BOATYARD HISTORY II

HISTORY OF H. ATTRILL & SONS (continued)

Another two Nissen huts were bought and, again, cement was laid by hand. They purchased a three wheel saw as they had no power. The lower wheel had a handle, so while one person turned the saw, the other cut the planks. All drilling was done by hand. The boat was powered by diesel, and had good sailing qualities. It was reported the owner paid for the boat on one night's sprat fishing. It was named after his wife, 'GERTRUDE'.

Having changed its name three times the boat is now a yacht called 'ELLA BELLA' and is presently in Spain.

In 1947 with the Ferry being part of the business, they decided to build a Motor Ferry. This was an 18'. open launch, powered by an 8hp. Stuart Turner engine. The launch's name was 'GOLDEN DAWN'. (She is now a yachts tender).

Several dinghies were made for the Ryde Rowing Club, and a fleet of sailing dinghies were made for the Ventnor Sailing Club. The boats are still around the Solent area.

From the late forties into the early fifties many dinghies, scows and canoes were produced, and two 21' Clinker sailing boats designed by Alf Feltham's were built. One was owned by Earl Fitzwilliam.

During this time the next large yacht was built for Col. Johnstone and was designed by a local designer, Harry Jacobs. The third brother, Douglas, became its Skipper, and with the name 'FLYING SPUR' it was perhaps their proudest yacht. The keel was of lead and cast on the beach. The interior was panelled in oak and she had a teak laid deck. It was a fine sailing craft, and is now owned by an American.

Head room in a Nissen hut was a problem. Luckily 'FLYING SPUR' was built in the summer which enabled them to remove the corrugated iron roof and work under the sky. By this time they had power, which was from an old Lister petrol paraffin engine and dynamo through old car batteries. Some years later they managed to get onto the mains by guaranteeing a large power usage, which meant using all the current they could to get up to the Electric Light Companies minimum requirement.

Harry Jacobs also designed for the yard two very special yachts, one 'BETSINDA' was about 22' long, and a very fast day-sailer, and 'M-RENEE' who was 30' long. She was designed with a very shallow draft and centre-board as she was to be sailed on the River Thames.

In 1950 they bought an ex-naval gig, converted and powered her to undertake the job of laying moorings and marks. This was a new innovation to the area and she was named 'FROLIC'.

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