CERINTHE
bunk,” says Nick. In 2014, the Offords decided to race
Cerinthe in home waters for the fi rst time. “We never
intended her to be a racing boat but we thought it would
be fun to enter her for the Pendennis Cup,” says Nick.
“We took a huge amount of gear off the boat. You
accumulate so much over the years.
“We had two big CQR kedge anchors and chain and all
the tools and spares you need for long distance cruising.
You do need to be able to repair things, but I’ve always
said that Cerinthe is a fl oating tool box.”
Two van-loads of gear later, the waterline was one and a
half inches lower and Cerinthe was ready to race.
Cerinthe entered Division 2 of the Pendennis
Cup along with three other boats, one of
which was Ed Dubois’ 1965 Admiral’s Cup
boat Firebrand (CB291) which had won
the class in the previous event in 2012.
Cerinthe’s crew included Nick, Adrian
and various local people who provide
services to Rustler Yachts such as rigger
David Carne and his son Ben, Gavin
Watson from Penrose Sailmakers and
Simon Carter from brokers Red Ensign.
“We made it a bit of a Rustler outing,”
said Nick, “and we had a good laugh.”
Going into the last race Cerinthe was two
points behind Firebrand but after a last-
LOA
43ft (13.1m)
LW L
31ft 5½in (9.6m)
BEAM
11ft 4in (3.45m)
DRAUGHT
7ft (2.13m)
SAIL AREA
786sq ft (73m^2 )CERINTHE
minute comeback Nick and his crew were awarded the
Little Dennis Cup. “It was great fun,” said Nick, “and
we hope to enter again next time.”
Clearly the Offords’ extensive experience with Cerinthe
has proved benefi cial in their work at Rustler’s. While
Stephen Jones is responsible for the naval architecture of
all the boats in the cruising range, and provides a general
layout, all the detailed design work is carried out in-house.
“Our long distance sailing experience really helps when
we are designing a new boat,” says Nick.
“To know how things should be so they are practical at
sea, proper sea berths, the importance of handholds, how
things work in the galley, even small things like cup
retainers. It defi nitely helps a lot.”
This has perhaps resulted in some obvious similarities
between Cerinthe and the Rustler cruising yachts, their
deep cockpits, for instance. “We’ve been in some quite
hairy situations in Cerinthe,” says Nick, “caught out in
Biscay storms and the tail end of Hurricane Lilly off Cape
Finisterre. But however bad it’s been we have always
known that she would look after us, and we know the
Rustlers offer the same degree of reassurance.”
Nick also explained the link with Rustler’s smaller day
sailing boats: “We have always loved being around
classic boats and it’s great to be in a boat that attracts
complimentary remarks. That’s one of the things that
inspired us to do the 24 and 33 and we have plans to do
a bigger version, maybe a 43.”
Nick tells me if he didn’t have Cerinthe he would
have a Rustler – well he would say that,
wouldn’t he? – but he clearly plans to keep his
family boat for some time to come. “We have
had her for half her life and hopefully we
will keep her for a long time yet. She is
perfect for sailing with a small family and I
very much hope my son will take her on
one day.”Sadly as this article was put together, David
Off ord passed away. “He would love to have
seen the article but will be happy that Cerinthe
will continue to be loved,” the family said.Left: Set up for
family cruising
but useful on the
racecourse too
Below: Nick and
David (right)