The Skiff Project 2002

Compiled by Daren Drever and Sam Harcus This team of six young people lives on the During the building of the boat some of the islands of Westray and in the team members attended a sailing training north of the Isles. Until recently the course. Now the boat is ready it will be sailed Westray Skiff were the sea taxi used to in the 2003 regatta. The team also hope to transport people and small cargo between go to the Great Glen Rally to sail it there. the isles. These boats were built maintained One member of the team also took regular and used locally and exported to other video recordings of the project, and has been islands. As local transport systems improved, edited and is now available for people to reliance on the Skiff decreased, as did the borrow and watch. The team borrowed a skills to build, maintain and sail them. video recorder from the Community Education Department. With funding from The Prince’s Trust and Millenium Commission, the team has built a This individual has also received training in new skiff, which will increase the awareness order to be able to set up a website, along of their heritage, revive an old Skiff and with the introduction team profile facilitate interaction between the young and photographs. A conclusion has been made old. The Skiff will be raced at the local into this report. regatta, which is an important date in the local calendar and the Great Glen Rally. All Individual Benefit the experiences have been recorded and put The team members have gained many skills online for everyone to access. The Skiff will including team working skills, traditional be donated to the local sailing club. boat building and design, recording, website designing and sailing. They have learnt about The team has researched into the original their heritage and had a chance to mix with Westray Skiffs, their sizes, their uses, people from different generations and other builders, owners etc. and general history young people. from through the generations. The team made contact with the older members of the Community Benefit community who had expressed interest in There is a danger that the Skiff building helping them with their project. tradition and knowledge will die out. This project has enabled all members of the The next stage was for the team to undergo community to retain and learn about their training to enable them to learn the skills heritage whilst getting a chance to be needed to build the boat. During the building involved in the project and mix with people of the boat, which was an open project so of different generations. that anyone could come and observe and help out. The last person to build a Skiff on With the aim of reintroducing the skiff into the Island (Peter Miller) lived on a daily life, the team has built and sailed a Skiff. neighbouring Island and agreed to work with Progress has been recorded digitally and the team as an ‘expert’. posted onto the Internet.

Sam Harcus, Peter Miller Team Advisor “The Expert”

The Westray Skiff Project 2002

The Team

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Sam Harcus

Age: 40

Occupation: Development Officer For The Isles Of Westray And Papa Westray

Past experience: Labourer Fishing (12 Community Activist years) Personal Qualites: Creels, trawl, dredge Good Leadership and Organisational Ability Chief Engineer (N sea)

Special Constable Qualifications: Diploma in Marine Church of Elder Engineering (and property convenor) Fishing cert. of competency, Deck Class 2

Scuba PADI Open Water

Engineer Cert. of competency Class 1 (Fishing)

Fishing SVQ Assessor

Certs. In Local Studies

Modules in Sustainable Development Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Peter Miller

Age: 65

Occupation: Joiner|Builder

Past experience: Previous Experience Apart from general building work, built three clinker style dinghies and two plywood dinghies in a different style before moving to Papa Westray he was aided by Qualifications: Served time with local the Westray boat builder of the builder Sammy Burgher time Alex Stout. after leaving school in Peter’s great grandfather, also named Peter Miller, built a great 1952. many boats, mostly Westray Skiffs, at Bucklesberry. After moving to Papa Westray, Peter built a dinghy along the same lines as the original built by Jimmy o’ Cuppin who was originally from Queen o’ Breckan in Westray, Peter’s grand uncle. The next to be built was a Westray style Skiff with the template from the ‘Holland’ Skiff also built by Jimmy o’ Cuppin. This is the boat with the traditional dipping lug sail that Peter sails annually at the Westray Regatta. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Ann Kent

Age: 23

Occupation: Self Employed Child Carer

Past experience: Knitting Personal Qualites: Caring attitude (17 Casleyards, ) Practical Babysitting (Westray Parents) Hard Working

Whelk Gathering (G Costie, Beach House, Westray)

Fish Processing Qualifications: National Cert. in Child (Westray Processors Ltd, Care and Education Westray) Higher National Cert. in Child Care and Education

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Christopher Bain

Age: 23

Occupation: Creel Fisherman

Past experience: Joinery

Farm Work

Personal Qualites: Good, Hard Worker Qualifications: Basic Fire Fighting

Very neat Elementary First Aid

Good Team and Personal Survival Communication Skills Techniques

Joinery

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Darren Harcus

Age: 20

Occupation: Crew man on Sharona. (creel boat)

Past experience: Creeling Personal Qualites: Keen sportsman (Football, (Jock Kent, Bonni-min, rugby, golf, badminton, Westray) snooker, pool and darts) (Geordie Costie, Beach House, Westray) Fast learner (Brian Kent, Lastigar) Good communication Crab Processing skills (Westray Processors Ltd)

Fishing Qualifications: Basic Fire Fighting (Thomas Harcus, Haugahovan, Westray) Elementary First Aid

Painting Personal Survival (Roy Paterson, Iphs, Techniques Westray) RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Certificate

VHF Certificate Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Rodney Leslie

