Wessex helps keep classic sailing vessel “ship shape”

Citation

(2006), "Wessex helps keep classic sailing vessel “ship shape”", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 53 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2006.12853cab.010

Wessex helps keep classic sailing vessel “ship shape”

Wessex helps keep classic sailing vessel “ship shape”

A stunning sailing yacht from the 1940s has successfully undergone an important maintenance programme - including the full restoration of vital internal components which help secure the heavy lead keel to the rest of the hull - thanks to Wessex Galvanizers Ltd, of Eastleigh, Hampshire.

The 40 ft “Jancis” which is owned by Robert Watkins of Romsey, Hampshire and was launched in 1946, required 10 original steel frames known as “steel floors” to be shot-blasted and re-galvanized owing to becoming degraded through corrosion. The “floors” which are fitted along the length of the boat, had to be carefully removed and restored two at a time in order to prevent damage to the structure.

After the “Jancis” which was the last Mystery-class yacht to be built and took part in her final Fastnet Race in 1957, had been re-fitted with the “floors” and also supplied with a regalvanized anchor by Wessex Galvanizing Ltd, Robert Watkins paid tribute to the company’s high standard of work: “I am delighted with the cathodic protection and also with the cosmetic appearance. They look so good that I will not over paint them. The anchor you re-galvanized looks better than some new ones I have seen for sale!”

He added: “It’s becoming very unusual and to find companies in the south-coast region which carry out traditional hot-dip galvanizing, but I have been very impressed with what Wessex Galvanizers have done.”

Richard Whiddett, Sales Manager of Wessex Galvanizers Ltd said: “As the only hot-dip galvanizing plant on the south coast, we were very happy to help Mr Watkins in the re-galvanizing of his steel floors and helping in a small way to give the ‘Jancis’ a new lease of life.”

Following the renovation work, the “Jancis” whose design was created by the same yacht designer responsible for many of the Gypsy Moth yachts of round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester, has since returned to the water and her moorings at Beaulieu, Hampshire (Plate 1).

Plate 1

Wessex Galvanizers Ltd is based at Tower Industrial Estate, Tower Lane, Eastleigh. Its modern fully-enclosed galvanizing bath – measuring 7.25 × 1.35 × 3 m – meets all the latest environment protection legislation and has capacity for a wide range of structural and general steel fabrications.