Hatasoo 17/19 : The history and restoration of a Scottish yacht.: Ronnie's Visit

Ronnie's Visit 8th September 2010

As many are aware, Hatasoo was in the yard owned by the MacGrouthers for I believe in excess of 7 decades. They were boat builders and restorers, known for building Loch Longs among other's, some which are still being used today. When talking to Ronnie in his later years it was difficult to gain much information from him as he was always much more interested in learning what I was going to do with her and would deviate from my questions. I believe that even though he was passionate about all wooden boats Hatasoo was special to him and at some point in the past there had been more than a couple of the 17/19 class stored there.

Mackellars Slipway with a Kelvin Launch in the forground

Above is a photo of McKellars Slipway where Hatasoo was stored. It was a traditional yard with boats propped up on anything they could find and the old track still in position. I believe its a Kelvin launch they are working on in the foreground.

During the years as owners of Hatasoo, they took good care of her. Once famously in an interview for the BBC Ronnie was asked by the interviewer when she was going to be restored and he replied that they had replaced the transom 50 years ago what more do you think I should do?

During their ownership Hatasoo had her rig adjusted. This was explained to me by Ronnie to make her a more comfortable boat to sail. The mast was moved back by approximately 12" and the boom was shortened to be level with the transom. After taking measurements off a line drawing of Hatasoo, I believe the bowsprit has also been shortened by between 36" and 48". Even so, she still has a large sail area for a 19ft boat.

On the 8th September 2010 Ronnie and Vera from Kilcreggan visited us for our inaugural sail. As you can see from the photo above, Ronnie is checking that we had rigged her correctly. 😀

Then we all went for a short sail in the Forth. Ronnie at the helm as was proper. The sea was a little choppy but she took it all in her stride and I would like to think that Ronnie enjoyed himself.

She had only been in the water for 2 weeks and was still leaking quite a lot with the pump going constantly and after a short time there was a foot of water inside so we started bailing. I took comfort that Ronnie didn't seem perturbed and just carried on enjoying himself. I am pleased to say that over the next month she sealed up more and we could relax when taking her out. It is only now after investigation by Adam Way of A and R Boat Building ( link below) prior to a proposed restoration that we can see the ultimate causes for the ingress. More on that later!

So the first sail a success and Ronnie smiling!