Age: 18

Occupation: Sea Food Processor

Past experience: North Of Scotland Water Authority (Alex Costie, Personal Qualites: Contributing to team Hornersquoy, Westray) work Farm Work Good Numerical Skills (John Harcus, Chalmersquoy, Westray) Keen Worker

Cooking, Kitchen Staff Qualifications: Elementary Food Hygiene (Malcolm Stout, Cleaton Certificate House Hotel, Westray) Welcome Host (Merkister Hotel, ) General Operations and SVQ2 Food Service Building Labouring Basic (William McEwan, Quoyer, Fire Fighting and Westray) Prevention Certificate (Alex Costie, Hornersquoy, Westray) Elementary First Aid

Creels Personal Survival (Alex Costie, Techniques Hornersquoy, Westray) North of Scotland Water Personal Safety and Social Authority Responsibilities (Alex Costie, Hornersquoy, Westray) Level 2 Catering and Hospitality

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Gary Stove

Age: 17

Occupation: Student at KGS (Kirkwall Grammar School)

Past experience: Farming Personal Qualites: Works Well (Iain Cursiter, Charlestion, Papa Westray.) Technically Minded

Creels Reliable (Alan Hourston, North Haven, Papa Westray)

TV, Video, Mobile Phone repair.(OTE) Orkney Telivision Enterprise, Qualifications: Welcome Host Broad St, Kirkwall) Cert. of Achievement awarded by KGS. (Good Progress In All Secondary Five Courses)

Cert Day Course with The Construction Industry Training Board. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Daren Drever

Age: 17

Occupation: Student at KGS (Kirkwall Grammar School)

Past experience: North Of Scotland Water Personal Qualites: Keen Worker Authority (Alex Costie, Hornersquoy, Good Communication Westray) Skills

Creels (Edwin Groat, Westray)

Westray Processors, (Jennifier Leslie, Westray) Qualifications: Personal Survival Techniques

Elementary First Aid

Basic Fire Fighting and Prevention

Welcome Host

Scotland’s Best The Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Reports Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 4th May 2002 Friday from Kirkwall and worked with the boys Friday night and Saturday morning. Up until now the boat shed has been prepared for the forthcoming build. The new skiff now has the garber strokes nailed in place and the second board pinned ready for Peter has been out and showed the team how to riveting. nail the keel, stem and stern. Prior to starting work on the new boat, the team Some initial woodworking skills have also been has been practising their newly acquired skills passed on to the team. on an old skiff. This old skiff (still nameless) has now had all necessary hull repairs and work has The team has also been working with an now begun on the new deck. experienced skiff sailer to build a mast.

This weekend Peter arrived by evening ferry on

Peter clamping in the garber stroke. Rodney being a plonker Everyone hard at work. But what’s on Dino’s mind?

Fitting the first board. First board clamped. Watch this space.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 11th May 2002

This week we have put two new boards on; this is a lengthly process but everyone is learning something new.

Throughout the week there has been a lot of work done on the team’s old Skiff. It is now watertight.

Everyone is working hard and seem to be enjoying the work.

Darren putting on the fourth board. Rodney making sure he did it right. A lot of progress with the Old Skiff

Darren rooving on the boards. Shaping the board. Coffee Time!! Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 18th May 2002 We are making good time, and the old skills being handed down to the team by Peter are We’ve been fitting on more boards which being received well. means the team is learning new skills. The old Skiff has also had some work done to The boards have to be steamed in order to get it and now has a few coats of paint on it. them to bend into shape more easily.

Old Skiff looking good. Steam box, used to make wood more Gary and Peter fitting boards flexible

Fitting a board. Gary’s gone for a coffee break I want to grow up and be just like you. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 1st June 2002 It is hoped the team will get to practice in this old Skiff soon (we’re going to need it.) This week has been more productive than last. The team is getting a chance to try out all The team have been fitting boards, and the different skills they have acquired since working on the mast for the old Skiff. the start of the project at this stage, and the team seem to be happy in their work. The old Skiff is now completed, except for the mast which is still having work done.

Rodney gets sme sun Boards are being fitted Clamping on a board

Darren planing to make ready for the The board is firmly clamped The team relax after a hard night’s next board (at a very awkward angle) work Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 29th June 2002 tried out this afternoon. Chris, Sam, Daren and possibly Rodney will be the ones to try it This week we have put the last boards on the out. new Skiff. And have strengthened it with a new supportive structure around it while work Timbers are thought to be put on next week carries on to the skiff. to the new Skiff.

The old skiff is now seaworthy and is being

Second last board being fitted by Where did my hammer go? Steaming the last boards Daren and Peter

Looking more like a skiff and less like Everyone is working hard Dino comes to check up on the a canoe progress Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 6th of July. Work has been done on the boat through the week. Work has stopped this weekend as Peter was unable to come out to Westray due The inside of the boat has been coated to personal resons. with west system.

The team offer Peter and his family their Throughout the week we have sailed the old greatest condolences at this time. Skiff which has now been named the ‘Ibis’. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Update on 13 07 02 regatta has been lost, but it is still hoped that it will be put down to Gill pier on the day, This weekend we have got a lot of timbers on where the regatta is held and have it on show. the new skiff. This has been a new learning expeiance for the team. The Ibis, the old skiff that the team have done up, will be sailed in the Regatta. Who will sail Hope of getting the new skiff ready by the her will be decided closer to the time.

