. Most blocks replaced with Tufnol blocks. All external wiring and nav lights replaced.
New boom crutch with added windvane. 
New GRP cockpit floor and hatches, drains added to run overboard. 
New hand pump and electric pumps. 

Almost a new boat!

Where have we been on her

We have sailed her for three years throughout the whole seasons only coming out in the spring for a few weeks.
Sailed mainly locally and up to Salcombe and down to Falmouth. Occasionally up the Tamar & Yealm. A lot of sailing out from the sound to the Eddystone, Start Point & Whitsand Bay. Sailing every week and weekend in summer and mid week sailing in the autumn. 
Occasional sail in the winter months. This is her first winter out due to a new spring to Autumn mooring.

WENDY DEE has been afloat for 3 years and only taken out during the spring months for anitfouling and general maintenance. She has been sailed throughout the seasons on the South coast and performs admirably under sail and power.

We often have been out in seas (when no one else is) where we loose her bowsprit on the next wave. She is a dry boat under these conditions and I don't recall ever getting a greeny over us.

Because of her sail area we generally reef the mainsail on a force 4-5. Under light airs she just sails herself leaving the helmsman to hang off her shrouds amidships.

Although there is not an active race set up for such a yacht in this area we have enjoyed taking part in the local classic rallies over the past 3 years. She is not a slow boat due to her easily driven hull and generous sail area. Because we have sailed her with growing children, due to the fact she has no winches there has been no problem with crushed fingers, just sometimes requiring two children rather than one to haul in the headsail sheets.

WENDY DEE does create attention wherever she goes and does look just as good out of the water as in, unlike some yachts.

Her bowsprit is retractable which has been an advantage in marinas and when manoeuvring into tight corners.

Under engine she has a more than ample power which drives her through any condition at up to 6 knots. Unlike other long keel boats she is responsive in astern, port or starboard or just straight astern.

Although WENDY DEE is a 4 berth yacht in our case we have sailed and cruised her with 5 plus a dog. As her pictures show, she looks good, sails good and is good!

Why am I selling her

More projects! Just acquired another smaller boat which requires re-building, just finished a new rowing skiff which is taking me on the water 3 days a week training, plus planning building a second rowing gig (wife doesn't know about this). About to race min-tonners at a local club (partly due to Wendy Dee as we had a great time this last summer racing her in the rallies), sadly there are no frequent races for gaffers.
So basically running out of time to do all! (Oh and running a business, which comes second to boating).

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For further details or to arrange to view, please contact Adrian  Espin at: - Astonbury Marine Services 
19 Colne Road, Brightlingsea, Essex, CO7 0DL  Tel: 01206 305 996  or +44 1206 305 996   
or email to: adrian@EasternYachts.com
In this case we are acting as Brokers only. The Vendor is not selling in the course of a business. Whilst every care has been taken in their preparation, the correctness of these particulars is not guaranteed. The particulars are intended only as a guide and they do not constitute a term of any contract. A prospective buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars and where appropriate at his own expense to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey and/or to have an engine trial conducted.