The life of N943 Cheri II. Design: , designed by: Jack Holt
Original boat name: Comic.
The happiest days of my life have been sailing a National 12. I had two, but it's the first one I remember, N 943. A leaky clinker that I bought green, no idea what I was buying, never sailed before and wanted to learn, and what a boat to learn in! Steel centre plate with block to lower and raise it, cotton sails, wooden mast, what a handful to launch from a public slipway and sail in the Southampton Water. But it was a great experience, forgiving if you spilled wind quick enough and easy enough to get going again after a capsize. It had a heart and my soul still resides in it. I towed it behind a Hillman Imp to many places, including Mudeford Quay. It was wonderful on a broad reach and used to hum with pleasure. Ah, those were the days, I think N 943 is on your register. Long may it tack its way to a place in somebody else's heart.
Cheers, Comic