Classic Yacht

WHAT CONSTITUTES A “CLASSIC”?

According to Webster, the word 'classic' properly defines a vessel designed and serving as a 'standard of excellence' with an additional caveat of equal import to be 'enduring and traditional'.

In an age when 'classic' is so grossly distorted as to encompass an amorphous range of social unconsciousness from Coca Cola to popular sitcom, We must remind ourselves of the real meaning of the word.
'Classic' should not define external glitter any more than 'World class' should describe a hamburger.

A 'classic yacht' must represent a graceful and well-proportioned hull whose individual parts are not only enduring but are created by a traditional process of skill and inspiration. A classic yacht speaks to you in a distinct and compelling voice.

A classic vessel is much more than a particular aesthetic or construction technique. It is a synthesis of proven design principles, traditional technologies, experienced seamanship and historical continuity.

Lines for most classic vessels were laid down in an era when cultural aesthetic standards were infinitely more rigorous than they are today.
Yacht Restoration is a process that involves a number of ethical and practical decisions. We feel that compromise is usually a necessity to make a restored yacht comfortable and enjoyable. We feel it may be unreasonable to expect a crew to have no washing or toilet facilities but perfectly reasonable to want hand stitched sails. One aspect we are loathe to meddle with is the external appearance of the yachts.

We do not feel it necessary to change fundamental aspects of design to try and " improve" on the original.

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that, to a large extent, the success of any restoration relies on faith in the original yacht.

Lulworth

People sail, buy, restore, and care for classic yachts because they are passionate about them. Otherwise there is no reason to spend the time and money.
Their histories are as rich as the woods from which they were built. These classic yachts transcend their owners. They have lives of their own. People who chose them either took care of their wards - varnished, painted and refitted them or neglected them and left them to rot or deteriorate.
In the last decade or so, there has been a resurgence in Yacht Restoration and a desire to preserve the past.

Cariad

Cariad is one of the last to undergo Restoration.

RESTORATION vs REBUILD

RESTORATION (Research thanks to Gai Huddleston)

We believe we have ‘Restored’ Cariad if the spirit of the vessel remains.

The Oxford dictionary says…

-	The action of returning something to a former condition, place, or owner to the process of repairing or renovating a building or work of art.
-	To restore a quality or ability that someone has not had for a long time, you make it possible for them to have that quality or ability again.
-	Returning to former dignity.
-	Things are "restored" to their like new condition to the era they were built. Materials are matched, methods of construction are re-used so that when the building is complete, it is more-or-less as it would have been when it was new.
-	Exceptions made when changes must be had to bring building up to modern code/standards. With restoration, some original materials are intact, but repairs are made with new materials largely indistinguishable from the original used in replacement.
-	Imbued with a message from the past, the historic monuments of generations of people remain to the present day as living witnesses of their age-old traditions. People are becoming more and more conscious of the unity of human values and regard ancient monuments as a common heritage. The common responsibility to safeguard them for future generations is recognized. It is our duty to hand them on in the full richness of their authenticity.
-	It is essential that the principles guiding the preservation and restoration of ancient buildings should be agreed and be laid down on an international basis, with each country being responsible for applying the plan within the framework of its own culture and traditions
-	Cariad.
	90% steel frames replaced. Keel, Keelson, Keel plate, Garboard plus next 3 planks maintained.
	30% deck beams replaced.
	90% bench shelf retained.
	Rudder post retained. Entire steering gear retained.
	100% original bronze deck fittings retained.
REBUILD / RENOVATION
-	to build again.
-	to build something again that has been damaged or destroyed.
-	to dismantle and reassemble with new parts.
-	Renovation : Broad term, this can be just about anything. The building may be gutted and rebuilt using modern materials with only the shell intact. Some renovations are "almost" restorations but frequently much historic fabric is lost during renovations, rehabs, rebuilds.

Join Us On The Journey That Has Lasted Over 100 Years

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