Vanella Update

Following the wrecking of Vanella, Ian lost little time in remedying matters, as reported in a letter to Noel Stanbury, the Stella Class Secretary:

"Thought I'd send you a copy of this letter to the previous owner of Vanella, Bill Catton.

My sons thought it was time I told the Stella Association and the previous owner what's going on.

We made an offer for Moonspinner, which was accepted. Any project would have had to be road-hauled to the Hebrides. By the time you've paid for that, it s not much more expensive to buy a boat, in commission and sail home. We take over the boat, first week in July and intend sailing from Dumbarton, near Glasgow, all the way up the West Coast of Scotland, to Stornoway.

Other good thing about this arrangement is that it leaves Vanella with complete set of gear. Think I told you, a mate of mine who's buiit a few boats, was completely taken by the Stella when he sailed with us. He's just completing a 19ft clinker open boat. He's going to repair Vanella, which basically means replacing most of the starboard side (only about l/3rd of planking left) and probably decks. Port side and cabin, mast etc intact. Looks like the rigging stood up to the test - glad I went for 6 mil as advised by you.

So, from 6th July, our family will own Moonspinner (105). Ownership of Vanella will go to Archie Tyrell, with us retaining a nominal half-share. In a year or two I hope to send you some shots of Moonspinner and Vanella sailing out in the Minch"

So the Vanella story is 'shaping up' for a happy ending, with the strong probability that there will be eventually be two commissioned Stella's based at the Isle of Lewis.