Type: Cutter
LOA: 53’11” / 16.45m – LOD: 53’11” / 16.45m – Beam: 11’10” / 3.60m – Draft: 6’11” / 2.10m – Displacement: 22 Tons – Yard Number: – Hull material: Pine planking on composite iron and oak frames – Designer: Alfred Mylne – Built by: William Fife & Sons – Year Launched: 1935 – Original Name: Sonas – Former name(s) Sonas – Sail Area: – Official number: – Engine: LOMBARDINI 2204 m 59 hp – Location: FleetMon
Historical:
Sandeman Yacht Company comments – IRINA VII was launched in 1935 under the name SONAS – meaning happiness in Gaelic for her first owner Major J.G. Allan DSO of Helensburgh to Alfred Mylne’s design No 366 and was build number 811 at the Fairlie yard of William Fife & Son. By 1947 SONAS was in the ownership of James C Guthrie and then sold 5 years later to Norwegian George Von Erpecom of the Bergen Yacht Club, who changed her name to IRINA VII. He by the way had previously owned six other yachts he’d named IRINA. In the 60s, IRINA VII was entrusted to new owner Finn Engelsen.
From 1965 to 1985 IRINA VII was based in Devon and became effectively a founder member yacht of Island Cruising Club Salcombe. In 1985, she was bought by Mr and Mrs Potts who undertook major maintenance work and changed the rig and some fittings.
In 2002, IRINA VII was bought by her current owner a Frenchman to be renovated at the AMEBOIS shipyard in Toulouse. The restoration was substantial and took more than 16,000 hours. She is now restored also to her original Marconi cutter rig and the interior according pretty well to the original 1934 arrangement.
Since 2003, IRINA VII has been a regular participant on the Mediterranean regatta circuit. Among other events in 2005 she won her class in the Trophée Bailli de Suffren (St Tropez to Malta). She also won the CIM Cup for her sporting spirit and grace in the Vele d’Epoca 2008 and in 2009 she sailed in Les Voiles d’Antibes
Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):
- Guardian/Owner: (1935) – Major J.G. Allan DSO of Helensburgh
- Guardian/Owner: (1947-1952) – James C Guthrie
- Guardian/Owner: (1952) – George Von Erpecom, Bergen Yacht Club (renamed IRINA VII)
- Guardian/Owner: (1960s) – Finn Engelsen
- Guardian/Owner: (1985) – Mr and Mrs Potts
- Guardian/Owner: (2003) – Philippe Beteille