Classic Boat – July 2019

(lu) #1

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See boats for sale at classicboat.co.uk/type/buy-a-boat


The story of John Krejsa and Mist is one that started in the pages of this magazine,
when we published a photo of Mist, the Albert Strange-designed gaff yawl of 26ft 6in
(8.1m) built in 1907 by P McKeown. At that point in her life, 2006, she was pictured
up-ended in a lighter, much as something is thrown in the dustbin. Our plea to
rescue her was heard by Suffolk man John Krejsa, who spent an amazing 12 years
restoring the yacht to the way she looks today. The work was complete by last
year. Tragically John died, which is why this page features the two boats from
his estate. However he did at least get to see Mist sail again, after all those
years, in September 2018, in the biggest fleet (seven) of Strange yachts
ever assembled in one place. She was duly shortlisted in our annual
Classic Boat Awards (restored sailing vessel under 40ft category).
Given the work needed to restore the yacht, the buyer here
essentially gets a new boat. John, an experienced
boatbuilder, rebuilt Mist in larch planking on frames
of alternating iroko and white oak, with all-
spruce spars and khaya superstructure. The
two-berth interior is as perfect as the exterior,
and everything – from the North Sails to the
Torqeedo pod drive motor – is brand new;
Mist has only sailed once since her re-build.

Lying Suffolk, Asking £25,000, Tel: +44
(0)1905 356482, classicyachtbrokerage.co.uk

STADATS
Converted Watson-Class lifeboat
John also owned this 1921 Saunders-built RNLI rescue boat, originally
known as the Frederick and Emma, which served at Wick lifeboat
station until 1938 then at Amble until 1952. She belonged to a
shipwright, who converted her to a yacht, for more than 50 years,
appearing regularly at East Coast regattas. She is now “in working
order but would benefit from some updating of the accommodation”
according to the broker. A recent survey reported her to be “sound”.
She’s 45ft long and 15 tonnes, husky and tough with the usual
double-diagonal build (in Honduras mahogany), copper fastened to a
framework of heavy oak timbers on a solid teak backbone with heavy
strap iron floors. Large, self-draining cockpit, with “vast” lockers
beneath. The rig is gaff ketch with solid deck-stepped masts. Engine
is a 1965 Perkins 100hp 6cyl, which gives 1 gallon/hr cruising
consumption. Below decks, she sleeps up to seven, with a large
double skipper’s cabin, and good headroom throughout. The broker
describes her as a “well-converted former lifeboat offering a large
volume interior suitable for extended voyaging or living aboard.”

Lying Suffolk, Asking £20,000, brokerage details as above

MIST


As-new Albert Strange yawl

Free download pdf