The Yacht’s Story

by Russell King. January 2018

I purchased Tramp in February 2017. My research shows that the boat had a major rebuild in the early 80s and ended up with a tall 2 spreader rig, spade hung rudder ( No skeg ) square forehatch, wheel steering, epoxy treatment and possibly a new keel.

I believe the work was done by Victorian shipwright Bernie WEBBER. Around the same time Red William had a similar rebuild. I think that over the years, due to the massive extent of the rebuild, previous owners have chosen to say the boat was built in the early 80’s. I believe the boat is boat 28 of 1975, delivered to Hank SHILTE of Mornington Yacht Club and christened PIET HEIN ( light blue hull and deck ).

Hank and the boat ended up at the RYCV where it was based for a number of years. I believe Hank sold the boat to Peter HANSON from Sandringham Yacht Club who renamed it TRAMP. Peter sailed the boat in the Melbourne Osaka Race, (possibly 1991) but retired.

Peter sold the boat to master mariner Alan HAINING from RYCV who was lost at sea in March 2003 when attempting a solo sail across Bass Strait. Captain HAINING’s estate sold the boat to R WOODWARD of RYCV who actively raced the boat in the bay and Bass Strait until about 2011.

WOODWARD sold the boat to Neurosurgeon Christopher THIEN from RMYS. Christopher had the boat re-engined and propped and due to his hectic workloads rarely used it, letting it fall into disrepair through lack of use. Christopher sold it to me with 11 engine hours on the clock and a foot of mussels on the hull.

I have spent the last 11 months, cleaning scraping, repairing, replacing, repainting etc.. Although I have spent may man hours and lots of dollars renovating the vessel, she has proven to be extremely sound, well equipped and a pleasure to sail.

Photos

Photograph: Mike Parkinson

Photo from Melbourne Docklands