Little Ship up for big award after restoration
ACORNISH boatyard is in the running for a top award for its restoration work on one of the Dunkirk Little Ships that crossed the Channel to France in 1940 to help in the rescue of more than 300,000 British troops.
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, of Mylor Creek, worked on the restoration of Fleury II.
Built in Christchurch, Dorset, in 1936, Fleury II was designed by Eric French of Poole and named by her original owners, the Fleurets.
She was delivered to Cockwells’ Mylor Creek Boatyard in the autumn of 2018 for much-needed structural repairs and a comprehensive refit.
The company’s craftsmen and technicians combined the latest technology with their traditional skills to restore Fleury II to her former glory.
Shipwright Mark Curnow said: “Originally, solid strips of thicker wood would have been used in the deck’s construction and steamed in, but today we can laminate thinner strips, in situ, to repair hard-to-reach areas. We also maintained the aesthetics of the deck but gained durability by using marine ply and a layer of fibreglass/epoxy where, traditionally, wooden boards covered with painted canvas would have been used. One of the highlights was that her original keel was intact and her backbone could be seen in its original state – a tribute to the fine craftsmen who built her.”
Cockwells also replaced the deck fittings, stanchions and one of the aft-cabin sides; repaired the wheelhouse and skylight; overhauled the windlass; refreshed the interior to lighten the space and stripped and re-varnished the exterior. She was relaunched in 2020.
“We are delighted that our restoration of Fleury II has been shortlisted in this prestigious industry awards scheme and hope that the public will vote for this courageous and beautifully crafted Dunkirk Little Ship,” said founder and managing director Dave Cockwell.
“The traditional feel of the boat has been enhanced with modern engines and electrical systems, a new galley and period light fittings powered by low energy LED. These practical changes have been introduced sensitively and are hidden, where possible, to complement Fleury II’s heritage and ensure her survival for decades to come. At Cockwells, we take great pride in delivering the highest levels of craftsmanship, whether we are designing an exquisite tender for a superyacht or restoring a classic yacht with copper nails and oak ribs.”
The Classic Boat Awards celebrate the passion and dedication of skilled boatbuilders, boat owners, naval architects and others involved in the marine industry. Fleury II has been nominated in the Restored Power
Vessel category, the winner of which will be decided via a public vote.
To vote for the Fleury II, visit https://awards.classicboat.co.uk/ between now and 9am on Tuesday, March 8, click on the Vote button, fill in your details, scroll down to Restored Power Vessel (all sizes) and select Fleury II.
Winners of the Classic Boat Awards 2021 will be announced at a virtual online ceremony and in the May issue of Classic Boat magazine.