ATHENA & Len Randell
We received an email from an active Classic Yacht sailor and SWS reader this week. Ron Caddy has been the custodian of ATHENA for the last 12 years, but it’s now time for him to find a new custodian.
The details Ron provided us with are below but first, have a listen to Len Randell, ATHENA’s creator, telling the story, in person, of his work during the 2023 Australian Wooden Boat Festival
From an early age, Len spent much of his spare time around the Swan River and associated waterways, building canoes and improvising with home-made sails. As a teenager in the 1930s he visited Perth boatyards on the banks of the Swan River, and seeing these boats being built inspired him to design one himself at the tender age of 15. The resulting 16-foot hard chine boat was a success and encouraged him to continue designing craft and become involved with yachting in general. Although he designed racing and cruising yachts, it was fishing boats that launched his commercial career. The introduction of high-powered diesel engines was a significant change and needed someone able to calculate the power and propeller requirements, along with the best hull shape and construction, if the craft was to achieve its desired performance. Len had the technical expertise to capitalize on this need and soon started working with builders to produce efficient and elegant designs, now known the world over.
ATHENA is for sale
Conservator Wanted - ATHENA M110
To take this classic yacht, a Randell 29 foot , huon pine carvel hull beauty into the next 50 years of wandering the sea.
Designed by Len Randell, renown naval architect, and built in Kettering Tasmania by Lionel Jensen and launched 1972. (click to enlarge)
A sturdy, rough water, loving cruising yacht has been my love affair for the last 12 years. Now I must say goodbye due to my eyesight problem.
She is a double handed ocean traveller, with two circumnavigations of Tasmania, and a great Port Phillip Bay yacht.
She is lying in pen B1 at Blairgowrie Yacht Club marina and is paid up until September 30th.
A mooring will also be offered to her new conservator at SSCBC, a prime deep water position close to jetty.
For a full list of her atributes, an inventory or to arrange a visit contact me personaly.
Transfer fee negotiable to the right caring person who will love her as I have done.
Ronald Caddy skipper, ATHENA M110 0417 789 440 or EMAIL
