The life of N1461 Elusive. Design: Mark 4A, designed by: Ian Proctor in 1955
Burton Cup & YW Silver National Points Trophy winning boat, Falmouth 1957, John Oakeley, crewed by Maureen Cox.
I found Elusive in 1984 in a Carlisle back yard, she was in a very sorry state and had been holed. I had a small woodworking workshop and decided not to let her rot away so I bougth her, the road trailer and launching trolley for £300. I set to work restoring her; repairing the hole and other bits before finally painting her and the launching trolley white.
Elusive was launched again on Talkin Tarn, Cumbria in March 1985 and I was taught how to sail her. I must admit Elusive was a lovely dingy to sail and greatly admired when in flight. My daughter and myself had many happy years sailing her in the Lake District waters and meres. I sold her in 1987 to a young man who I believe took her to the south of England.
N1461 pictured in the 1958 Dinghy Year Book. Photo caption reads "Elusive (John Oakeley), winner of the Burton and Points Trophy for this year's 12ft National week." Photo credit Eileen Ramsay.