Meet Trudie, our beloved boat

Welcome to the heart of our sailing adventures. Discover the story of Trudie, our cherished 18ft Canoe Yawl, from her origins to her unique features and our dreams for future expeditions. She's more than just a boat; she's a testament to traditional craftsmanship and a vessel for unforgettable journeys.

Finding Trudie: a tale of tradition and robust build

After a six-month search, Trudie stood out with her traditional features and robust construction. She is an 18ft Canoe Yawl, meticulously crafted with strip plank construction in 1997 by David Moss of Skipool Creek, Lancashire. Her timeless design and solid build quality made her an irresistible choice for our sailing dreams. This unique heritage is what truly makes her special to us, a vessel built to last and to sail with grace.

Life aboard Trudie: comfort and stability on the water

Spending a day on Trudie is an experience of stable comfort and effortless sailing. She’s a very stable pocket cruiser, thanks to her heavy, long keel and broad beam. Responsive and easy to sail single-handed, all halyards and control lines are led back to the cockpit. With a raised deck, there is plenty of room to accommodate two people for an extended weekend cruise. She boasts a Taylors paraffin stove for cooking, ample storage cupboards for provisions, a sink, and even a compact toilet, ensuring a pleasant and self-sufficient journey.

Rigging and maintenance: mastering Trudie's unique features

The high peak gaff mainsail combined with a jib and mizzen provides a beautifully balanced sail plan, offering a wealth of options for different sailing conditions. This versatility allows us to adapt to various winds and waters with ease. For those moments when conditions are less favourable for sailing, a small single-pot diesel engine provides reliable propulsion for manoeuvring the boat. We take great pride in maintaining her unique rigging, ensuring she is always ready for the next adventure.