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Secret shares the long, fixed, ballasted keel and self-righting characteristics of her sisters, but the subtle cut-away forefoot, low freeboard, big rig, full bow sections, and flat run aft means she’s halfway between an Essex Smack and a Sydney Harbour 18-footer. There’s nothing else quite like her on the water. Just look at that bowsed-down bowsprit, plumb stem, and counter stern and try to stop yourself from falling in love. She’ll go and you know it. To help her, you’re allowed one trapeze – though it’s not essential. There’s also a big Gennaker, which you’ll be itching to get out. We’re going to see a Secret planing downwind at 15 knots plus – it’s just a question of who’s first.
A perfect club one-design. Cruise when you’re not racing and just swallow the admiration of the spectators. They’ll see her fly and want a closer look and then the luxurious hardwood trim and the sheer quality of the fittings will set her apart – until they form a fleet.
The cruiser version has all the space you need, thanks to the lack of a centreboard case, and all the stowage that you want, thanks to all the separate stowage/buoyancy compartments. You’ve got a good double bunk, stove, porta-potti, and sink. The batteries for instant auxiliary power form useful ballast. Why not leave the rig at home and take the easily driven hull for a silent electric cruise up your local river?
Own the fastest gaffer on the lake – and you can build her yourself!
COMING SOON!
The design foundations of this type of vessel were laid in the nineteenth century by which time the archetypal English gaff cutter had evolved into a near perfect expression of hull and rig. Whether racing or trawling, their straight stems, graceful counters, and rakish rigs dominated the sailing scene in late Victorian England. Their speed and sea keeping abilities were the stuff of legend and even today cutters such as the restored Partridge of 1885 are still winning classic regattas and races. I grew up in and around the southeast of England where many a fine cutter had her home port and I had wanted one for the best part of forty years. Although tiny by comparison, Secret shares a common heritage with those wonderful old cutters and I have worked harder on her lines than any other in an effort to capture the essence of the old timers in a thoroughly modern trailer yacht.
Intended primarily as a daysailer with good weekend accommodation facilities, the emphasis is on cockpit comfort and space rather than a cavernous cabin with all mod cons. The boat will sleep two down below and two under canvas in the cockpit. Ample space is provided for portable toilet, sink, stove, and icebox. The cabin features a canvas hatch and specially cast bronze oval ports. The cockpit is self-draining and will comfortably seat four along one side (“R” Type). Auxiliary power is supplied by an electric motor sliding down through a flap in the counter with the batteries stowed forward under the bunks. A small generator and solar panels can be fitted for complete peace of mind (a petrol outboard can be fitted, but should be removable.)
Structurally, Secret is built around our time-honoured slot system marine ply framework. A two inch laminated keel/stem/stern assembly runs the whole length of the boat, extending down to include the ballast, which is in the form of lead ingots, housed in a faired hardwood “box.” The machined marine ply frames, seats, and bulkheads interlock and slot into the keel, forming a light, strong box section framework. Next, a series of closely spaced stringers are fitted around the hull and the ply skin is screwed and glued in place. The bilges are “planked” up and faired to a firm yet fully rounded profile. The bulkheads, floors, seat bunks, and lockers are all an integral part of the structure. There are no jigs or strongbacks needed and, with all the components pre-fabricated, initial build time is very fast. Most builders will be able to get a Secret in frame within a week or two. Fairing the hull and achieving a good finish will always take time and superb cabin joinery is not an overnight job. To help make the work easier, many finishing components are pre-machined to fit to the framework and a selection of matching off-cuts is provided for custom work.
The rig includes two rows of reef points on the main, roller reefing to the foresail and a variety of jibs set flying on the bowsprit. Secret can be rigged, launched, and sailed by the single-hander. Secret has proved to be beautifully balanced on all points, quick to manoeuvre, and satisfyingly fast. In about 8-9 knots of breeze, she points efficiently to about 35 degrees, making true 45 degrees over the ground. On a reach, over 7.5 knots has been recorded. The boat has an easy motion in moderate chop and has exceeded all expectations. We are delighted with her. While the “C” Type hulls and the “R” Type rigs with their larger battened main, larger jib, and optional gennaker is by far the most popular combination, for those who require even more performance, there is the “R” Type Cabin version with larger cockpit and a smaller, lower cabin roofline. The two bunks below will remain for basic accommodation, but there’s no space for stove or sink in the cabin, although a port-a-potti will sit snugly under the cockpit sole. Both rigs on both hulls are interchangeable. The “R” Type with a crew of three or four will be very competitive in classic boat competition and in mixed handicap fleets.
The boat is thoroughly engineered to the best of my ability and, while certainly not cheap, in kit form it will represent a huge savings over similar custom built craft. Secret is for those who appreciate the very best in small boats – I am proud of her.
Derek Ellard
Designer
COMING SOON!
April 2010 – Classic Boat Magazine
January/February 2010 – Small Craft Advisor Magazine – Issue No. 61
March/April 2009 – Water Craft Magazine – Issue No. 74
January/February 2009 – Anglia Afloat Magazine
November/December 2008 – Anglia Afloat Magazine
September/October 2008 – Anglia Afloat Magazine
COMING SOON!
| Type | Cuddy Cabin, Full Cabin |
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