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Legendary ‘D’, Undine brought back to life

An iconic Derwent Class yacht called Undine  is undergoing restoration in the hands of the talented team at The Wooden Boat Centre, Tasmania, destined for the racing circuit in time for the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally in February 2024.

According to Cordy Horgan, Head Shipwright and Manager of the Wooden Boat Centre (WBC) – Australia’s only wooden boat building school – the project will involve the WBC’s team of four, a couple of ex-students and volunteers over the next six months.

“We officially began 1 June, and we’re aiming to finish by November and have her sailing in December, ready for the Rally in February. Our team will be joined by local volunteers who are passionate about wooden boats, and ex-students, Sarah and John.

“Only the hull and mast remain,” he continues. “We have to recreate everything else and fully re-rig her. There’s a painting and an old set of plans which are hard to follow, but we’re trying.

“The first step is the restoration of the hull, checking to make sure its intact. Then the second phase is the deck and cabin, followed by the rigging and caulking to get it back on the water.”

Whimsically named Undine for the water nymph who could only become human if she was loved by a faithful mortal man, she is D13, built by Don Colbourn of Pirie Street, New Town, for P. and D. Hadlow, and launched 8 November 1948 ahead of the 12th D-class sailing season. 

Each D-Class vessel is named after a mythological or literary persona, resulting in a colourful cast of characters: Imp, Pixie, Gnome, Sprite, Mermaid, Peter Pan, Wendy, Pim, Gremlin, Merlin, Janus, Merlin, Titania, and now, Undine . 

Abandoned in a berth at Oyster Cove Marina, Undine faced an uncertain future before she was rescued and donated to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

“The Festival chose us to restore her as part of the school’s one-year shipwright course, funded by a philanthropist keen to revive the vessel to its former racing glory,” Cody explains.

“There are around seven D-Class boats in Kettering. It’s becoming very popular. We’re thrilled to be adding to the fleet which is appreciated by so many people.”

The Derwent Class (‘Ds’ to those in the know), is the oldest racing class in Australia. The D is a one-design racing yacht designed by naval architect, AC (Arthur Carlyle) Barber in the 1920s for competing on the River Derwent and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania.

In his prodigious career, Barber designed RANI , the winner of the first Sydney Hobart yacht race in 1945 and RIPPLE which won the Hobart race of 1953-54, among dozens of other privately owned and commercial craft.

By 1928, there were six D-Class yachts competing in their own regatta, and by 1955, 20 had been built. In the 70s and 80s, the Class was eclipsed by racing yachts built with cheaper materials and methods, and by the 90s not one was racing.

The Class has seen a revival in recent years, led by a small and fiercely dedicated group of owners fascinated by the history and lithe lines of the ‘D’.

Based primarily out of Oyster Cover Marina at Kettering, 30 minutes’ drive south of Hobart, this new generation of wooden boat owners formed a cooperative to purchase, restore, maintain, and race D-Class boats. At least 18 still exist out of the 26 or so built, many of them fully restored.

The skippers and crew stage regular week-day races during the racing season and compete yearly in the ‘Derwent Worlds’, hosted by the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally in even years, and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in odd years.

In 2024, the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally and Derwent Worlds will be held 10 to 12 Feb, the Hobart Regatta long weekend.

The previous project undertaken by The Wooden Boat Centre was the restoration of the Franklin 29, which made her debut at the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Built to a design inspired by the Bristol 27 by UK designer, Andrew Wolstenholme, it was chosen for its blend of heritage looks and modern features, and provided 20 students over two years with training opportunities in the full range of boat building skills.

The as-yet-unnamed Franklin 29 is available for sale and all enquiries should be directed to the Wooden Boat Centre.

The team is currently devoted to their next mission, Undine and there’s a long road ahead, likely involving many late, cold winter nights. Cory and his team are working hard to match the vessel’s original timbers and revive the style and performance of Undine’s pedigree.

“We’re aiming to use like for like,” says Cody, referring to replicating the original in this modern incarnation. “For the hull, we’re using King Billy Pine, and for the cabin, Huon Pine. The deck will be ply and ‘glass, then painted.”

This is where experience and expertise are essential. “We rely on WEST SYSTEM 105 resin and 205m Fast Hardener in the cold for curing in a timely manner,” he states.