Everyone putting in timbers Gary and Rodney hammering and Christopher riveting stuff riveting the timbers

Most of the timbers are clamped on Timbers have just been steamed and Putting the timbers in to be steamed on Friday night are going straight on as fast as possible Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 20th of July. Skiff, held in place with clamps and then The Regatta is next weekend, and the ‘Ibis’ The timbers have all been nailed and riveted which is the Skiff the team have done up will on through the week. be sailed.

Fairing has been nailed and riveted on also There won’t be another update this weekend. The fairing was steamed and until the weekend after the Regatta, so you then bent into shape along the edge of the will have to wait and see how we do.

Fairing clamped on Daren riveting on fairing Christopher riveting stuff

Peter and Biffo fitting the fairing Waiting for steaming to finish Gary and Daren carry on nailing and riveting the fairing Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 17th of August experiance and all are looking forward to there next chance to race her. Updates have been put on hold these past few week due to a number of differant events and This weekend the group have been fixing in complacations and for this we apologise. knees and giving the skiff little tweeks. It is hoped that the decking will have been started by Regatta-Daren D and Darren H were chosen to the end of today. sail the Ibis, it was discribed as a good learning

Christopher drilling. Gary nailing in spacers. Christopher still drilling

What now? Knees have been put on. The Ibis has a rest, she worn out after the Regatta.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 24th of Aug.

There has been no Peter this weekend but the team has been fitting decking and shaping oars in his absence.

Christopher as team leader has been in charge, it was decided, as he is already a joiner.

Before we began First fit of decking still needs to be Cutting our second bit of decking shaped

Shaping oars Rodney taking the relaxed approach After the night’s efforts to helping Biffo Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 28th September. It is hoped to have all tulfers laid by the end of today. The mast used on the “Ibis” has been put This week the team has been fitting tulfers into into storage until it is needed again and then the boat; this involves shaping the wood until it will be given a coat of varnish. fits in the bottom of the boat.

Putting tulfers in. Peter taking measurements Making sure everything is in line.

Peter and Sam discuss what’s next. Help I’m stuck in a boat. Before the tulfers go in. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 26th October 2002.

Decking has ben fitted to the side and stern of the new Skiff. Work on the oars has been done also in the form of shaping.

Sizes for fitting some of the decking has been taken off of the ‘Ibis’.

Measurements are taken for the fitting Everyone’s busy Difficulty in putting decking on the of the decking. stern, but soon solved after Gary adds some weight on top of it.

Peter starts off the first oar to Gary. Peter shows Gary how to shape the Gary’s very happy with his night’s oar using a plane. work. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Progress Report up to Saturday 9th November This weekend the boat has been sanded ready 2002. to put “west system” on through the coming week, and it has been turned upside down and This week was Peter’s last offical week working has been taken away from all supports from the on the skiff, so the group thank him for the long roof. amount of time and effort he has put towards the project and wish him well with anything he Also the oars are very near completion and are should move on to. It is hoped he will come to to also be varnished with “west system”. see us again when we get the skiff in the water.

Peter sawing off the first support Supports off Turning the boat over

Biffo gets emotional as the skiff leaves Biffo working on oars Peter planing the Skiff for the last its supports. time.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

March 2003 Deck fittings are in the process of being made

The rudder and tiller are also being completed

The Ibis has been repainted and is ready for the The second mast (for the new one) is glued and new sailing season. ready for rigging

The new skiff has been fully coated with epoxy By the end of next week the wheels will be resin. completed and sent off for galvanizing

Making a second mast with the Ibis awaiting relaunch Heads down doing various finishing finished skiff in the background touches

Daren captured without camera in Cutting iron for the wheels Biffo measuring for fitting the wheels hand

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Thursday 6th May 2003 Sam rows her over to the pier and the mast is The Ibis is in the water and tested so now the lowered into place. skiff is loaded on the newly-galvanized trolley with all the gear and we head for the launch slip. Back over at the pontoon the sails are attached ready for hoisting. (Slight faux-pas when it is The weather is very suitable for launching as the realised there is no hole in the boom to take the skiff is rolled down the slipway ready for the goose neck but soon put right). Sails are hosted water (looks good!). No-one gets their feet wet and the boys are connected to a highway to and in she goes! everywhere

Ready for the water Going for the mast Mast ready for in

Mast going in Rigging the sails “We are sailing…”

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Tuesday 15th July 2003 project complete. Especial thanks were given to The Princes Trust Millennium Awards, Social Tuesday evening after the points racing the skiff Inclusion Partnership and Peter Miller, all who is taken ashore for the official naming ceremony. were represented there.

The skiff is introduced to an invited crowd of Iain MacDonald gave a short blessing and Cheryl over 80 people by the pipes of Kenny McGregor. Hanlon from The Princes Trust broke a bottle of Highland Park whisky over the bow to complete After a brief introduction to the Team by Sam the ceremony. Harcus, Christopher Bain (Biffo) took over and expressed his thanks on the behalf of the Team Everyone retired to the barbecue and a showing to everyone who had helped to make the of the video of the build in the adjoining shed.

