2014 AUGUST CLASSIC SAILBOAT OF THE MONTH: Albert Strange “Sheila”
Sheila was Albert Strange’s first deep keel design commission, drawn for fellow artist Robert Groves who sailed her in the waters of the Scottish West Coast and the Hebrides in the early days of the century at a time when sailing such voyages in a small yacht was considered impossible. Named for Groves’ eldest daughter, she is the oldest known surviving Strange yacht.
1914 – “Sheila” was damaged in a storm in Dublin Bay, was written off by the insurers, sold to and rebuilt by Capt. Patrick Walsh of Dublin who added 5’ to the keel depth and fitted a rather exotic kauri pine swept deck.
1939 – Damaged by a bomb in a Scottish boat-yard
1978 – Present ownership, followed by an extensive largely professional restoration. The deck was removed and the hull stripped of all paint inside and out. The keel bolts replaced. All hanging and lodging knees replaced. Several deck beams replaced in Honduras mahogany. The interior rebuilt in the spirit of the original design with the help of Groves’ original drawings. The rig rebuilt.
Current – For up to date progress on “Sheila” visit The Albert Strange Association
Strange “Shelia” Specifications:
LOA: 31’0″ / 9.44m * LOD: 25’00 / 7.62m * LWL: 19’06 / 5.97m * Beam: 6’09 / 2.10m * Draft: 3’05 / 1.06m * Ballast: * Displacement: 4 TM * Sail Area: 330sq’ * Yard Number: * Hull material: Planked in full length ¾” Pensacola pitch-pine fastened with copper nails and roves to grown oak frames at 3’ centres with 2 steam bent intermediate timbers all on a very substantial oak back-bone. * Rig: Yawl * Designer: Strange * Built by: Robert Cain, boat builder in Port St Mary * Year Built: 1905 * Restored By: * Current Name: Shelia * Original Owner: Robert Groves * Contract Cost: * Current Owner: * Sail Number:
Sheila in the Wind, author Adrian Hayter – A inspirational story of a lone voyage on board the Albert Strange canoe yawl “Sheila”
