The life of N3139 Mab. Design: Cheshire Cat, designed by: Michael Jackson in 1973
Original boat name: Midnight Express.
My 5th and first brand new 12
Frances and I commissioned Andrew Turner to build her because he built beautiful boats and at a reasonable price. We named her Midnight Express following on from my earlier Orient Express.
We won the first open meeting we sailed in her at Desborough SC by a comfortable margin - we were delighted. We enjoyed consderable success in her, particularly in 1981 - both in the Thames Area and with a 2nd overall at Salcombe YC Regatta. She moved with us when we left Henley SC on a job move to the south coast. We joined Spinnaker Club and developed a fleets there where our lovely boat attracted much attention.
We kept her until 1990 when Andrew built us an also very beautiful new Final Chapter.
David Wilkins
Midnight Express - believe it or not this was taken at Henley SC!!!
I've just acquired Mab (08/12/2012). She needs a bit of work which I intend to do over the winter. She now resides in my workshop in Wirksworth and I hope to sail her next year at Carsington.
Jon