Kenny McGregor piping in the boat Biffo saying introduction and thanks Rev. Iain administering the blessing

Miss Cheryl Hanlon officially naming the skiff “Aanno” (local pet name for a person called Anne) Westray Skiff Project 2002

Regattas

Since the launch of the skiff it has sailed The big event for Westray is the Regatta on the regularly every Tuesday and Thursday in the last Saturday of July. Here The Aanno performed points racing in Westray. well although missing out on prizes.

There was a special invitation for The Aanno to She also travelled in to the Kirkwall Regatta and be displayed on the park at the Boat the Holm Regatta during the month of August. Show on Mainland Orkney. The Westray Skiff Project 2002

History of the Westray Skiff

Compiled by Daren Drever and Sam Harcus

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Karen

Previous names: None

Length: 14'7"

Breadth: 5'9"

Builder: W. (Willo the mill)

Rig Bermudian Rig (present and original): Lug Sail Also a guter sail

History: Built by Willo o’ the Jimmy Drever regarded Mill for Nether House. her as very “tickley” to sail, (James Rendall of she was either first or last. Saverton is thought to have actually finished John Rendall of Balaclava the building) redecked her in around Jeemsie Rendall, 1989. The mast is now Saverton bought it stepped on the deck and from there. Jeemsie Sam Harcus is acting as and Eric Brown put custodian now she is back decks and a sail on in the water. her. Jeemie Drever bought it from there. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Alice

Previous names:

Length: 14' 9"

Breadth: 5' 9'

Builder: William James Stout

Rig Bermudian (present and original): Lug Sail Came back to Westray and then owned by J J Rendall from Balaclava; she then went to Little House and was History: Was first owned by used by George Sandison. George H Sandison She was then moved to from Rose Cottage in Sanday and acquired by Westray. George Brown from Was then acquired by Colligarth. a number of people through the years, The Alice moved from including Albert Sanday in 1993 and is now in Brown from Westray again owned by Breckowall in Westray. Gordon Rendall from North Then by A. Seatter Haven who gave it a new from Sulland in lease of life and she is at the Westray, from there in front in the Skiff racing. moved on to and into the hands of Thomas Rendall. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Emu

Previous names:

Length: 14' 5"

Breadth: 5' 7"

Builder: Thomas Miller

Bermudian

Rig (present and Lug Sail original): Jib and mainsail Built at Bucklesberry by The cotton sails were the Miller men. made by John Carter, History: Thought to be their last captain and part boat and was owner of the completed by James “Regina”. Rendall,Quoynabreckan, later of Cuppin Papay. The Emu was sailed Henry Leslie, Benzicott, by late Jack Scott until used her for creeling recently with great and going to Rusk Holm success. to make . Thomas Drever bought her around 1930 and changed her from Lugsail to Gunter-fitted decks and laid keel. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Maggie

Previous names: None

Length: 19' 8"

Breadth: 6' 10"

Builder: Reid, Westbreck

Rig Unrigged (present and original):

History: Built for Rendall at It travelled to Peter Peatwall. Went to Rendall in St Mary’s, Willie Rendall, Holm during the Roadside . 1980s. Used for creeling. An engine was fitted Michael Harcus in it for a while. acquired the boat in 1996, with the idea of restoring it and it is still in his shed.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Onward

Previous names: Old Robbie Boat

Rubina

Length: 15'11"

Breadth: 6'7" from Perth creeled and fished with her until she Builder: William James Stout was considerd done.

During a small revival in Rig Jib And Mainsail (present and the Skiff sailing Michael original): Harcus acquired the Lug Sail remains of her, tied it together with ropes and had it lifted onto a trailer History: She was first owned and taken to Duncan by Robert Pottinger of Drever’s shed to be North Ouseness rebuilt. This boat in its early Was rebuilt by Duncan days was in , Drever and Michael owned by Robbie Harcus in 1994. Although Leslie (hence the she is a bigger skiff and is name Robbie boat therefore handicappped, seen above). she sails very competitively. She then came to Rapness and the men Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Puffin

Previous names: None

Length: 14'11.5"

Breadth: 5'9" Tommy Cooper from Easthill, who then Builder: James Rendall sold it to John P Drever for five

Rig Bermudian Rig pounds. (present and He did it up and original): Dipping Lug Sail changed it into a Bermudian Rig. Two years later it was History: Belonged to John and converted to step the William Harcus mast on the foredeck (Brothers from and the year after she Damsey). Damaged had a big rudder in the noust by bad fitted. weather. It then changed hands Bought and repaired again when by James Rendall, J P Drever, baker, from Saverton, and bought it in 1967 for was then sold to a 40 pounds. local tailor at During the time she Rosevale. It was then belonged to JP she sold to Ritchie proved to be a very Rendall, a building competitive Skiff and contractor from Rose still is today Cottage. It was next sold to Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Ibis

Previous names: unknown

Length: 14'2"

