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.

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.

YACHT DESCRIPTION

 

Owner:	Jonathan & Scilla Dyke
Designer:	Robert Clark
Class:	Limited design 10 Tonner
Year Designed:	1934
Year Built:	1938
Builder:	Sussex Yacht Works Shoreham
LOA:  12.08x m 40 ft LOD: 12.08 m 40 ft Beam: 8.66 m 8.6 ft Draft: 1.75 m 5.9 ft LWL: 8.66 m 28.8 ft
LOD/WL Ratio:	1.4
Displacement:	7.138 tonnes
Thames Measurement:	10 Tons
Hull Material:	Wood
Hull Construction:	Carvel
Hull Frames:	Steamed
Rudder:	Keel hung
Sail Material:	Woven Dacron
Deck & Superstructure:	Laid Timber
Superstructure Profile:	Coach roof
Interior:	Fully fitted out
Steering:	Wheel
Transom:	Aft sloping
Rig:	Fractional Sloop
Engine Make:	Yanmar
Engine HP:	30hp
Engine Mounted:	Under companionway
Propeller:	Fixed
Propeller Blades:	2
Mast Material:	Spruce
Mast Configuration:	1 spreaders
Keel Configuration:	Long
Keel Material:	Lead