Classic Boat – July 2019

/M\QVOIÆWI\

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