Breadth: 6'3" towed it home; it was maroon at this time. Builder: Unknown John Foulis creeled with it for a time before selling it to Gavin Seatter. By this time it was painted blue with a Rig Bermudian Rig [present and red top stroke and John Rendall of original]: Balaclava renewed the top strokes with ply. Gavin sold her on to Billy Drever History: Possibly built in (Billy o’ Biggin) who took it to around 1920 by David Kirkwall. Rendall whose Father was It was then sold to Michael Dickinson a Westray man, a sailor. who put his foot through a board and David Rendall also built therefore never paid for it. the “Ocean Billo” which It came back to Westray around the was much larger with an mid-1980s when Sam Harcus bought inboard engine and it for £50 although it was in poor wheelhouse which shape and holed at the stern. Andrew Seatter of Sulland She stood in a shed till 2002 when in Westray creeled with for she was quickly repaired, restored sometime. and decked by the ‘Skiff Build Group’ It was brought from Eday so they could sail with it to gain to Westray in early 1970s experience, before their new Skiff was by John Foulis of Jericho ready for the water. for £15 or £25. He picked it up from the Bay of with Jim Pottinger’s boat and Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Annabella Rose

Previous names: Passby 2

Length: 14' 3"

Breadth:

Builder: Sincair Harcus

Rig Bermudian Rig (present and original):

History: Built as a ‘Passby 2’ upwards and from the stem, around 1961 by and scarfed away on the after Sinclair Harcus of quarter. This effectively Swartmill with help widened the boat by a couple from his brother of inches each side. Willie and nephew She was eventually abandoned David Harcus. She in a shed at Swartmill until was a racing version Sam Harcus bought her for of a skiff, very flat £300 in early 1980s when she bottomed and built of was cleaned and renamed the light ply with the mast ‘Annabella Rose’ after his stepped on the keel. grandmother. She was sailed She was then sold to John regularly by Sincair Harper in Papay in early 2001. and his neighbour Jock Paterson from Airy but after the first season Sinclair built another skin on her from the fourth board

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Westray

Previous names: unknown

Length: 14' 10"

Breadth: 5' 10" Around 1987 Alex Davidson bought her and took her to Builder: unknown Papay with restoration in mind but she remained in the shed until the farm sale Rig Lug Sail at North Rendall in 2001. (present and original): At the sale Sam Harcus bought the boat and trailer History: At one time belonged to for £5 and John Harper of John David Hume, in Nouster in Papay suggested Westray. She then went to putting the old boat to rest Slaters in Sanday, and then in a noust at the old pier Jackie Wallace in Sanday. where she could end her James Laughton then days gracefuly. bought her and described her as very stiff to row. After this offer was declined During this time John the deal was done which Scott did some work on meant that the ‘Anabella the gunnels etc and Rose’ went to Papay and painted her up. Later the ‘Westray’ came back to when James’s daughter Westray. married in Westray the boat was in Westray for a time at Gorn, but was never in the water. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Earnest

Previous names: None

Length: 21' 11"

Breadth: 7' 9"

Builder: James Rendall

Rig Jib and Standing Lug (present and original):

History: Built circa 1937 in Islander, owned and Papay by James Rendall maintained her in good of Cuppin for Capt order for many years. Robbie Gray of Gill Eventually sold in the 1960s Farm Westray, capt of to owners in Sanday and old Earl Thorfinn. was bought by James Mowat The Earnest was of Cleat, Westray, who named after a three- brought her back to Westray masted schooner in 1972. She was sold to which was skippered Sammy Burger of by Capt. Gray’s father Mousebrae, Westray 1985 George Gray. who sold her to her present Following Capt Gray’s owner Robbie Thomson in death was it was sold 1988. to Albert (Abbie) She was re-decked and Brown in 1944, who restored by the late Leslie along with his son Eric, Wylie and Leslie Johnston, capt on old ‘Earl both of Kirkwall, in 1989. Sigurd’, Orcadia and Westray Skiff Project 2002

Plans of the Earnest

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Merlin

Previous names: Stop Gap

Length: 14’9’’

Breadth: 5’7’’

Builder: Millers in Westray

Rig Bermudian (present and original): Lug

History: Built by the Millers, …a quote by a Skiff sold to Papay - Mr skipper. MacKay North Via. During her stay in She was restored by Papay she enterd the David Rendall, rowing races at Rosevale in the sixties Westray regatta and and later owned by won, powered by Tommy McKay, Stewart Groat and Mayback, Papay. Tom Rendall. The Drevers bought her in 1993 and John Rendall, Balaclava, restored and decked her “(at that time the busiest boat yard north of Macduff)” Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Tystie

Previous names: unknown

Length: 14' 6"

Breadth: 6' 5"

Builder: unknown

Rig Bermudian (present and original): originally gunther Westray Skiff, its shape is History: David Cursiter had slightly different. her in the 1970s and sailed in the Brian Kent got it from Stromness Regatta. Duncan and his father repaired the hull and Duncan Berstan took decked it. this boat from the Stromness area to Brian sails very well and Westray. very competitively. He has fine tuned the boat well It was in for a overr the years with a few time but it has been of his own touches for suggested that it may example the mast is leaned have been built in further to one side than Sanday. the other, the rigging is slack and it wouldn’t sail Although the same without a horse (slide) for size as a common the main sheet. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Te r n

Previous names:

Length: 15' 2"

Breadth: 5' 10"

