N3 Swift

[National 12 Webmaster]

The life of N3 Swift. Design: Barnt Green One Design, designed by: Peter Brett in 1936

[ken goddard]

Contribution  from Ken Goddard
Swift is the second boat of the series of Barnt Green One Designs which wer absorbed into the National Twelve Class in 1936.
I was made aware that N.3 was still around in spring 2001 and shortly thereafter went to see the boat ina garden at Burntwood, between Lichfield and Cannock.
I found the hull to be in quite appalling condition; two or three planks had become detached from the transom; on both sides of the centreboard case there were metre-length cracks in the planks next to the garboard planks and there were some other problems whiich I can't remember.
The owner, Richard Williams, had made an attempt to stop further weathering by painting the outside of the hull. The only other I seem to recall seeing were the tan-coloured sails. I gathered that all the other equipment, eg mast had been saved.
The boat clearly presents the owner - and us - with problem. "Swift" obviously has a heritage value and might fetch £200-300, but will need a large investment to make it presentable, let alone seaworthy. At the time the boat came to light, I believe that Brian Herring estimated that it would need £700+ to make the hull presentable.
The boat is no longer with Richard Williams, although I think he still owns her, but at a friend house, somewhere nearby. I believe that this friend has talked to Brian in more recent years, about the cost of restoration.
I have no further information about this boat.
Ken Goddard     (e-mail) goddards.peartreehouse@btinternet.com 

[grazz]

Photo courtesy Ken Goddard