C_B_2015_05_

10 CLASSIC BOAT MAY 2015

Steele began by recruiting his son Dorian to assist in the

build which took place at the family home. Dorian’s

specialty was building the blocks, spars, standing and

running rigging. Daughter Lucy did much of the finish

work and daughter Zoe, who studied marine technology,

created all the plumbing and engine systems. Steele, busy

at Covey Island Boatworks, worked evenings and

weekends on the boat while his offspring helped her

come to life during the day. Family friend Reese Baird

was instrumental through the entire build.

Putting together a 56ft (17m) vessel requires some luck

in locating all the necessary parts and gear, especially for

a treasure hunter like Steele. “A fair bit came from Tree

of Life,” he said, alluding to a 70ft schooner, one of

Covey Island Boatworks’ premier builds. “Dorian was

running her at time; she was in for a refit; the owner

wanted to replace anything that worked.” The old stuff,

finely tuned and polished, made its way to Papa 1.

Self-tailing jib winches were procured from a Bermuda

salvage; her wheel came from John Gardner. One of the

most unusual amenities on Papa 1 came about because

Above: a rich mix

of form and

function. Right:

John Steele heads

for the start line

CB323 Papa1.indd 10 24/03/2015 13: