Aeolus 30 Square Metre, built in 1989, is a fine example of the legendary Knud H Reimers International racing design. A fast and beautiful boat, the classic lines of her composite hull combined with teak cabin coamings, cockpit and brightwork give a beautiful, traditional look.  Just what we love!

 

Her new owner came to the yard earlier this year to discuss some repair work, and initial plans were simply to replace areas of her deck. It soon became apparent that there was more work to be done. We removed the teak laid deck, repaired soft areas of her lightweight deck, and fitted a thin layer of plywood to replace the thickness of the teak. We then epoxy sheathed the whole of the deck and replaced all of the deck fittings.

 

Many hours of careful workmanship later and she is now back in fine racing condition. She recently competed in the 2018 Round the Island Race, coming 3^rd in class, proving her pedigree on the race course.

        

 

 

 

   

        

      

Despite the recent freezing winter weather conditions, life here at the yard is anything but dull. Although we work across all different kinds of boats, from cruising to racing, wooden to GRP, our absolute passion is Classic Yachts. Traditional wooden craft, and bringing history back to life, are simply what we LOVE. Our in-house team of boat builders are knowledgable and highly skilled at traditional and new working methods and take an immense pride in giving an old boat new life. They are currently working flat out on a diverse number of projects, each with its own set of unique challenges. But most importantly, with amazing results!

Here’s just a few recent examples of what we’ve been up to:

Towards the end of 2017 we completed the build of a new 64ft mast out of sitka spruce for a 1963 Sparkman & Stevens 51ft yawl. We are now putting the final touches to a new boom for her. The coins inlaid into the base of her mast will bestow good luck for her and all who sail in her.

 

       

          

 

Carlotta is a recently restored Bristol Pilot Cutter, shipped to the yard directly from Canada.  She was built in 1899 and has a fascinating history of high profile owners and daring escapades – including World War II escapes, being hit by a hurricaine, and many more! We are undertaking some essential planking repairs as well as extensive rigging improvements.

                                                               

Sphex is an X boat that came to us in desperate need of some TLC.  After some work on her stem repair, she is now almost to the stage when we can crack on with her topsides

            

John Dory is a 45ft Bermudan Sloop built in 1938 with a fine racing pedigree.  Owned by one of our longest standing customers (Ray has been coming here for more than 40 years) she is in our shed being re-decked.

           

And finally, the refurbishment of Sanjula’s interior is now complete. She is Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Farr 56ft who came in for a full internal refit. We have turned the forward cabin from a double bunk area into two twin cabins and a new head, and have also installed a watertight door.

         ”  The work is excellent. In fact, you would think Sanjula had been built with the modifications that the
Elephant Boatyard have now completed” 

       Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

We are proud to be one of the few remaining boatyards on the South Coast to have a dedicated team of skilled craftsmen with an unparalleled level of expertise in boat-building and repair.

Headed up by Matt Richardson, the team has a passion for sailing – both racing and cruising – which gives us an in-depth understanding of our client’s precise requirements.

With some notable wooden yachts built at the yard, plus hi-tech racers and numerous extensive refits of important yachts, our team have a comprehensive knowledge of both traditional boat-building techniques and high-tech composites.

Whether it’s a classic wooden racing yacht or an elegant gentleman’s launch, our customers are involved at every stage of the process to ensure we create a bespoke boat which truly suits their needs.