Restoration – Cachalot: a gentleman's cutter

Coachroof interior and OGA trophy, 2022

Steve was thrilled to be awarded the East Coast OGA Concours d’Elegance trophy for ‘Cachalot’ after the Summer Cruise, 2022.

Cabin, forepeak and bunks

The first job after being launched as a bare hull in 2017, with just sole boards and bulkheads, was fixing up somewhere to sleep.

Galley, storage and chart table

Launched as a bare hull in 2017, with just sole boards and bulkheads, after fixing up somewhere to sleep we move on to the galley and chart table.

Maintenance, covers and Award nomination, 2019

After the launch in 2017, the decision was made to store ‘Cachalot’ ashore overwinter as the hull was still taking up and we didn’t want a repeat of the ‘Sorry, Steve, your boat has sunk!’ story.

New sails and running rigging, 2018

‘Cachalot’ needed a new suit of sails made the traditional way. We sought quotes, and decided on Ratsey & Lapthorn, the oldest sailmaker in the world, founded in 1790.

A beautiful crisp morning in February 2007 saw the Tidemill owner, Richard in the crane to lift the mast. On inspection, it was sound apart from a small area of rot at deck level, easily repaired by scarfing.

Launch and demise of the tent, 2017

Preparations began a couple of days ahead of the official launch date. She’s taken off the cradles after ten years and loaded onto the trailer.

Last jobs before launch, 2017

Having promised a launch in 2016, we were determined to get her back in the water by summer 2017, but there was still quite a bit to do.

New deck and rudder, 2016

In Spring 2013 we turn our attention back to the deck, partly removed in 2007. There are several options to consider and it’s another three years before the deck is finally laid.

Painting and starting the fit out, 2015

After a couple of weeks in the sunshine, June 2013, with the tent opened up, Steve’s pretty well finished fairing the hull, another important milestone!

Finishing the hull, 2012

Looking at the depleted woodpile in May 2012, the remaining planks were checked against the shift of butts plan to provide a final list of what we’ll need to complete the hull.

Auxiliary power

‘Cachalot’ was originally built as a yacht and didn’t have any auxiliary power until the 1930s. The engine, undamaged by the sinking, was restored and refitted.

Restart planking and receive an Award, 2010

‘Cachalot’ was honoured to receive one of the National Transport Trust Restoration Awards in 2009, sufficient to purchase the majority of the planking.

Replacing the stem and stern, 2009

By April, 2009 it was becoming apparent that the stem was not up to scratch and, after much discussion, it was removed.

Frames, knees, bends and planking, 2008

With good progress on the frames, by October 2008 it was time to think about ordering wood for the planking.

New wood going in, 2008!

New Year 2008 found Paul working on the counter to replace the archboard, deck beams and frames. More new wood to replace the rot certainly began to raise our spirits.

A tent, a workshop and up with the deck!

In August 2007 we were told by Richard, owner of the Tidemill YH, that ‘Cachalot’ would be moved to the far end (aka ‘graveyard’) of the Marina.

Assessing the scope of the project, 2007

By April 2007 it became clear that the problems extended far beyond the counter.

Steve, your boat has sunk!

Having purchased ‘Cachalot’ in 2005, there were plans, based on the surveyor’s report, to carry out a programme of winter maintenance, including recaulking and repairs to the counter.

Project Type: Restoration