“At night, temperatures drop to 4C and a maximum of 17C during the day, depending on the weather. It can be freezing inside the workshop and breezy. So, to ensure quick curing we use the Fast Hardener – and as an added benefit, it makes people work faster too!

“The secret is when you’re working with a lot of people, to make small batches and work efficiently,” he adds.

“We use WEST SYTEM from ATL because their products are a known quantity, they’re consistent. When you use them a lot, you become confident they’re up to the task. And ATL provide technical support when we ask.”

The AWBF is aiming to launch the resurrected Undine to compete for the first time in at least 40 years against other D-class vessels in the Derwent Worlds in February 2024, and the auction her at the close of the Rally.

“If this one is a success, we may be lucky enough to do more in the future,” says Cody. “There are many more out there in need of loving restoration and a second lease of life.”

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Legendary ‘D’ – Undine brought back to life

An iconic Derwent Class yacht called “Undine” is undergoing restoration in the hands of the talented team at The Wooden Boat Centre, Tasmania, destined for the racing circuit in time for the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally in February 2024.

According to Cordy Horgan, Head Shipwright and Manager of the Wooden Boat Centre (WBC) – Australia’s only wooden boat building school – the project will involve the WBC’s team of four, a couple of ex-students and volunteers over the next six months.

“We officially began 1 June, and we’re aiming to finish by November and have her sailing in December, ready for the Rally in February. Our team will be joined by local volunteers who are passionate about wooden boats, and ex-students, Sarah and John.

“Only the hull and mast remain,” he continues. “We have to recreate everything else and fully re-rig her. There’s a painting and an old set of plans which are hard to follow, but we’re trying.

“The first step is the restoration of the hull, checking to make sure it’s intact. Then the second phase is the deck and cabin, followed by the rigging and caulking to get it back on the water.”

Whimsically named Undine for the water nymph who could only become human if she was loved by a faithful mortal man, she is D13, built by Don Colbourn of Pirie Street, New Town, for P. and D. Hadlow, and launched 8 November 1948 ahead of the 12th D-class sailing season.

Each D-Class vessel is named after a mythological or literary persona, resulting in a colourful cast of characters: Imp, Pixie, Gnome, Sprite, Mermaid, Peter Pan, Wendy, Pim, Gremlin, Merlin, Janus, Merlin, Titania, and now, Undine.

Abandoned in a berth at Oyster Cove Marina, Undine faced an uncertain future before she was rescued and donated to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

“The Festival chose us to restore her as part of the school’s one-year shipwright course, funded by a philanthropist keen to revive the vessel to its former racing glory,” Cody explains.

“There are around seven D-Class boats in Kettering. It’s becoming very popular. We’re thrilled to be adding to the fleet which is appreciated by so many people.”

The Derwent Class (‘Ds’ to those in the know), is the oldest racing class in Australia. The D is a one-design racing yacht designed by naval architect, AC (Arthur Carlyle) Barber in the 1920s for competing on the River Derwent and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania.

In his prodigious career, Barber designed RANI, the winner of the first Sydney Hobart yacht race in 1945 and RIPPLE which won the Hobart race of 1953-54, among dozens of other privately owned and commercial craft.

By 1928, there were six D-Class yachts competing in their own regatta, and by 1955, 20 had been built. In the 70s and 80s, the Class was eclipsed by racing yachts built with cheaper materials and methods, and by the 90s not one was racing.

The Class has seen a revival in recent years, led by a small and fiercely dedicated group of owners fascinated by the history and lithe lines of the ‘D’.

Based primarily out of Oyster Cover Marina at Kettering, 30 minutes’ drive south of Hobart, this new generation of wooden boat owners formed a cooperative to purchase, restore, maintain, and race D-Class boats. At least 18 still exist out of the 26 or so built, many of them fully restored.

The skippers and crew stage regular week-day races during the racing season and compete yearly in the ‘Derwent Worlds’, hosted by the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally in even years, and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in odd years.

In 2024, the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally and Derwent Worlds will be held 10 to 12 Feb, the Hobart Regatta long weekend.

