Last week I was bumbling around the Deben with a crew other than my mate … visiting Robertson’s, because it is a traditional yard catering for traditional vessels, I was able to look round two Finesse yachts sitting awaiting new owners.

These are, firstly, the Finesse 27 Tugela, sail number 101, built it is thought in 1977 after an owner of a F24 wanted to sail something a little bigger. She has that unmistakeable ’24’ look, elongated. Her hull is not as full as the 28 footer drawn up for Alan Platt by Maurice Griffiths, which to my mind follows the ethos of his own boats…

Talking to the yard manager I was told that the boat has had some maintenance carried out by the current owner. More is required, but the boat is said to be essentially ready for the rest of the season. She is currently afloat in a tidal mud berth awaiting that new owner and a family…

Tugela

The other vessel is a Finesse 24, Mackerel Sky. I was not able to look her over above decks for she is covered over well for protection. Her hull and bottom shows that she is ready for the water – as always a new owner will find plenty to do…

Mackerel Sky

My motto with my own ownership of 30 plus years of a F24 is: use well and keep on top of cosmetic needs, repairing as and when needed to stop water ingress damage … a touch up saves much time later… it’s a boat that should be used: pretty they are, they are, however, not museum pieces.

Sitting quietly with a cup of tea writing this in Foxe’s Marina, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve just completed a few varnish touch ups using the end of a finger after a light sanding and white spirit wipe, and a freshly plugged deck fastening and epoxied top has been rubbed back flush to deck and undercoated … another day a dab of deck…

The tea in the pot was still hot…

Contact Robertson’s Boat Yard, Woodbridge for details…

http://www.robertsons-boatyard.co.uk/