Evelyn
Historic Falmouth Working Boat
Evelyn News
125th Anniversary
Evelyn was launched in 1898 and is one of the oldest surviving Falmouth Working Boats. Some say that she is undoubtedly the prettiest and we wouldn’t argue with that.
We plan to celebrate her 125th year with a party on the quayside in St Mawes on Sunday 13th August – just after Falmouth Sailing Week, and before the Tall Ships Race to Corunna which starts in Falmouth on the 18th. All current and previous syndicate members are invited to join us for refreshments. She will be alongside from 14:30-18:30pm dressed overall and looking her finest.
On Monday 14th she will set off up the coast in the passage race to Fowey for their Regatta Week. We plan to take part in the spectacular but completely terrifying Harbour Race on the 17th.
Read the blog written by Linda Batchelor, National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in celebration of the working boats and in particular Evelyn.
Fitting Out
Evelyn has been at Freshwater Yard in St Mawes over the winter and work is progressing to get her ready her for the new season’s racing. Inclement weather during the last few weeks has delayed some of the work, but we are aiming for her to be relaunched sometime around 17th May.
This year, in addition to the usual list of work that needs to be done (varnishing spars and rubbing strake, painting topsides and boot top) we have asked the yard to treat the rusty fastenings, stiffen the benches and stop the leak between the hull and deck on the starboard side. They have also painted the inside of the hull which was time-consuming. Peter Louth has very kindly arranged to have the punt smartened up.
The debate about the balance between the mainsail and foresails, the resulting weather helm in some conditions and the rake of the mast continues. We had hoped to explore re-cutting the mainsail with one of the local sailmakers, but time and funds will probably not allow this to be done in time for this year’s racing.
We are very grateful to those who volunteered to help with fitting out – and apologise for the cancellation of working parties and changes of plan.