I heard the sad tale of that horrible
accident when I first watched Patrick Childress' video.
How sad to see such a proud and beautiful vessel in such a state.
I hope someone rescues her.
From a
designer noted for innovative designs and use of materials for
race winning
boats, the Gallant is one of Ricus Van De Stadt’s classics and deserving of her selection by Naomi James for her
record breaking
Round the World enterprise. Today she is more a cruising yacht and is very well laid out and equipped for the role, which has brought much pleasure to her owners with the additional surety of sea kindliness and the ability to handle any
weather.
Historical Notes
The Gallant 53 was designed by the celebrated naval architect and yacht
designer, E.G. Van de Stadt; the culmination of his pioneering
work and vast experience in the development of
offshore glass fibre yachts for which he became internationally renowned.
To many eyes this Van de Stadt design is still one of the most attractive ever conceived with beautiful lines and superb proportions. In 1967 the Gallant was awarded the Lloyd's Register of
Shipping 1968 Yacht Trophy for outstanding design, performance and craftsmanship – then universally recognised as the highest distinction any designer and yard may hope to achieve. She was the longest GRP production yacht in her day, but still considered a “Gentleman's yacht”.
They soon gained a reputation for their good looks, bulletproof construction, superb motion in a seaway and as has been proved, the ease with which they can be handled with a minimum crew. Twenty two were built as ketches or cutter-rigged sloops by Southern Ocean Shipyard Ltd and by Tylers in
England from 1967 to 1973.
It was (Dame)
Naomi James however, who set off from Dartmouth on 9 September 1977 to sail around the world on EXPRESS CRUSADER. During the voyage, she nearly
lost her
mast, capsized and had no
radio for several weeks. Completing the voyage on 8 June 1978 after 272 days, she beat Sir Francis Chichester's then solo round-the-world sailing
record by two days,
the first woman to sail single-handed around the world via Cape Horn.
Best wishes for her
rescue and the future for her and her distraught present owner.
(Attached image is of a sister ship Nogoli currently
for sale at an asking
price of £164,000.00)
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