Philip and Son 60 ft Gaff Auxiliary Ketch 1937 - Sold

Philip & Son of Dartmouth built a wide variety of wonderful vessels in their 200 year history and NOCTURNE, enjoying the same ownership for the over 30 years, is a great example of their craft. Massively built in pitch pine on oak frames with a solid Burma teak deck, this yacht is totally original above and below deck – NOCTURNE exudes more charm than many more obvious yachts from this period, she is a handsome and sturdy cruising yacht; extremely appealing with no trace of cuteness!

In keeping with the original qualities of this fine vessel is the accommodation below; fully reflecting the character and ambience therein with finely constructed and finished furniture and fittings. There are single berths for up to five people arranged in a variety of cabin spaces. The space below decks is approached through the doghouse, containing the chart table and navigation area as well as a single pilot berth. Descending companionway steps one enters the saloon for’ard, with settees either side of the main mast and elm wood drop leaf table offset to starboard. The joinery, here mainly of light oak, includes a delightful “travelling” writing desk and hanging locker. Ships clock, barometer and original ports are in character. Varnished oak beams bear the white painted deckhead above.

A way through the bulkhead for’ard leads to the galley athwartships containing a gas hob, grill and oven and stainless sink with pressurized water and cool box with stowage for crocks etc.

Beyond that is the fore peak with an opening port; formerly the crew quarters, that space currently used for stowage of sails, sheets, a paint locker.

Aft of the Saloon accessed by a companionway leading down the port side is a small workshop space (opposite the engine room itself beneath the doghouse). Beyond that are the shower and head compartments, the companionway leading then to a pair of single guest cabins; one each side - and the owner’s 2 berth cabin aft.

Strongly built in 1937 to Lloyds Black Cross 100 A1 specification, NOCTURNE has retained most of the features of her original construction, which has proved to be extremely durable. Her hull is of pitch pine planking (copper sheathed and fastened to above the waterline) laid over grown English oak frames. Her deck is laid with Burma teak, which wood was also used for the superstructures. Other timbers, also original, were employed for the interiors; light oak for the saloon and deck house with dark Cuban mahogany for the cabins.

Gaff rigged main and mizzen, boomed staysail also rigged for square sail downwind sailing
- Oregon pine main mast and bowsprit
- Keel stepped mizzen mast.
- Pitch pine booms
- Pin racks on rails for both main and mizzen masts
- Pin rack at foot of main mast
- Claude WORTH roller reefing

Standing rigging mainly of 14 mm galvanised steel over soft core linseed sealed. Bobstays are stainless steel.

NOCTURNE has a comprehensive sail wardrobe of 14 sails mostly by Burgaud including
- 2 x main sails
- 2 x mizzen sails
- 1 x square sail
- Flying jib
- Large genoa
- Staysail (boomed)
- Topsail

Aft of the enclosed cockpit is a fine teak bench; the taffrail half surrounding. The cockpit with a chest high Burma teak enclosure contains the ship’s wheel with pinion to pinion steering by Reid & Sons of Paisley. Other features and equipments include:

- Original PINTA auto pilot
- 3 x Dorade vents either side of dog house
- Butterfly skylight hatches over after cabins and saloon
- 9 m clinker dinghy
- Original davits starboard
- 1 x 90 Kg Fisherman’s anchor
- 2 x 45 Kg Fisherman’s anchors
- 1 x 45 Kg CQR anchor
- 2 x 90 m lengths anchor chain
- Original HYLAND hydraulic anchor windlass
- 1 x 4 m teak passarelle
- Anchor davit to port

The General Motors 3-71 3 cylinder 100 HP hydro start diesel engine and Lister generator are housed amidships below the doghouse. Maximum speed under engine alone is 7 knots.
- 1,200 litre Fuel tank
- 1000 litre fresh water tank

The varnished teak doghouse, very light with white painted deckhead contains the chart table with Seafarer 3 echo sounder and VHF. A substantial teak housing contains the 24 V, 200 AH domestic batteries.