Merry Maid is a 24 foot linear rater, designed and built by Charles Sibbick and launched in 1906. After many years on Eel Pie Island on the River Thames she is now back in Cowes being restored. 

Merry Maid is 34.5 feet long and of very light construction. The mahogany and pine hull has been stabilised, all 140 timbers have been replaced and fastened with copper boat nails and roves. The beam shelves, deck beams and carlings have all been replaced.

Marry Maid was rescued from Eel Pie Island on the River Thames at Twickenham and taken to my workshop in Cowes. The fibreglass covering the hull was removed and the hull splined with some short sections of planking replaced. There is still a lot to do before she is sailing again, including new deck, coamings and fittings, new gaff spars and sails. To follow the restoration look at the blog...