Builder: James Rendall, Queenabreckan

Rig Bermudian (present and original): Lug Westray in the early 1960s to History: Tammy Harcus of She was built in 1925 Chalmersquoy who re- for Alex Bain (Bain’s rigged her as Bermudian. shop) at a cost of £1 Tammy and his brother-in- per keel foot (she cost law Gavin Seatter sailed her £11). She appears to in regattas for several years. have had a variety of owners and at one Duncan Berstan bought her time had the bottom after she had been laid up two strokes replaced. for a few years before swapping her for the Viking She was owned by Dr from his brother George. Emslie in Kirkwall for She was redecked by a while during the JJ Rendall of Balaclava and 1950s and was later has been sailed for pleasure bought by a Westray by the Berstan family since. man, Jackie Mowat. In 2003 the same JJ Rendall replaced the keel and She returned to bottom strokes. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Viking

Previous names:

Length: 13' 8"

Breadth: 5' 7"

Builder:

Rig (present and original):

History: Probably built in swapped boats in Sanday and the 1980, the Viking for original boat is the Tern and Duncan reckoned to be 100 used her for creeling years old. Some of the for a time. latter work on her was done by Robin She was relaunched in Duncan of . 1990 after her return from Burray and in George Berstan 2000 took the Lug bought her from Cup at the Westray David Hewison in Regatta (only because August 1971 for £15. Peter Miller was not there). George and his brother Duncan Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Maggie-Jane

Previous names: none

Length: 19' 8.5"

Breadth: 7' 4.5"

Builder: Reid Bros at Westbreck, Westray

Rig None (present and her back again a few original): years later. She was then Stay sail handed down through the generations. She Standing Lug and Jib had an engine installed as well at some point, History: Built in 1900 for a but was converted back man. to sailing with a He ended up not Bermudian Rig when taking her. James they started to have Bain from Bain’s Shop Regattas again. In 1988 (Later Sandquoy, she was repaired by Broughton, Westray or John Rendall, Balaclava, now Grotz) eventually Westray and John Bain, bought her. He Beachway, Westray swapped her for (James Bain’s son) when another boat from she had a wheelhouse Jeemie Stout of Taing, and engine fitted. She Westray after the war. now works a few creels James Bain bought in the summer. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Curlew

Previous names: none

Length: 19' 0" (14' 0" keel)

Breadth: 7" 0"

Builder: Unknowen

Rig Gunter (present and Gaff original):

History: This boat was built by was 3 or 4 years old it was James Reid of bought by Gavin Mowat for Westbreck for himself 16 guineas. While fishing in in 1913. The first time the North Sound one it was seen publicly summer a gale of wind was in Papay when sprang up and it took him 5 there was a sale of hours to make the few wood from a ship miles home. At one time which went ashore in there was a small engine the wartime. The fitted but it was not a story is that it was success and it was removed. launched on the rocks The present mast was below Westbreck. The originally on the Earnest. original fishing rig would have been gaff and the mast would have sat inside the boat. When the boat Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Ivy

Previous names:

Length: 18' 0"

Breadth: 6' 6"

Builder: Willie Rich from Dearness

Rig Bermudian (present and original): Gaff

History: Built by Willie Rich Mary and son in law who also built the William L Seatter, coal small motor boats, merchant. Spray and Anitra for Latterly it belonged to Westray. Jim Brown from The Ivy was built as a Noltland who sailed it racing skiff for John very competitively for (Bowler) Foulis, a a time. Kirkwall butcher with Because of pressure Westray roots. of work this boat is First owned in now little seen but is Westray by old Billy tucked away in a shed Brown (WFM Brown, at Noltland. baker). It then belonged for a time to his daughter Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Kia-ora

Previous names:

Length: 15' 0"

Breadth: 5' 9"

Builder:

Rig Bermudian rig (present and original):

History: First known is that it The deal was done (a came from Rousay to bottle of rum) but his Benny Norquoy in son thought it still . The boat was had some life so it fished by the stayed in a noust in Norquoys for a time Birsay. and patched in A few years later it various places with was spotted by Mark fibreglass. Rendall who It was thought to be eventually negotiated past its working life a deal and took it and Benny who home for his worked on the north grandfather to restore isles boats thought it at Balaclava. could be restored and sailed in Westray.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Ann

Previous names: None

Length: 14' 7"

Breadth: 5' 10"

Builder: James Rendall, Cupppin, Papay

Rig Dipping Lug (present and original):

History: Built by James Rendall two larger skiffs for the for himself. Island of Faray; one got very Ownership then badly damaged in a and passed to his nephew the remains were taken John. It has always back to Papay. been in this family. The keel, stem and stern Latterly sailed by were reused when James John’s son Neil. made this boat. The boat is a This is the boat that Peter traditional small skiff Miller “took the lines off” and was used for when he made his own and inshore fishing as well in turn used lines from his as taking people and own boat to make the new sheep to and from the build with the Team. Papay Holm on “Holm Day”. James Rendall built Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Zulu

Previous names:

Length: About 13' 0"

Breadth: About 5' 6"

