History & Description:
In 1945 the journalist and well know childrens author Arthur Ransome commissioned Jack Giles to design a ‘Marine bath chair, the minimum work to sail yet offering the maximum comfort for two’ ‘Peter Duck’ as she was called was launched in 1947, named after Ransome’s third book about the ‘ancient mariner’ which had just been published.
Over a successive period of twenty years no less than forty examples were built mostly by Porter & Haylett of Wroxham. The ‘Peter Duck’ class is an attractive shoal-draught ketch and as such has a keen following with an active owners association.
Nellie Day, number seventeen, was built for John Lyon of Little Bentley, Essex to Lloyds 100A1 specification and classed in September 1963. He stationed her during the 1960’s and early 70’s at Brightlingsea and was a member of the Island Sailing Club. Nellie Day is of traditional carvel construction, mahogany planked and copper fastened to steam bent oak timbers. New deck in 2000 by Hillyards of Littlehampton. Painted mahogany superstructure. Currently she is in need of some cosmetic and re-commissioning work including the final installation of the replacement diesel engine. Alloy masts and spars, running and standing rigging all available.
Principally original interior with varnished mahogany joinery and white enamel paintwork.
Fore Cabin: Port and starboard berths, lockers to starboard, sail stowage to port, forehatch. Athwartships bulkhead with door opening to:
Saloon: Settee berths to port and starboard, lockers above and below. Chart table and navigation station with sounder, engine control panel.
Heads Compartment: Marine WC.
Galley: Two burner gas cooker with oven and grill, round stainless steel sink unit with freshwater foot pump. Gas / electric fridge, pantry and crockery lockers.
Aft Cockpit: Locker seats, tiller steering and access below sole to Lombardini 30hp diesel engine ( requires connection ) fitted battery charger. Manual and automatic bilge pumps. 12 volt electrics and 240 volt shore-power.
Pushpit, cockpit dodgers, pulpit and deck stanchions.
Anchor, warps, fenders.
Broker Note:
The Peter Duck class needs little introduction as one of the most successful post war yacht designs, many examples have completed epic voyages and with their manageable sail area are good short-handed cruising yachts. For the asking price Nellie Day must be the best example available on the market today, with an original interior and only minimum work required prior to re-commissioning.
Guide: Sold…
Lying: West Sussex
Viewing: Through the agents, CLASSIC YACHT BROKERAGE.