The previous project undertaken by The Wooden Boat Centre was the restoration of the Franklin 29, which made her debut at the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Built to a design inspired by the Bristol 27 by UK designer, Andrew Wolstenholme, it was chosen for its blend of heritage looks and modern features, and provided 20 students over two years with training opportunities in the full range of boat building skills.

The as-yet-unnamed Franklin 29 is available for sale and all enquiries should be directed to the Wooden Boat Centre.

The team is currently devoted to their next mission, Undine and there’s a long road ahead, likely involving many late, cold winter nights. Cory and his team are working hard to match the vessel’s original timbers and revive the style and performance of Undine’s pedigree.

“We’re aiming to use like for like,” says Cody, referring to replicating the original in this modern incarnation. “For the hull, we’re using King Billy Pine, and for the cabin, Huon Pine. The deck will be ply and ‘glass, then painted.”

This is where experience and expertise are essential. “We rely on WEST SYSTEM 105 resin and 205m Fast Hardener in the cold for curing in a timely manner,” he states.

“At night, temperatures drop to 4C and a maximum of 17C during the day, depending on the weather. It can be freezing inside the workshop and breezy. So, to ensure quick curing we use the Fast Hardener – and as an added benefit, it makes people work faster too!

“The secret is when you’re working with a lot of people, to make small batches and work efficiently,” he adds.

“We use WEST SYTEM from ATL because their products are a known quantity, they’re consistent. When you use them a lot, you become confident they’re up to the task. And ATL provide technical support when we ask.”

The AWBF is aiming to launch the resurrected Undine to compete for the first time in at least 40 years against other D-class vessels in the Derwent Worlds in February 2024, and the auction her at the close of the Rally.

“If this one is a success, we may be lucky enough to do more in the future,” says Cody. “There are many more out there in need of loving restoration and a second lease of life.”

For more information visit atlcomposites.com.au

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Legendary 'D', Undine brought back to life

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UNDINE – Back to Water and For Sale

Undine , a Derwent Class sailing yacht, is considered a true gem of maritime history that embodies the spirit of racing excellence. More than just a boat,  Undine  is a piece of living history and she is now  for sale .

Restored by the skilled craftspeople at the Wooden Boat Centre, Franklin, the magnificent, 24-foot  Undine  is the Australian Wooden Boat Festival’s first ever boat resto project and is scheduled for relaunch in February at the  Kettering Wooden Boat Rally .

Developed as a one-design racing yacht for the challenging waters of the River Derwent and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, the Derwent Class is the oldest racing class in Australia. The “D” is a one-design racing yacht designed by naval architect, AC (Arthur Carlyle) Barber in the 1920s for competing on the River Derwent and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania.

Launched in 1948, she was built by Don Colbourn of Pirie Street, New Town,  Undine  competed against the other 20 or so D-class vessels in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and earned a formidable racing reputation.

Each D-Class vessel is named after a mythological or literary character, resulting in a colourful cast of characters:  Imp, Pixie, Gnome, Sprite, Mermaid, Peter Pan, Wendy, Pim, Gremlin, Merlin, Janus, Merlin, Titania,  and now,  Undine , a water nymph, which adds a touch of whimsy to her undeniable elegance.

Abandoned in a berth at Oyster Cove Marina,  Undine  (D13) faced an uncertain future before she was rescued and donated to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

With her extensive restoration undertaken by Australia’s only wooden boat building school, the Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin,  Undine  has been brought back to life, ensuring she is ready to compete against her rivals once more.

Under the supervision of Cody Horgan, Head Shipwright and Manager of the Wooden Boat Centre, the small band of students and volunteers carried out a complete inner hull restoration, construction of new decks and deck beams, a new cabin and forehatch, internal fit-out, existing deadwood and ballast removed and refitted.

Her hull has been fully refurbished, and her interior has been meticulously painted.

Over Christmas, Cody and his team had a two-week break before returning in full swing to ensure  Undine  leaves the shed by the end of January.

“We have applied the blue OneUp undercoat primer, in readiness for the Oxford Blue Toplac Plus,” explains Cody. “We have a lot of stainless mast fittings currently being made and aim to get them fitted by the first week of February. All the hull fittings are now applied, the last being the stainless bob-stay fitting.