Builder: Peter Miller of Bucklesberry vessels well-known for their speed. It was also used by the men Rig Bermudian (present and of Midhouse and Lug original): Quoys as a small boat to go to the Dewdrop History: Built for David Groat which anchored off of Quoys in Papay in the east side of Papay around 1896 and regularly when fished there for a pursuing the summer while both creel and fishing further line. offshore. The boat eventually The boat was regularly came to Westray to a sailed at regattas both son, Edwin now of by the Groats and Sand o’ Gill. John Rendall of The name possibly Sunnybank but is now comes from the fact it in a poor state of is a skiff with a “zulu” repair at Richardson’s style influence. The Boatyard in zulus were larger sail Stromness, awaiting a powered fishing rebuild. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Manto

Previous names:

Length: 16' 3"

Breadth: 6' 5"

Builder: Rebuilt by Sammy Burgher

Rig Bermudian (present and original):

History: The original Manto beach at Rapness. was a boat of 14' of The present boat was taken keel and built by from the Papay and Robbie Drever of Moa eventually was bought by and owned jointly by Sammy Burgher, the local Sangar and Goltiquoy. builder, and son of one of See poem on separate page. the men who was in the When they were out boat when she waas blown fishing, it was blown to . in a storm down the Sammy rebuilt the boat and Westray and rigged her for racing. eventually landed During this time she also safely in Shapinsay. A sank of the Point of few days later, when Berriedale. She belonged to the families were now David Hume for a long time in mourning, she and is now owned by his sailed back into the family. Westray Skiff Project 2002

No greater saga of the sea, "Lord hear us when we cry to Thee," At Haquoy, Biggen and the Ness, Three fishermen from isle Westray, Cried Westray for those on sea; Each man was piled with kindnesses In fiercest snowstorm Orkney knew, "If Thou hast willed to save those men, My DAD, till over ninety years, She sailed the Westray Firth right through- Let not our prayers be counted vain." Would still relate to open ears-

From the Bay of Woo to Nor-west shoal, Near Green Holms MANTO all but filled; "The MANTO is returnin1," John, At dawn, they headed with full sail, But they survived as God had willed. My Grandad would not have it on; The hungry cod had gulped the hook, A weary voice had said, "We're done;" Moist-eyed, he trudged up past the Nowe And none to windward cast a look. But Bill said, "Goth! not yet. Hold on." And gazed on Manto's splashing bow-

But fish were lazier near to noon, He took the helm, cheered Scatter well, With double reefs still smashing through, Jim said, "A storm will hit us soon/7 Held at his trembling hands th pail She headed for the Bay of Woo, Oh storms! Catch fish, nane pays fir bruck: And said, "Come, bail her oot, min-bail! A Grander sight was never seen: You're missin' oot on your guid luck. Gi'e MANO brave a chance t' sail." The Isle that Mourned gave thanks serene.

But, one oar hooked beneath his knee, While Scatter fed the hungry wind. 1 heard him sing the fortieth psalm, He screwed his face Nor-Westerly. Bill Drever doffed a boot, and grinned, O'er eighty, wind short, voice clear, calm; The inky storm was sweeping in; Bailed out, and Manto rose again, At times emotion filled his throat; He dipped his oar to think again. One minute roughly took to drain. But thanks was mellowing every note;

Most fearful visions filled his mind- Bill beckoned Scatter to his post, His last words, while I helpless lay, One narrow passage hard to find Still gave to Neptune brine for toast: "Lord, let this be my dying day;" Long miles of snags of beam and lee Most prone to excitement of the three, He'd coughed two weeks with Spanish flu: In foaming, roaring, mount'nous sea. Bill's words will aye immortal be. Past eighty five, he bade adieu.

All Westray Firth in raging foam, As blasts passed by, the jib was hoi'd My DAD, most helpful poor-man's friend, When ebb in wind's teeth hissed head on, To beat the dread Nor'Westem Tide; A record fun'ral marked his end. And, hopeless making Tuquoy Bay, For Westray a roaring bore, I taped this saga by his grave: If blinding snow, who'd show the way? When wild winds "gainst its currents roan There MOTHER lies, the equal brave.

'Mong tides and snags one mem'rable trail Loud, "Land ahoy!" young Burgher yelled, Marks out the narrow sea-lane still "Abaft our beam. Sir," Scatter paled, The Saga of The Manto In ocean turmoil rarely seen "Heaven help! We're swallowed by the North Sea-" Written by Henry Burgher And visibility most mean. "Try mains'l: voice called hopefully-" (1903-1992) 'Twas near the raging Skerries of Skea, "Aye, hoist it!, hoist it!" Scatter cried, The sailors let their sheets fly free, Nor did the hopeful voice deride- Tied third reef doubting strongly they "Grand sailors," thought the weary man, Could windward sail in Tuquoy Bay. and MANTO sailed near North again.

While Drever shot out o'er their lee "We'll ride on crest o' third big swell, Three gallons a time, in came more sea; God bless you men, you've done right well- It flew right o'er their gaff and mast, Now, this is two, hold back for three- And vaporised with every blast. Row, men row! I sailors see-!"

They found the narrow lane along They crashed on beach of Shapinsay The raging Clumps: but wind blew strong Whose sailors snatched them from the spray 'round Huro 'gainst them veering North; Ere MANTO's crew could disembark They all but sank in seething froth. And Thundered up the beach berserk.

