49' classic ketch built by McGruer & Sons on the Clyde in 1973 and recently restored
BORDER LEGEND
49' classic ketch built by McGruer & Sons on the Clyde in 1973 and recently restored
BORDER LEGEND
About Border Legend
Background
Border Legend was built by McGruer & Sons at Clynder on the Clyde. She was designed by George McGruer, building on the work of his father, James McGruer, with a heavy influence from other recent commissions to build yachts for Sparkman & Stephens. All this resulted in a yacht that is not just pleasing on the eye, but a delight to sail. Originally launched as GLORY BE IV for Mr W Barton, she has two near sisterships, these being CUILAUN (55' LOA) and TALISKER MOHR (54' LOA). Alas she fell on hard times from 2011 onwards. I found her in September 2019 and restored her over a period of 3 years. In the pages that follow you can read about some of her history and plans for the future.
Early history
We don't know when construction was started on BORDER LEGEND (which we'll refer to her as, instead of GLORY BE IV, as she was then) but we do know that she was launched in the first quarter of 1973, as there was a rush to get her finished before the introduction of VAT at midnight on 31st March 1973. Legend has it that she left the yard with some work still to be finished, in order to meet the deadline. Following delivery, the Barton family used her as a family yacht, cruising Scottish waters. A few years later she changed hands, and the again in 1986, when she was sold to Colin Harris. The Harris family moved her down to the South coast and used her as their family yacht for many years.
Later history
In 2011 or 2012, whilst berthed on the River Hamble, a family tragedy caused BORDER LEGEND to be placed in a mud berth at the Elephant Boatyard. She laid there beside the old chain ferry under an old leaking canvas cover. No longer being used and with no upkeep, she was slowly rotting away. I'd been looking for a 'project' for a while when Barney Sandeman of Sandeman Yacht Company pointed in her direction. I travelled down to the Elephant Boatyard in Burseledon one Saturday morning in September 2019 to the a look at her. I still recall the smell of rot and decay as I opened the hatches, but despite that, the spell was cast. Mr Harris had sadly passed away, but by an amazing coincidence, his son and I had offices in the same building in the City; a plan was hatched, an agreement was reached and the rollercoaster of owning and restoring a wonderful classic yacht began.
Recent refit
After considering various options, BORDER LEGEND was hauled ashore at the Elephant Boatyard. They knew the boat already and had space available to accommodate her ashore for an extended refit. They also had master shipwright Glen, who'd worked on her several times previously. I'd taken various boats to the yard over the years, so it seemed like a logical choice, even though it was a 300 mile round trip from my home then join the East Coast. The story of the refit is told at length here, sharing the highs and the lows, the challenges, the options faced and the decisions taken. Of course, lockdown intervened, which complicated things enormously, but 14 months after we started, we took her out for a sea trial and her first sail in 10 years. It's hard to describe the emotions on that day (not least when the engine died approaching the berth on our return) and we were by no means finished with the hard work, but BORDER LEGEND was back in commission and ready for new adventures.
2021 Season - South Coast
BORDER LEGEND stayed in the water through the winter of 2021/22, but for various reasons (mostly pressure of work) we started the season late. The highlight of the season was taking her to the British Classics Week in Cowes. Ably assisted by David Aisher as crew boss and foredeck, we learned and improved throughout the week, learning how she sails and how to sail her. Very light winds early in the week made it hard going, but by Friday we had a fresh 18-20 knot breeze and she picked up her skirt and flew along, bringing us a creditable 4th in class on the final day. The rest of the season was spent doing the odd weekend, culminating in a wonderful sail to Yarmouth IOW, where we ended up having an extended stay due to engine problems (a common theme, alas).
2022 Season - Ireland and Scotland
BORDER LEGEND went back into the shed at the Elephant in January 2022 to have another 4 coats of varnish applied to the topsides, together with a proper gold leaf caveat line. She came out after a month shining in the sun, as she still does, with a most wonderful finish thanks to the skill of Ady, the yard's master painter. We took advantage of being back in the water early by having a most remarkable sail down to Portland and back during those few days of glorious weather at the end off March. Pressure of work got in the way again, but on 19 July (just as the weather broke!) we left Bursledon, heading west, calling in at Yarmouth, Studland, Dartmouth, Salcombe and Falmouth, before doing a crew change and then heading over to Crosshaven, from where we cruised to Kinsale, Glandore, Baltimore, Schull and Bantry. What a cruise, and one that I'll write up in due course. Our next passage will be to Scotland, where we'll overwinter, carry out various major work (including a new engine) and get her ready to cruise Scotland or possibly the Baltic in 2023.
Summer 2022 Photo Gallery
Refit Photo Gallery
Border Legend
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