I had the pleasure of Surveying Woodruff yesterday.
When Percy Hunter was establishing his fleet in the early 1930’s he engaged Alfred Pegg to build ‘Woodruff’ at his Wroxham yard. Her internal layout differed slightly to the others of her class and she had the distinction of being the only Hunter boat to feature the brass portholes which are clearly seen in this picture. During the days of the Norfolk County Sailing Base, In 1973, Woodruff suffered the fate of a few other craft on the Broads. That is Calor Gas leaked from its container and filled her bilges with gas. Vaporised Calor Gas is heavier than air and will remain in a boat’s bilges without dispersing!
When the hirer lit a match to start the stove and make breakfast, there was an explosion that caused serious structural damage to the yacht. It was fortunate that this accident took place at the yard, that nobody was seriously hurt and the yacht also survived! All too often these incidents result in fire and complete destruction. 'Woodruff' was written off by the insurers and disposed of by the yard. She was subsequently rebuilt, at Acle, and survives in private ownership to this day.
When Percy Hunter was establishing his fleet in the early 1930’s he engaged Alfred Pegg to build ‘Woodruff’ at his Wroxham yard. Her internal layout differed slightly to the others of her class and she had the distinction of being the only Hunter boat to feature the brass portholes which are clearly seen in this picture. During the days of the Norfolk County Sailing Base, In 1973, Woodruff suffered the fate of a few other craft on the Broads. That is Calor Gas leaked from its container and filled her bilges with gas. Vaporised Calor Gas is heavier than air and will remain in a boat’s bilges without dispersing!
When the hirer lit a match to start the stove and make breakfast, there was an explosion that caused serious structural damage to the yacht. It was fortunate that this accident took place at the yard, that nobody was seriously hurt and the yacht also survived! All too often these incidents result in fire and complete destruction. 'Woodruff' was written off by the insurers and disposed of by the yard. She was subsequently rebuilt, at Acle, and survives in private ownership to this day.
Hope we'll see her back on the water before too long.
ReplyDeleteLovely old girl that River Cruiser Class really is, do hope her restoration is to be totally sympathetic to the Era.
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