Cariad, a magnificent gaff ketch launched in 1896, has weathered more than just storms at sea. Her history is a captivating tale of glory, neglect and ultimately, a passionate rebirth. From winning prestigious regattas and hosting royalty to languishing in remote boatyards, Cariad’s story is as dramatic as the high seas she once conquered.
From Glory to Gloom
Imagine the scene in Southampton Docks as Cariad’s masts were first stepped. The largest yacht Summers and Payne had ever built, she was a vision of beauty. Owned by the Earl of Dunraven, she cruised the Mediterranean and Solent, even winning the gruelling 10,000nm Vasco da Gama Cup in 1898.
Cariad’s adventures continued under different owners and names. She circumnavigated the globe, braved storms in the Cape2Rio race and even enjoyed a period of chartering in the West Indies. But fate can be fickle.
Despite a refit in the 1980s, Cariad’s fortunes waned. Abandoned in Taiwan in 1993, she was rescued by the Japan Charter Yacht Association, only to be left derelict again in Bangkok in 2005. Des Kearns, who led a 2006-2008 restoration attempt, poignantly described the later years: “12 years in the water without drydocking took its toll…To describe the devastation to our previous workmanship, the word disappointment is an understatement.”
A Renaissance at Sea
Enter Tim Hartnoll, a shipping magnate who became Cariad’s knight in shining armour in 2021. With Hartnoll’s support, Kearns reunited his team of “artists”, as Hartnoll called them, for a truly transformative restoration. Experts from around the world joined the effort, including British Naval Architect Paul Spooner and Australian Boat Restorer Mike Howett. Kearns, determined to “Build Back Better”, meticulously documented the process at cariad1986.com, showcasing the traditional techniques and materials used.
The rigging presented a unique challenge. Isle of Wight based Spencer Rigging collaborated with Paul Spooner Design to create a historically accurate and durable plan. 20 different assemblies, totalling nearly 450m of rigging, were meticulously hand-measured, cut and finished. Traditional methods like hand splicing, serving and leathering were employed to maintain Cariad’s classic aesthetic.
A Triumphant Return
As Cariad once again graced the waves, her majesty was undeniable. The countless hours of work had paid off. The crowning achievement came when Cariad won the coveted World Superyacht Award in the Rebuilt Classic Yachts category.
Now, Cariad’s future is as bright as her past. Plans include racing in Mediterranean classic regattas and perhaps, another round-the-world voyage, championed by the granddaughter of a previous owner who circumnavigated on Cariad in the 1950s. This remarkable yacht’s story is a testament to the enduring power of passion, craftsmanship and the timeless allure of the sea.
