Designed and built by David Moss of Fleetwood, she was launched in 2018 and won the Classic Boat award that year for best traditional new build under 40’.
She has the DNA of a traditional working boat with a full bilge, transom stern and simple gaff cutter rig, but has been refined by Moss with more than a hint of ‘yachtiness’ in her. Built to his exacting standards with good quality materials, she has now spent a few seasons being worked up and developed by her diligent owner so that she is now a well proven and ready to go yacht.
At 31’ LOD she is a handy size, not too big so as to be a handful for her crew, but large enough to allow for the deep sheltered cockpit, over 6’ headroom and 4 good berths below plus a heads compartment and decent galley.
The choice of gaff cutters in this size bracket is very limited as most are either much larger or smaller, so this excellent yacht strikes the perfect balance between size and manageability.
Length on deck 31’
Length overall 40’
Length Waterline 29’
Beam 10’
Draft 5’6”
Tonnage 9.65 tons
Owners Comments on the design
David and I developed the lines taking inspiration from a number of different craft from around the the 1930’s. William Atkins Fore An’ Aft was one and also German Frers Senior’s Fjord II. Colin Archer had some input and Peter Bret’s original wooden Rival, the D24. A number of ½” to the foot half-models were carved, I think 5 in all and after much deliberation the design for Polly was arrived at. It’s true to say I was in favour of a more traditional Gaff-rig profile of straight stem with a bit of drag and David thought we should have some cutaway and a horizontal keel with some rocker. A 1” to the foot model was constructed and measurements taken off and scaled up for the build.
Most of the timber came in tree from Summerscales; Iroko from the West coast of Africa, teak from Burma. David found a supplier who had very long lengths of old seasoned Oregan Pine for the spars which could all be got out in entire lengths. As with the decks there are no scarphs.
Was it all worth it? Well Polly has the most comfortable motion at sea of any yacht I have sailed on – with the possible exception of Overlord which is a might bigger! The generous displacement of 10t on 30 foot overall length plays it’s part although there are many other factors which contribute. She is also exceptionally comfortable lying to anchor which is a great asset.
The triple strake bulwarks and wide decks around the mast make working the rig a joy.
More detail on this classic sailing yacht for sale: https://woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yacht/david-moss-gaff-cutter/