So near they'd drowned so near to home, The Islander had seen them ride The skipper yelled 'bove wind and foam, The mighty waves, and ran with pride "We'll try Rusk Holm for what ifs worth To save the heroes from the sea And, failing that, we'll run the Firth. With ropes and dashing chivalry-

They curved a course around the Bow, High up the beach the MANTO crashed, And quickly found Rusk Holm somehow; Nor boat nor crew, though bruised were smashed While great waves o'er its rampart flew, All safe above the beachy banks, Around South Point was boiling stew. They disembarked to render thanks-

It seemed they'd sink in this Maelstrom, Already far from home. Through deathly dangers they had come; But death was counting up their sum.

'Gainst teeth of wind the snakey tide Gave hard-pressed MANTO hell's own ric Denuded of her meagre sail, She ran bare-poled the firth to flail.

"Cast oot some ballast quickly, men, This poem, and picture of the Manto, were presented by Harry Burgher. He based them on the true story of James Burgher, Her stern is sinking deeply in." then of Cotterochan, aged 17 years, when he was fishing- That would make it occurring in about 1883. The Captain of the She never ran so fiercly fast, Manto was David Scatter of Galtiquoy, and William Drever of Sanquhar was the other crew. James' warning of the storms Empowered by wind on naked mast. approach earned him the nickname "Stormy " from then on.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Ruby

Previous names:

Length: 16' 0"

Breadth: 5' 9"

Builder: James Reid of Westbreck

Rig Bermudian (present and original): Standing lug

History: Richard Rendall of they fished with her Balaclava owned this for a time. During this for a time before it time she was went to Sanday. It was damaged on the sailed by the Leslie beach and was men of Lopness in extensively patched Sanday, who originally with roofing felt. came from Benziecott In the 1990s Robbie in Westray. She was Hutchison took her fairly successful in the back to Westray and it racing and regularly now sits in his shed at travelled to Westray Ocean View. for the Regatta. Later she was sold to some people who had moved to Sanday and Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: Bella

Previous names:

Length: 15' 4"

Breadth: 6' 1"

Builder: J Omand, Tower Hill, Sanday Westray in 2002. Rig Standing lug and jib, It is pictured above at the (present and big bowsprit back of Brian’s house. original): Thought to be the boat in the distance, pictured below. History: Built by Omand for a Rousay man who wanted a boat that could carry well and was fast so it was described by some as half yole and half skiff. She ended up back in Sanday and owned by David Sinclair from Howe but usually skippered relatively successfully by Peter Harcus. She lay at Howe in Sanday until Brian Bain took it home to Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: The Marys

Previous names: none

Length: 14' 0"

Breadth: 5' 1"

Builder: James Rendall Queenabreckan

Rig Dipping Lug (present and original):

History: She was built in the Now in the collection 1920s by James of the Maritime Rendall, Museum at Eyemouth Queenabreckan. where she looks splendid but is classed She was eventually as a “Polyfilla” boat found by the marine and is used for artist T William Wards onshore display only. of Ealing and presented to the collection at the Exeter Museum by Mrs Lesley Brown.

Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: The Fly

Previous names: None

Length: ' 0"

Breadth: ' "

Builder: James William Stout Grinaby

Rig Standing lug (present and original):

History: Built for Geordo engine was fitted. Miller of SteenyHa’ by James William before She fished both sides he emigrated to of Westray, mostly the America. east side. If there was a fishing reputed on It was related that all the west side she James William’s boats would be loaded on were named with to the “Skello Shop” three letters? van and taken from one side of the island At one time it had a to the other. converted car engine fitted which proved large and unreliable so a small marine Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: The Curlew (small)

Previous names:

Length: 15' 7"

Breadth: 6' 0"

Builder: James Rendall of Cuppin

Rig Gaff Rig (present and original): Standing lug

History: This skiff was built for Although she has a the family at Hunton small Stewart Turner in Stronsay. petrol engine fitted she is gaff rigged She came back to using traditional Westray for Robbie colours etc. Peace, a grandson and was eventually to John Talbott of Whitelett of Westray who put a protective coating of fiberglas on her and a large foredeck. Westray Skiff Project 2002

Name: The Daisy

Previous names: None

Length: 15' 9"

Breadth: 5' 10" painted before being launched two days Builder: James Rendall of later. Cuppin Duncan used her for Rig Dipping Lug creeling using an (present and original): outboard motor and a lug sail. She was laid by after a while and History: Nothing is known of her condition her early history but deteriorated to a stage she arrived in Westray where repair was no on The Orcadia on longer an option. She Wednesday 11th July is now in the care of 1962 for Duncan the Orkney Museum Berstan. Service.

She was bought from someone in Sanday by Eric Brown.

She was hastily taken to the big store at the pier where she was cleaned, tarred and The Westray Skiff Project 2002

Our Grateful Thanks

– Lesley Mitchell and Kenny MacGregor representing the Princes Trust

Millennium Awards.

– Bob MacKinnon, Malcolm Graves and David Steele from SIP

– Support from the Westray Development Trust and Community Council

– couldn't have done it without the commitment and patience of Peter Miller

– also great to have the support and encouragement of interested people

locally and abroad.

The Westray Skiff Project 2002

www.westrayskiffs.co.uk