Knud Reimers Tumlaren

If you're not familiar with the beautiful story of the Tumlaren then please have a read here - https://southernwoodenboatsailing. Com/news/knud-riemers

So Eighty five years ago YVONNE was launched in the northern waters of Port Phillip. She was built by Charlie Peel, the designer of ACROSPIRE II, III & IV. For the following fifty years, Tumlaren were the premier one-design fleet in Victoria. The master of the class was Selim Nurminen skippering YVONNE #97. Together they became the most successful skipper and keelboat on Port Phillip, winning seventeen Victorian State Championships.

In Melbourne in 2016 began the extensive restoration project. The highly experienced shipwright Ferdi Darley offered his shed and guidance to the re-build team of Ant Perri, Chris Clapp and serial Tumlaren owner, Roger Dundas

The objective of the long and complex task of restoring YVONNE was to return this special craft to the place in which she belongs; sailing amongst the historic one design fleet in the waters of Port Phillip.

After removing the plank and canvas deck, all 104 ribs were replaced with paired spotted gum. The original Huon pine planking was in excellent order... With only 3 replaced. All were re-fastened with donated copper nails and splined below the waterline. New Oregon deck beams were housed into the original beam shelf and a ply and epoxy deck was laid for stiffening. The original mast was retained with only the top 3 metres being newly scarfed.

To compliment the meticulous standard of the restoration it was decided that she needed a wardrobe. Mark Rimington made the sails and recut a donated Dragon kite. Dave Allen drew a set-out for standing and running rig then recycled most fittings.

In 2024 she was short listed by the prestigious UK Magazine "Classic Boat" for the prize of best restoration under 40ft.

YVONNE can only be described as one of the most important pieces of Victorian maritime history in "as new" condition ready to continue being raced and loved !