Have you tried a Tamarisk?

Dick Durham’s search for his perfect gaffer brought back fond memories of ten seasons' sailing Ireland’s incomparable West Coast in a small gaffer, only 24ft but drawing just under 4ft with a long keel: near enough Dick’s spec. She coped magnificently with everything the Atlantic could produce and was well set up below for one or two. Even ancient Hooker sailors would come over with tears in their eyes to tell me she was ‘a real boat’.

She was a Tamarisk 24: a GRP hull with a wooden mast and wooden trim on coamings, gunwales and in the cabin. A real joy. She’s designed by David Cannell with input from John Leather, and built by North Cornish Boats. There is a Tamarisk 28, but she lacks the 24’s delightful sheerline. Good luck in your search (and, if I’ve helped, make it a Jameson’s). Mick Delap