Description

44ft. FLYING THIRTY OCEAN RACER designed by Uffa Fox for RAF Pilot, R Douglas Heard of Killarney and built by John Tyrell & Sons, Arklow in 1951

Professionally restored in 2009-2015

Ground-breaking, legendary design, first offshore yacht to feature fin & skeg, masthead rig and planing hull capable of over 23 knots, as recorded on Azores Race in 1960

The fore-runner of modern-day racing yachts

Unique Opportunity

Overall Length: 44ft 6ins :: Waterline: 30ft :: Beam: 9ft :: Draught: 6ft 9ins :: Displacement: 12 Tons TM

Engine: 28hp Beta Diesel Engine :: Designer: Uffa Fox :: Builder: Tyrells of Arklow :: Location: West Country

Sail: Masthead Bermudian Rig sets 567 sq. ft plain sail :: Berths: Four/Six Berths :: Year: 1951 :: Price: £40,000

Broker's Details:

HISTORY & DESCRIPTION:

HUFF of ARKLOW, built in 1951 still looks remarkable nearly seventy years after she was first designed by Uffa Fox for his friend and keen racer Douglas Heard. Douglas was a retired RAF pilot and the stepped sheer is believed to have been incorporated into the design to assist getting aboard when alongside.

Douglas wanted a fast, weatherly racer capable of accommodating a crew of six. Essentially the design is a scaled-up Flying Fifteen, also designed by Uffa in 1947 and still raced competitively in World Championships. Probably the most famous Flying Fifteen is COWESLIP presented to the Duke and Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present. Uffa designed eight Flying designs but only HUFF was built to the Thirty size. The name derived from H for Heard and UFF from Uffa. A totally unique and a particularly special yacht which heralded a new era of yacht design, the great-grandfather of all modern fin and skeg racers.

HUFF of ARKLOW was extensively raced in the 1950s to Bermuda, Iceland, Faroes and Azores from her homeport of Killarney. In the early 1960 Douglas sold HUFF to J A Mackeown of Dun Laoghaire. She won the Faulkner Cup in 1962 and again in 1964.

She was sold in the early 1970s to H W Brittain of Whitstable and J H Sharples of Macclesfield. In the late 1970s, HUFF was subject to an arson attack and was written-off. Chris Allen bought the wreck for a nominal sum and had her restored in Southampton for charter and sail training for young people.

In 1999 HUFF was bought by the EISCA (Eyemouth International Sailing Craft Association) an association dedicated to preserving and maintaining traditional boats that have shaped the evolution of yachting. Restoration of HUFF began in Cornwall at Mashfords Boatyard in 2009 led by Dominic Bridgman. With Heritage Lottery funding and specified funding from the National Historic Ships UK work was completed in 2015.

Double skin mahogany hull with outer skin laid fore and aft, all re-copper fastened to steam bent oak timbers and re-splined with cedar and double stringers making an extremely strong hull. Teak laid decks. Mahogany brightwork and cockpit joinery. New floors. Three-ton ballast keel.

Refurbished original style accommodation for six crew in part open-plan interior.

Self-draining cockpit with tiller steering.

New 28hp BETA Diesel Engine with hydraulic drive allowing the engine to be mounted further forward for better racing trim.

Timber mast and boom, stainless steel standing rigging. Sail wardrobe.

Racing Inventory.

DINKY - Fully restored, original Uffa Fox design dinghy.

BROKERS NOTE:

A true 'classic' in every sense and a remarkable survivor thanks to the dedication of two remarkable enthusiasts in the 1970s and 1990s. Now in excellent racing condition after a six-year professional re-fit in Cornwall. A once in a lifetime opportunity to own probably the most famous 'modern' racing yacht of her time.

Contact us for more information or to arrange an appointment to view.

GUIDE: Sale Pending

LYING: Somerset

VIEWING: Through the agents - CLASSIC YACHT BROKERAGE - 01905-356482 -

Specifications

Engine(s)

Construction

Accommodation

Disclaimer

Important Note: The particulars / images of the vessels listed on this website are believed to be accurate but are not guaranteed, buyers should satisfy themselves regarding the same. No warranty is given as to the condition of vessel's hull, machinery and equipment / gear and an examination by a qualified marine surveyor is always recommended.

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