Merrymaid enjoys a significant place in yachting history. She was built as Yard No. 167 at Camper & Nicholsons Gosport in 1904 for Mr. T.A. Hardcastle and amazed contemporary yachtsmen with her combination of speed and comfort. In 1911, after a successful period of racing, she was rerigged as a ketch, had an engine installed, and was then used principally for cruising. She was laid up in Norway for the latter part of the First World War, and was subsequently acquired by Mrs. Elizabeth Workman, who restored her original rig, and campaigned her in the Big Class, racing her against such illustrious yachts as Britannia and Lulworth.
During this time, Mrs. Workman and Charles E. Nicholson continued to improve Merrymaid 's already impressive performance. Following Mrs. Workman's acquisition of Nyria, Merrymaid had two further owners, before she was bought by Sir Thomas Royden, chairman of Cunard, in 1929, who raced and cruised her until the outbreak of the Second World War.
She was sold again in late 1943, her lead keel and rig were removed, and she was laid up for many years in Tollesbury, Essex.
In 1963, having changed hands twice more, she was acquired by a family who have kept her as a second home. In 1994, Merrymaid was towed from her mooring of some #fty years to Heybridge Basin, also in Essex, where she was afloat, and awaiting restoration.
The present owner of Merrymaid underwent a complete rebuild by the renowned shipyard Southampton Yacht Service keeping her original elements and interior style.
After the completion of the refit (2006-2008) she departed for a circumnavigation and upon her return from a 3-year voyage, she had a complete cosmetic and technical upgrade at SYS.
Located in Palma, she represents a unique opportunity to sail anywhere in unquestionable style. She was re#tted for world cruising, her rig adapted for passage making, all without compromising her originality.
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Jean-Marie Recamier
Camper & Nicholsons
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