Simon's Blackwater Sloop Gadfly II

WBB's Simon Papendick ( jstarboat )

Simon is currently restoring a 70 year old English East Coast Sailing Yacht Gadfly II which he purchased through Ebay for £100.00. It's a handsome sailing vessel with old world lines and character. The original build began in 1939 and her construction was halted for the duration of world War II. Work progressed following the war and she was finally completed and launched in 1946.

"The previous owner said she was a Blackwater gaff sloop and seems to have many of the same features - however, having contacted a number of sources Simon believes she was built in Kent rather than the Blackwater, which is across the Thames Estuary, in Essex". - Gavin Atkin

The boat had been stripped out by the previous owner who intended to restore her. But, he lost the will to finish it off. The hull is in good condition apart from a couple of planks, ribs, floors and a new set of keel bolts.

Once the ribs, floors and keel bolts are refitted he will get her afloat.

 

"I have found out more about the boat’s history and type of boat she is - or at least the design she was built to.

It appears that Gadfly II was built in Kent, as I was lead to believe was the case. However, she was built to look like a Blackwater gaff sloop called Iolanthe and has the same hull design and dimensions.

The only difference between the two boats is that my boat has an extra 3in depth in the iron keel. I have attached a few photos of the work in progress to restore this fine old lady to her former glory." -Simon Papendick

Simon intends to sail the restored Gadfly II at a charity fund raising sailing challenge in the Summer 09

You can follow the progress of Gadfly II on Simon's website http://www.jstartuition-boatservices.co.uk/ or his multiply page.

Simon's Photo Albums:
Gadfly II restoration for charity funding raising sailing challenge in Summer 09
Pippa interior and cockpit lockers painted under the floor with bilge paint

More on this at intheboatshed.net:
Do you know the story of the ‘Blackwater sloop’ Gadfly II?
More information about the Kent-built ‘Blackwater sloop’ Gadfly II