A Timber Classic’s Revival: The Story of Southwinds

A Timber Classic’s Revival: The Story of Southwinds

In 2018, Finn Irvine, the owner of Manly Sailing, took the helm of a new adventure when he purchased Southwinds—Sydney Harbour’s only timber classic sailing yacht now in commercial operation. With a deep passion for both timber boats and hospitality, Finn was eager to share that love with the public. But as is often the case with classic vessels, this ambitious dream came with its fair share of challenges.

When Finn acquired Southwinds, the yacht was in dire need of some serious TLC. The engine was so old and tired that it actually died during the test sail, leaving the crew with no choice but to sail her back to the mooring under manual power. The bilge was filled with black sludge, and the boat’s electrical system was a mess, requiring a complete rewire. The hull was in need of extensive work, and the ribs were cracked in multiple places. In short, Southwinds needed a major overhaul. 

A Shipyard Transformation

The renovation began in 2018 at Noakes Shipyard, with Master Shipwright Gary Swindel leading the charge, backed up by another skilled Master Shipwright, Colin Bailey. Between them, Gary and Colin had a combined 80 years of experience in timber boat building and restoration—so it’s safe to say Southwinds was in very capable hands.

The first order of business? Removing the old engine. To do this, a hole had to be cut in the cabin top—an admittedly drastic step. But it was well worth it when Colin crafted a stunning butterfly hatch to fill the gap. Not only did it add a touch of beauty, but it also brought more natural light into the saloon and galley.

Restoring the Heart of the Boat

With the engine removed and the bilge cleaned, attention turned to the cracked ribs. The process was meticulous. First, every second damaged rib was removed to preserve the boat’s shape. First, a template of the internal hull was created. Next, using 15 layers of spotted gum, Gary and Colin bent the wood around a jig they created. They didn’t glue the pieces together just yet—first, they bolted them at one end, cut a scarph (a joint for connecting the pieces) at the other, and then glued the laminates together.

Once the glue had set, the new frame section was removed, cleaned up, and carefully reinstalled. It was a delicate process, made all the more difficult by the cramped space under the cabin sole. “It was a difficult job working in a very limited space under the cabin sole,” said Gary. “But you can’t always ask someone how to do it, you have got to come up with the concept yourself.”

From Engine to Electricals—Every Detail Counts

Next up was the new engine. A 110hp Yanmar was chosen to replace the outdated one, and the entire engine installation was renewed from the ground up. A new stainless steel 450L fuel tank was fitted beneath the saloon table, and every aspect of the boat’s plumbing and sanitation system, including the black tank and head, was replaced.

The electrical system got a complete overhaul too, courtesy of Sam Brown from Overkill Electrical, bringing everything up to commercial standards.

The cockpit, which was originally quite small, was expanded by relocating the helm aft, making space for a dining area where six guests could comfortably gather. All the windows in the saloon were replaced, the lumar hatches were renewed, and the pushpit, pulpit, stanchions, and safety lines were upgraded to meet commercial standards. New upholstery and bedding was fitted throughout the yacht. To finish off the transformation, the top decks were stripped of old varnish, and 14 fresh coats were applied, restoring the yacht’s stunning finish.

Back in Action

Today, Southwinds operates as a skippered charter boat, licensed to carry 22 guests onshore and 12 offshore. Whether it’s a fashion shoot, corporate event, team-building exercise, or birthday party, this timeless beauty is the perfect setting for any occasion.

Though the renovation process was undoubtedly challenging, every step was worth it. Southwinds is now a head turner on Sydney Harbour, a classic timber yacht restored to its former glory—and ready for many more years of adventures on the water.