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Cereste was built in 1938 by Sussex Yacht Works at Shoreham, and originally believed to be Melody, to a Robert Clark design based along the lines of his innovative Mystery design. Research shows that several other Robert Clark designs were in build at Sussex Yacht Works at the same time, and that the then Yard Manager was Austin Farrer, who had trained with Robert Clark at his design office in London. Constructed of mahogany topsides and pitch pine below the water line on steamed oak frames and oak centre line structure, Cereste has had a chequered history. She spent several years in the Mediterranean where her structure deteriorated significantly, although some running repairs were carried out to keep her in commission, before returning to the UK in the late 80’s. Some further attempts were made at restoration but when we found her lying in Nayland, South Wales in 1998 she was in a very sorry state. A three year restoration process was undertaken and her inaugural passage, following this major refit, was a passage from the East Coast to the Solent to witness the 2001 America’s Cup Jubilee celebrations.
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Although, ravaged by time, much of the original
structure and joinery was salvageable and thus she remains very
much as original. The extensive refit presented the opportunity
to improve and upgrade some features of the design which included
a new teak deck, cockpit and coach roof and the installation of
wheel steering. The original rig design was mast head cutter,
although Robert Clark drew an alternative three quarter rig but
the then more fashionable mast head option prevailed. Cereste
is now re-rigged with the three quarter rig design which has greatly
improved her performance and made her highly competitive under
IRC and handicap racing.
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