Victoria’s most successful keelboat… Could be yours!
The famous Tumlaren YVONNE, is now on the market for the very realistic price of $20,000AU
BACKGROUND
Eighty four years ago YVONNE was launched in the northern waters of Port Phillip. She was built by Charlie Peel, the designer of ACROSPIRE II, III & IV. For the following fifty years, Tumlaren were the premier one-design fleet in Victoria. The master of the class was Selim Nurminen skippering YVONNE #97. Together they became the most successful skipper and keelboat on Port Phillip, winning seventeen Victorian State Championships. For the full story see SWS Selim & Yvonne (click to enlarge)
RESTORATION
YVONNE was sold to Adelaide in 1999 becoming another unfulfilled restoration project. A small syndicate funded and supported her return to Melbourne in 2016. A smaller group did the slow heavy lifting of a complete re-build. The highly experienced shipwright Ferdi Darley offered his shed and guidance to the re-build team of Ant Perri, Chris Clapp and serial Tumlaren owner, Roger Dundas. (click to enlarge)
The objective of the long and complex task of restoring YVONNE was to return this special craft to the place in which she belongs; sailing amongst the historic one design fleet in the waters of Port Phillip.
After removing the plank and canvas deck, all 104 ribs were replaced with paired spotted gum. The original Huon pine planking was in excellent order ...with only 3 replaced. All were re-fastened with donated copper nails and splined below the waterline. New Oregon deck beams were housed into the original beam shelf and a ply and epoxy deck was laid for stiffening. The original mast was retained with only the top 3 metres being newly scarfed.
To compliment the meticulous standard of the restoration it was decided that she needed a wardrobe. Mark Rimington made the sails and recut a donated Dragon kite. Dave Allen drew a set-out for standing and running rig then recycled most fittings. (click to enlarge)
Two weeks after her relaunch she took up where she had left off 40 years earlier by winning the 2022 Cup Regatta under the helm of Dave Allen.
The importance of this boat can’t be underestimated. English marine journalist, Nigel Sharp was in Australia last February to visit the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart. He has been commissioned by the American based Wooden Boat magazine to write the Yvonne story. (click to enlarge)
WHY THE SALE?
The plan to restore YVONNE was never about becoming the long term custodians of this unique yacht. It was always focused on saving her, bringing her home and ensuring that she has the opportunity to sail with the growing fleet of restored Tumlarens on Port Phillip for the next 50 years. That objective has been accomplished. It’s now time for her to find a new custodian who understands her place in Melbourne’s sailing history, is excited to sail her regularly with the Tumlaren fleet, and appreciates the responsibilities as well as the benefits of owning such a craft.
THE PRICE
Over the last 10 years restored Tumlaren have sold for between $20,000 and $40,000 in Australia. In the USA a good example recently fetched $25,000US ($37,000AU). Recent sales in the UK have been slightly higher. Unrestored hulls in Australia (if found) fetch between $5,000 and $10,000. Material costs on YVONNE’s restoration not including labour and sails were around $30,000. YVONNE is currently penned at RMYS in St Kilda and is registered as Cat 7 safety compliant.
The asking price of $20,000AU reflects the syndicates desire to see her in good hands and sailing regularly with the Port Phillip Classics fleet.
Yvonne will be competing in the CYAA Victorian Winter Series starting this Sunday. If interested parties would like to experience classic one-design Tumlaren sailing there is an opportunity to join the crew.
For more information about the boat please contact: Roger Dundas or Charlie Salter
SWS has no financial interest in the sale of YVONNE.