Ocean Pearl

Graham from Port-Na-Storm kindly sent these pictures of Ocean Pearl a relatively local boat based in Chichseter. Originally a motor zulu/fifie, the 42 footer fished from Peterhead in Scotland until the 1960's when she came south for restoration. She was acquired by local boat builder Nick Gates around 10 years ago and has undergone significant restoration and being rigged as a lugger.

There was some debate over the rake of her stern and whether she was a Zulu or a Fifie which you can read on Gavin Atkin's In the Boatshed. Whatever the outcome she's a fine looking vessel and credit to Nick's skill and determination.



Graham explains "I was at the Dinghy Cruising Association Summer Camp at Cobnor, Chichester Harbour last August and while out for a sail with Chris Waite in Tit Willow we took a detour up Thorney Channel where we saw Ocean Pearl riding at her moorings.

She was built in Scotland as a motor fishing vessel and restored and converted to sail by Nick Gates. She is nearly a Zulu, apparently a true Zulu would have had an even more raked stern post but with the advent of engines, stern gear, propellers etc the designers and builders had to make them less rakish. She still looks pretty amazing to me.

Chris and I saw her a month later when we were all taking part in an Old Gaffers race in the Solent. Ocean Pearl creamed past us and looked magnificent under full canvas."