New Keeler Yacht Launched

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28800, 22 January 1959, Page 5

New Keeler Yacht Launched

tpo many people who are shore- -*■ bound, a keeler yacht presents a pretty picture of tall sail, and sleek lines, but uncomfortable, cramped quarters for the crew. A quick glance at the interior of the cabin of Mr Bede Payton’s new craft. Freedom, would be reassuring. f A 31ft Ocean racer-cruiser, the craft looks sleek and fast, yet has a maximum of comfort for the crew. She is an addition to the Banks Peninsula Cruising Club's fleet, and was launched recently at Lyttelton. Interior The roomy cabin is finished in modern pastel colours, has plenty of head room, and is fitted with two bunks which serve as diVans during the day. There are several lockers and cupboards which are self-locking, and a stainless steel galley bench and stove unit. The kerosene stove is set in gimbals so It will remain steady although the yacht may be heeling considerably. The interior paintwork is finished with mahogany and oak wood trimmings. Lighting is provided at night by batteries carried on board;, during the day the cabin is well lit by several glass ports of one half inch plate glass. The Freedom has two berths forward of the cabin and a quarter berth aft There will also be provision for two cotr to be Installed in the craft and these wlll give a total sleeping capacity of five adults and two children. " The Freedom is the product of two and a. quarter years’ work by Mr Payton, who previously owned the keeler. Idle Hour. Designed by Mr B . L. Dunphy, of Wales, to Mr Payton's requirements, the Freedom is the first keeler Mr Payton has built The craft has a beam of Bft 6in and a draught of sft She is cutter rigged and has a working area of 460 square feet of sail—there will also be a 300 ft genoa jib and a

600 ft spinnaker for racing or fast

cruising. 1 ’ * ■ -W-. She is also equipped With an auxiliary 10 h.p. motor. Hardwood. mostly spotted gum, has been used for the framework, and kauri has been used for the planking of the craft The combings are also of kauri and the hatches apd companionwdy ate of teak. The keel of the craft is weighted with two and a quarter tons of lead. Mr Payton hopes t 6 cruise and race the Freedom when she is ready.