QUEEN OF THE J’S
GIVING WAY TO SAIL
Loch Lomond is an extraordinary one-off built by an ocean-racing legend, and these days acts as a regatta spectator launch. She’s what all motorboats want to be when they grow up… a sailor’s yacht WORDS STEFFAN MEYRIC HUGHES
WILD WILD WEST
As part of Will Stirling’s ongoing global adventure, a wildly challenging Alaskan plan to sail and climb in this incredible landscape lived up to all expectations... and concerns
BY WILL STIRLING
Left: Shelter from the Pacific swell Above: Artur chilling
BUILDING CLOUDS
Lallows on the Isle of Wight has turned its hand to many things over its 158 years, but is best known for its S&S racers, including Ted Heath’s Morning Cloud II
WORDS OLIVIA MULLAN PHOTOS BEN WOOD
Cowes has long been a crucible of yachting and few yards have shaped it as well as Clare Lallows. Today, the yard remains traditional, down to its letterhead which, until 1996, was still made using the original thermographic printing method. Lallows’ commitment to techniques of old has saved classic yachts, while forward-thinking diversification has kept the company alive and kicking. Given the historic successes of boats like Roundabout, Morning Cloud II (Opposition) and even the first translatlantic rowing boat, Lallows has convincingly earned its place in boatbuilding lore.
THE BEGINNINGS... 10FT CLINKER DINGHIES
The company started in Cowes in 1867, building 10ft (3m) clinker dinghies. The family name was already known locally, with Clare’s father making sails. For most of its 158 years, Lallows remained in the family, as sons Sydney, Harold, and Arthur worked alongside their father. Later, Sydney’s son, also Clare, joined, successfully compounding the international reputation that his uncles set in motion. Back then, the main yard was further up the Medina River and the current site on Medina Road was used as a storage facility.
In a 2020 interview, Ian Lallow explained that he could not help but have a passion for boats and had “always wanted to do it”. His father Clare had been reluctant to let him into the family business as he knew all too well the long hours and challenges of running a boatyard. Ian’s falling out with his headmaster after only a short time at sixth form tipped the balance for Clare. In January 1961, Ian started an apprenticeship at Lallows and took on the business after his father. With no heir, he was the last family owner, and yard worker Lawrence Boarer bought the company in 1996.
FURNITURE AND BOATS
Lawrence (‘Laurie’), began life at Lallows as an apprentice and stayed on for seven years before leaving. However, in 1996 he was called back upon hearing that the yard was up for sale. Before buying Clare Lallows, Laurie Boarer had created a bespoke household joinery business. To this day, that steady, adaptable income lets the yard invest in joinery apprenticeships, source responsible timber and keep classic skills alive for future generations.
SPIRIT OF TRADITION
ROCKPORT, MAINE
SUPER SLOOP IN WOOD COMPOSITE
The new 95ft (29m) sloop Ouzel floated to her lines after her launch at Rockport Marine, the boatyard where the contemporary classic took shape over the last three years. Ouzel will begin mechanical and systems trials, testing the intent of her owner to build a comfortable blue-water cruiser with good performance. Her design is by Langan Design Partners of Newport, RI, with
interior design by Mark Whiteley Design, of Lymington, UK. Build was in wood composite; the Rockport recipe is a mix of cold-moulded wood, carbon fibre, E-glass, and foam coring. Representing the owner was another Rhode Island firm, MCM Newport, for a yachtsman who chose to buck the trend and build a superyacht on American, rather than European, shores.
See rockportmarine.com
