Members of the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club banded together to find a boat that would be suitable for the International 8mtre Class World Cup which they are to host in August 2024 – the same year that marks their 200th birthday.
The group found and restored the boat Fulmar – built in 1930 – which they found in late 2021 neglected in the Hamble.
After a major refurbishment, the boat has finally set sail on Sunday, June 11 after a relaunch party on Friday, June 9.
A club representative said: “The Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club is to host the International 8mtre Class World Cup in August 2024, which will coincide with the 200 year anniversary of the club.
“With this in mind, a group of sailing chums started discussing obtaining a suitable boat in which to compete.
“Negotiations commenced and, ultimately, Fulmar (built in 1930) was bought and on her way to Silvers in February 2022.
“On Friday, June 9, a re-launch party was held at Rhu Marina where the provost, Maurice Corry, poured some fine Clydeside whisky on the bow and wished the owners and crew well.
“On Sunday, June 11, a large crew went afloat and got to know how she sails.”
Extensive work was required on the boat as the competition requires most things above deck on each vessel are as close to their original state as possible.
Refurbishments on the vessel started by stripping around 350kg of superfluous equipment such as the engine, electronics, and windlass to restore the boat to its original purpose of being a 46-foot racing yacht.
Afterwards, structural work began which saw the mast moved mast, winches fitted, and tracks for sailing put in place.
Before the competition next year, this August the boat will visit Genoa in Italy to compete in this year’s World Cup and in some regattas before returning to Rhu.
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