Restoring Z28, a 1936 Portsmouth Victory

Well, we've done it now! Friday lunchtime, I was doing a bit of internet surfing whereupon I happened upon an advert for a classic keelboat, known as The Portsmouth Victory.

Without mast or sails, hull only, the yacht formerly known as Woozle is for sale for a £1.

For some time, I have lusted after this particular class of boat. I can recall how as a young yacht skipper on board modern plastic boats, I would regularly be entering or leaving Portsmouth Harbour, watching these pretty boats and wishing that I was on one.

Now the opportunity has arisen to get involved with the boat and the class. I send off a quick email to the advertiser and within an hour, Nigel returns the mail. I promise to call him Saturday morning when I have had an opportunity to discuss it with partner in crime, Brendan.

So, 5 o'clock, Saturday afternoon and we are off to Old Portsmouth to view the boat. We meet Nigel outside the Portsmouth Victory Class yard through a maze of narrow streets to view the boat. As the gates open, the boat comes into view. My jaw drops. Out of the water those classic lines are gorgeous. Closer inspection reveals that she is a little ship in need of a fair amount of work. She's in sound condition, and in need of fittings, spars and a little TLC. It will pay to get work done on her now. That's OK, we need a winter project.

Clambering up into the deep cockpit, the lines from the helming position immediately grab me. The stout stem built to take Solent Chop and the graceful transom. I love the features like the stamson post, and the furniture in the cockpit. It all represents a quality of workmanship rarely seen today.

Nigel kindly offers to take us out on the water to view some other Victory's afloat at their moorings in Haslar. These boats look lovely. ..

...so we agree to take the boat on. It is the class 75th birthday next year. Wouldn't it be nice if Z28 could be sailing again for that!

We head home enjoying a beer or two and discussing the boat, dreaming of weekends out with the kids, with friends and other family. Cowes Week 2009. Z28 returns.

So Wilsons boatyard Monday morning to see if they have a spot for Z28

We need to speak with Wilsons boat yard and today I'm going to work on a restoration plan for the boat.