Heavyweight Sharpie Found.

The Australian Lightweight Sharpies at Chelsea Yacht Club, Melbourne Australia is arranging a historical regatta in February 2007. For this, they have been researching old yachts sailed, and a member has purchased a 12 sq meter sharpie. From the limited information obtained with the boat, it is thought this was once maybe owned and sailed by the Hong Kong Governor.

The 12 sq meter purchased is at least 50 years old, has the original rigging and fittings. It is to be restored by the current owner and sailed for pleasure purposes. It appears the construction of the hull is solid oregon planks. The deck is plywood.

Update: The current configuration of the boat is that of an Australian Heavyweight, ie. with buoyancy tanks and spinnaker, though it is not sure whether these were origional, or added later. Previous Australian heavyweight Sharpie sailors have stated that the boat is most likely not from the state of Victoria, but from elsewhere in Australia.

Closer inspection of the sails has revealed the number 53 on the mainsail, this is very faded, and there are no state/country markings apart from this number. The sails are manufactured by Hood, though the sails may or may not be have original to the boat as they could have been purchased second-hand.

 If you have any information regarding this boat then the new owner would be greatful for any information. There is no builders plate. Contact the owner via webmaster.