Yacht Glengour 1934
Winters:
For over two decades Glengour has enjoyed winters in a big Boat Shed where it's easier to get on with restoration work and pampering.
Almost everywhere you look and, more importantly, everywhere you don't really see, the boat has been restored, improved, renewed and strengthened. Work designed to ensure Glengour's longevity well into the 21st century. Mindful of her history and aiming to keep her practical, reliable and a delight to sail.
A deck might just look like a deck.... but every inch of Glengour's decks (fore, aft and side) have been fully restored. New teak covering boards (after repairs to frame tops and ribs); 2 sets of stainless steel chainplates for the masts; Plus a full set of elegant bronze stanchions with gates to port and starboard (all custom-made by Colin Frake of Faversham); And much more besides.
Here the PORT STEP in the DECK from below ....BEFORE ....and .....AFTER structural work was completed, all made sound from every angle (beam shelf, aft deck beam, hull and deck planking....). Now a handy oilskin locker in the wheelhouse.
Similar was carried out at the STARBOARD STEP where the space has become the Engineer's locker.
As part of the deck restoration, many underlying beams and carlins were replaced or repaired (including at the hatches). Additional supports (knees, blocks, tie bars, mast clamps etc) were introduced.
Looking aft under the aft deck at MULTIPLE NEW BEAMS supporting the deck's restored gentle camber. Towards the stern, new fore and aft CARLINS further support the lazarette hatch.
Fitting all new DECK SUPPORT under port & starboard side decks. Here starboard side of wheelhouse after removal of stainless steel storage tanks (35 gallons) for water and diesel.
On completion all is primed and painted. Here a new HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM replaces the cumbersome old steering quadrant in the lazarette.
Fitting (port & starboard) new long MAST CLAMPS, spreading the load from the mizzen mast. Similar clamps were fitted in Heads / Nav Area extending aft to the step in the deck.
A hatch may just look like a hatch.... but during restoration, all three deck hatches and the hatch on the aft cabin coachroof were removed and fully restored.
Canvas covers provide protection from sun and salt.
Aft cabin hatch before removal and restoration
Not forgetting the BILGES - which have received attention throughout the boat.
BILGES in the aft cabin, refurbished prior to new bearers for new oak sole boards and a complete re-build of the cabin.
Under the new mast step (shown below) the middle floor has been renewed (epoxy laminated). Forward are 2 new silicone bronze bolts holding a renewed false keel forward of the ballast keel.
MAIN MAST STEP - In the Saloon Bilge a chunky new mast step in IROKO now spans 3 instead of 2 floors. New silicone bronze keel bolts. Forming slot for mast heel is next.
And there's always the STEM - 6ft section of new stem epoxy laminated in OAK is stronger than ever. Planks refastened with silicone bronze screws and 4 new silicone bronze stem bolts.
With panelling in the SALOON (here Stb'd) removed the old chain plates can be removed. Lovely pitch pine is revealed for checking and painting.
New STAINLESS STEEL CHAIN PLATES being fitted - 2 going in on pitch pine spacers and 2 to do (plus 4 more to Port!). Spacers allow water on deck to run free in the wee gap formed between plates and toerail.
Glengour deserved a proper "sit down" Chart Table Area
THE CHART TABLE AREA was designed to look like it has always been there BUT....
Under preparation with old seacocks removed. Beautiful vintage mahogany bulkheads revealed and more lovely pitch pine hull planking to paint prior to....
.... it was formerly a cramped and fairly basic Heads Compartment to starboard.
....careful design work and construction using a reclaimed mahogany unit and other vintage mahogany from the old aft cabin.
....AND MUCH MORE BESIDES....
....ALL TO EXACTING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS....
In Stage 2 of the Restoration the AFT CABIN area was a big project
BEFORE - with much to do
Here with coachroof removed - everything requires renovation, including reinstatement of the port aft window in the wheelhouse (after returning steering wheel and throttles to the wheelhouse).
DURING: deck planks were refastened with bronze screws; deck seams cleaned out and re-routered then re-caulked and re-payed with modern compound; new teak bulwarks on new teak covering boards; restored capping rails were reinstated.
Coachroof waiting to be stripped back to bare teak and repaired.
Nearly ready for a strong new roof - laminated in marine ply.
Such a delight to have everything back where it should be and out on the water with ropes to pull. Looking good with improved visibility from the aft deck - right through the wheelhouse windows.
AFTER.... "EYE SWEET AND FAIR..."
Such a delight to have everything back where it should be (including the steering back in the wheelhouse and the rear window reinstated).
Ropes to pull and places to go instead of wielding chisels and varnish brushes in the shed.
Part of the success of Glengour's Big Restoration was emerging from the Shed every Summer to head for kindly salt water, avoiding drying out. Always with the joy of sailing to favourite anchorages and Reaping the Rewards afloat...​
​
In the early days Glengour charged about local waters for a while with no toe-rails, stanchions or guard-wires on the bow. Finishing the foredeck and starting the whole aft section of the boat could wait..!
