JEFF: RESTORATION IN PROGRESS

Over the past century, ‘Jeff’ has seen it all. Wind, rain, sunshine, long days on the water. Built in 1923 and originally caulked using traditional methods, she has been kept afloat through many small repairs and renovations over the years. Each generation did what was needed with the materials and knowledge of the time. That patchwork of care kept her going through the decades, through wartime, and even through her role in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940.

But time leaves its mark. When Jeff’ arrived at our yard, it was clear that the years had caught up with her. Moisture readings showed high levels throughout the hull, the result of old techniques that had begun to break down. At that point, it was no longer just about keeping her going. It was about preserving her for the future.

We started with a full moisture survey and carefully stripped back several sections of the hull. She is now being slowly conditioned, allowing the wood to return to the right balance. It is a gradual process. Rushing would only cause more harm. Together with the specialists at Epifanes, we made the decision to remove all paint and coatings and strip out the old caulking. These will be replaced with a flexible filler that works consistently within the Epifanes paint system we will be applying later on.

What we are doing is not just restoration. It is about preserving craftsmanship and keeping the story of this boat alive. A Little Ship with a history like hers deserves to be treated with care and attention.

We look forward to bringing her back, ready for the years ahead.

Only the best.
VMG Yachtbuilders