Doreen Rebuild

‘Big D’ as she is affectionately nicknamed has been one of the most beloved and iconic of the Fairy class. Like her sister ‘Paxie’ she has been sailed to the point of exhaustion. Much of her planking is damaged, rotten or compromised in some way, as are her frames and decking. This however will not be the end for ‘Doreen’, as she is currently being rebuilt alongside her aforementioned sister. This project aims to be completed in 2022, in time for the 120th anniversary of the first Fairy boats. This page will be updated as the rebuild progresses. If you would like to know more about the boats history, click here.

Doreen in a poor state, 10 years since she was last in Lough Erne.
24 of the 52 frames needed for both boats.
Built in several parts, the ‘Big Knee’ will have further laminates added to it, before finally being shaped to size.
The two new ‘Big Knees’ for Paxie & Doreen.
My preliminary cutaway revealed our long held suspicions about Doreen’s timber: rot and decay were in every inch of the yacht, from stem to stern.
The stern frame had been badly and dangerously repaired at some point in her life. Very fortunate that didn’t breakaway in the last 30 years.
Removing the original metal floors
Lifting the keelson from the keel.
The base of the new Doreen, her original 1906 keel was in very good condition and now awaits sandblasting.
Doreen & Paxie’s keels, ready for blasting.
The boat being moved to the new lean-to shed of the Louden-Brown farm.
Doreen’s ‘Big Knee’ under construction.
52 0f 52 frames for both ‘Doreen’ & ‘Paxie’
Installing the keel props to brace the yacht as she is broken up on her launching trailer.
The break up of Doreen begins
Bow, midships & combing above the waterline removed.
Substantial rot and decay had been filled and covered with car filler, a poor repair that let in further moisture.
Loosening and cutting the nuts of the keel-bolts.
Additional support struts were clamped in place in order to secure the keel to the trolley.
The keel is lifted to the trailer.
The two keels now epoxy coated, are positioned over their keelsons.