CLASSIC BOAT MAY 2015 33Best below decks Altair
Well it’s been Altair’s year in many ways. And the timing of
her stunning achievement in this year’s Transat Classique
was on our minds when our judges sat to deliberate these
categories. Her French walnut panelling is original, as are
most fittings including her heads. It’s a testament to the
work done on her in Southampton in the late 1980s, which
set the tone for many many restorations that have come
since. The Fife schooner, still in Lloyds 100A1, is well
travelled since her revival and carries owners in comfort.Person of the year
Nat Wilson
Nat Wilson is the driving force behind
the £4.2m project to turn the 1930s
Boathouse 4 at Portsmouth Historic
Dockyard into a boatbuilding college,
with public viewing gallery and
small-craft display. It will be a second
campus of Suffolk’s International
Boatbuilding Training College that Nat
has run since 2005 with wife Gill. He’s
behind the new Shipwright’s School at
Buckler’s Hard, open this year, too.Editor’s choice Artisan boat works
We were so impressed by our visit to Artisan earlier in the year
(CB317). The Rockport-based yard is set in woods behind the
quaint Maine port and sheds are full of 20 to 40ft (6-12m)
boats – many in a good state of repair. Proprietor Alec
Brainerd’s method of operation includes telling owners when
their pride and joy needs a total rebuild, something he says
RICHARD JOHNSTONE-BRYDENsaves them money in the long run. See more on p84.DAN HOUSTONC/0 BARNEY SANDEMANCB323 Awards 2015 winners.indd 33 24/03/2015 14:52