Fast & Bonnie
The Fife yard was always a magical playground for Fairlie’s children. For many it led to jobs as adults.
The History of Fife of Farlie can be a little confusing as there were three generations that influenced the world of yacht design from the early 1800’s until the late 1930’s.
But apart from one or two boats, most ‘Fife’ yachts worldwide are the creations of the William Fife III, the most famous of the family of yacht designers and boatbuilders. Fife yachts are venerated around the world for their beauty, and have been the subject of perhaps more big restorations than vessels from any other designer.
So when you learn that here in little old Melbourne, there is a fully restored Fife 8m for sale, with immaculate provenance and a practical set up, for much less than the cost of a twenty year old, questionably constructed, production fiberglass floating caravan, then you should sit up and take notice.
Built in 1928 by Morrison & Sinclair in Sydney CARAID is one of approximately 100 Fife designs still in existence – most are in Europe. Originally commissioned by the Commodore of Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in Williamston, CARAID has spent most of her life sailing on Port Phillip.
She is built with full length NZ Kauri boards and carries an as-new Burmese Teak deck. Her owner of close to 40 years has cared for her meticulously after he purchased her and began the thorough restoration. The spectacular interior has inlaid contrasting timbers of cedar, teak, silver ash and blackwood, which helped earn CARAID the people’s choice award for the best looking boat at the inaugural Wooden boat festival. In fact, she has won that award 3 times. She comes with an original leather bound logbook with gold embossed pages that has been signed by dignitaries, dated as far back as 1930's.
It would be a sad indictment on the imagination of Australia’s maritime enthusiasts if this piece of history does not find a new custodian for the price of a Beachbox at McCrae!
