At the International Boat Show in 1968 the Drascombe Lugger made its first appearance on the stand of Kelly & Hall Ltd. of Newton Ferrers, Devon. The Lugger is a gunter rigged yawl, L.O.A 18’, L.W.L. 14’ and beam 6’ 3”, and is clinker built from ⅜” marine ply. No doubt there are many of us who were attracted to the Drascombe Lugger as a possible cruising dinghy. To the list of admirers must be added the name of David Pyle, who has recently joined the D.C.A. He is sailing a Lugger to Australia.

Members sailing in Chichester Harbour will no doubt have seen David’s previous boat Atlantis III with the number 33 on its hull. This was the boat that David constructed and sailed in the 1968 OSTAR. Not far away in Emsworth, David is at present preparing his new boat for her marathon voyage.

The chief modification that has been made to the standard boat is the addition of fore and after decks. Sails are made from heavy gauge terylene, and the boat is equipped with two canopies: one canopy for weather, and a lighter weight cover for protection from the sun. The usual items of cruising gear are included on the inventory including a 7.5 h.p. outboard motor, radio transmitter and receiver, and a four-man life raft. Important in the choice of colour of the boat are the factors of safety — an easily visible hull in yellow and dark blue, and glare-reduction — racing green interior. During some stages of the voyage David expects to drink a mixture of 50:50 sea and fresh water.

Let’s hope that the cameraman understands the readings of a wind meter as well as those of a light meter. In the meantime, I am sure all members of the D.C.A will join me in wishing David and his crew every success during the voyage. Bon voyage for a safe and enjoyable journey.

P.S. Let’s see the film when you get back!!