A rare example of the early Cyclone design by the highly respected designer Dr. T Harrison Butler.
Writing in Yachting Monthly in 1932 THB explained the origins of the Cyclone Design.
‘Owners tell me that the Cyclone balances well on all points of sailing. The draught has been kept down in order that the yacht may be suitable for estuary work. The boat is stiff and sails at a moderate angle making her draught effective. She is a reasonable performer to windward. The cabinplans show that there is comfortable room for two. The galley is placed aft to starboard, and on the port side aft there is a pantry and food locker. Forward on the port hand is a sideboard under which is a bread locker, behind this a large cupboard extending well in to the forecastle fitted with shelves for clothes. In the forecastle there is ample room for kit-bags and a shelf to starboard for the anchor and side-lights. The spare sails stow on the shelf in the eyes of the yacht’
During the 1930’s Kingfisher was owned by John Carter of Southern House, Cannon Street, London and stationed at Itchenor. After the Second World War she was sold to Major General Sir Horace Roome KCIE CB CBE MC who lived at St. Lawrence, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight. He kept Little Kingfisher (as he re-named her) at Yarmouth, IOW. In the early 1950’s A E Bloomfield bought the yacht, keeping Little Kingfisher at Woodbridge for over twenty years. She was bought by the current owner in 1994 and completely re-furbished by shipwright Paul Drake in Tollesbury in the years leading up to 2009. Currently dry stored in the owners barn in Cornwall only minor cosmetic work is required before recommissioning.
Carvel pitch-pine planking, copper fastened to steam bent oak timbers. Teak cabin and cockpit coamings, canvas covered coach-roof. Teak laid decks.
Currently rigged as a gaff yawl, but originally a bermudian sloop. Pine masts and spars, sails include, main, furling headsail, mizzen. Galvanised standing rigging.
10hp Yanmar single cylinder diesel engine, only 150 hours, fitted new in 2000, last serviced winter 2009. 25 litre Vetus nylon fuel tank. Three blade fixed propeller. 240 volt shore power. two heavy duty 85amp batteries, alternator charging.
Main Saloon, 8ft 6ins with port and starboard settee berths. Euro single burner gas stove, wet locker, compact Jabsco heads.
Aft cockpit, locker seats, tiller steering. Whale bilge pump, 12 volt automatic bilge pump. Raymarine sounder / log, Plastimo rescue sling, Icom VHS, radar reflector, 12 kg CQR anchor, chain and warp, fenders.
Brokers Note:
One of the most desirable of THB’s early Tabloid Designs, offered in excellent overall condition, last surveyed in October 2005. A thriving Harrison Butler Association helps ensure the survival of HB designed yachts for future generations.
Black & white image of Little Kingfisher , circa 1950 with her design bermudian cutter rig.
Guide: Sold
Lying: Cornwall.
Viewing: Through the brokers, Tel: 01905-356482
