#huffofarklow – The restoration of the classic yacht 'Huff of Arklow' is nearing completion in Cornwall and anticipating is building to see the 1951 John Tyrrell & Sons builkd back on the water in her original form next month.
The unique yacht designed by the famous Uffa Fox was built for Douglas Heard, a well-known Dublin yachtsman and the first president of the Irish Yachting Association, now Irish Sailing Association. Huff of Arklow was completely unique upon her construction and is believed to be the only example of a Flying Thirty left. She is an irreplaceable boat and has had a revolutionary effect on the history of yacht design. For these, as well as for many other reasons, she is worthy of preservation.
The objective of this restoration is to put Huff back into her original condition as far as possible. She has been underused in recent years causing a build up of moisture due to lack of airing and this encourages mould and corrosion. Her sailing performance has appeared to deteriorate over the last few seasons and perhaps we have never known her at her best simply because she is too heavy and too low in the water.
Huff is now owned by Eyemouth ISCA (International Sail Craft Association). Eyemouth ISCA is an educational charity and it has tied in the restoration project of Huff of Arklow to an NVQ2 apprenticeship in boat building. Two young men have passed a lengthy selection in order to achieve this placement based at Mashfords Boatyard, Cremyll, where Huff lays. The Falmouth Marine School provides the technical side of the course whilst the practical side will focus on the restoration of the Huff.
Huff of Arklow launch party will take place on 7th September!
A lively facebook page detials the restoration here