“We had a lot of fun getting the rudder installed,” he continues. “We had to raise the entire vessel about 1.5-metres off the ground to get the rudder in. It was daunting but had to happen! Work is now underway on the spars, the mast, boom and jib club. The mast required repairs and the other two have been laminated out of Oregon, using WEST SYSTEM 105 epoxy resin and hardener, thickened with 413 WEST SYSTEM Microfibre Blend  powder modifier. We use WEST SYTEM because their products are a known quantity, they’re consistent. When you use them a lot, you become confident they’re up to the task. And ATL Composites provide technical support whenever we ask.”

“We’ve started to coat the spars with varnish now, using a French tung oil varnish called Le Tonkinoir, which is quite a lush resinous coating that should allow the mast long serviceability in the elements. Next is the fun job of varnishing the cabin sides!

“In the next two weeks,  Undine  will be ready to roll out of the shed and recommence her racing life as a brilliant example of the iconic D-Class.”

D-class yachts are making a comeback in the Tasmanian yachting realm with an exciting calendar of events throughout the year at various venues around the country.

Based at Oyster Cover Marina at Kettering, 30 minutes’ drive south of Hobart, a new generation of wooden boat owners formed a cooperative to purchase, restore, maintain, and race D-Class boats. At least 18 still exist out of the 26 or so built, many of them fully restored.

The skippers and crew stage regular week-day races during the racing season and compete yearly in the ‘Derwent Worlds’, hosted by the Kettering Wooden Boat Rally in even years, and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in odd years.  The Kettering Wooden Boat Rally and Derwent Worlds will be held 10 to 12 Feb 2024, the Hobart Regatta long weekend.

The new owner of  Undine  will undoubtably possess a masterpiece and a vessel that’s primed for victory. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor seeking a challenge or an enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in the world of classic yachting,  Undine  is your ticket to an unparalleled experience on the water.

Undine  will be unveiled and launched at 10am, 10 February 2024 at the  Kettering Wooden Boat Rally . Expressions of interest are now open to purchase her. For more information, contact the Australian Wooden Boat Festival on  [email protected]  or (03) 6223 3375 .

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Undine – Restoring a Mythological Creature

From Fibreglass to Timber: A Journey into the World of Wooden Boats

Embracing Friendship Across the Seas

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In mythology and folklore, an Undine refers to a water nymph or spirit, usually associated with water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and seas. Undines are often depicted as beautiful female beings who possess the ability to influence and control water. To us Undine is a Derwent Class yacht currently undergoing restoration at the Wooden Boat Centre. 

In 1948, Robert Cosgrove was reinstated as Premier of Tasmania, Westward won the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on handicap and Don Colbourn of Pirie Street, New Town, launched a Derwent Class named Undine. D13 was launched just in time for the 12th sailing season on the 8th of November, and soon became part of the strong fleet of sailing vessels.

From the 1950’s onwards, the history of the boat varies, although fast-forward to today, she’s in the best position of her life, at the Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin, Tasmania. In late 2020 the boat was donated to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, by the Oyster Cove Marina, she was in poor condition and required significant restoration works.

In mid 2022, a private Trust reviewed the AWBF’s proposal for funds and agreed to provide the financial support for the restoration project. The AWBF then confirmed with the Wooden Boat Centre, that Undine would be the perfect project for the Wooden Boat Centre’s Shipwright Program.

Works that need to be carried out are:

Stage 1:   

• Complete inner hull restoration.  
• Begin construction of deck component, expecting to have most if not all deck beams in by this point.  

Stage 2:   

• Completion of deck component. 
• construction of cabin and forehatch. 
• Internal fit out. 

Stage 3:   

• Fit deadwood and lead ballast .   
• Caulking of boat, painting, rig (including but not limited to mast, boom, bowsprit, and spinnaker pole), deck hardware, stainless work, etc.  
• Test launch of boat. 

So far, the stem has been rebuilt – she was originally cut for and aft with a chainsaw, to widen the stem! A chunk of wood was glued in to fill the gap, and a new inner knee to cover the stem on the inside of the hull has been fitted. A few new ribs are going in and the transom has new inner cheeks to strengthen the outside edges, to assist better fastening of the planks to the transom. In lead Shipwright Cody Horgan’s words “she is one of three boats that are currently being restored at the school, so it’s going off”.

Wooden Boat Centre past projects in preparation for the AWBF 2023.

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