Description

'Ursula' is a substantial gaff ketch based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. She has the feeling of a real sailing ship with many interesting features built in. She was built in 1953 at Sakuth, Heiligenhafen, Germany, a small fishing port on the Baltic Coast. It is believed Ursula was built as a cadet training ship but may have also played a part in the Cold War with sophisticated sonar and listening equipment originally installed on board.
Built to a traditional design with oak planking on oak frames, Ursula withstood the harsh Baltic conditions for many years.
She has just come out of a substantial renovation. The extensive works carried out on Ursula include a new stem, stern post and a significant portion of topside hull planking replaced. All deck beams have been replaced and a new deck fitted with plywood and epoxy sheathed - meaning that it has an entirely watertight deck with minimal maintenance required. The plywood deck has been laid in such a way to allow a laid deck to be bonded down if required. Bulwark stanchions have been replaced with the entire bulwark planking with capping rails replaced and constructed in Oak. Work included replacement of belaying pin rails and mooring bollards.

Deck houses and companionways have been extensively repaired with large sections replaced. All varnished areas have been coated in Coelan Varnish providing superb durability and minimal maintenance.
In short, all areas of rot and decay have been removed. There is no decay in this vessel.
Extensive work has been carried out in the engine room. Engine room work involved fitting new stainless steel fuel and water tanks, full replacement of fuel systems, exhaust. steering and electrical systems overhauled. The boat has had a recently fitted new generator with very low hours.
The vessel was recently fully re-caulked, the rudder has been rebuilt and a new sacrificial timber fitted to the underside of the keel.
Internal ballast is lead ingots packed into her bilges.
With regards to her rig, the main gaff and main boom are new, the mizzen gaff and boom are new. Mizzen mast had top section replaced recently, from below the hounds.
'Ursula' is fit for sea immediately. She is a registered commercial vessel and has always been CAT 2 MCA coded. That has lapsed - All works carried out have been with the view to reinstatement of CAT2 coding.
She is currently used as holiday accommodation to earn her keep and is very popular.
Recent survey (March '25) available - Photos or entire restoration available.

Specifications

Location Map