tophatyachts.com

My old boat, Windchaser, who I sold mid 2016 and ended up running aground on her new owner's maiden voyage down the coast at 1770, has turned up again.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/coominy ... 1188933275

I put soooo much work into her that I still find it sad when I see the photos. Sold her cheap too.

They got the companionway hatch boards, the lower ones, in the wrong way (photo 1). The top one, the dark brown one, is in the right way around. The lower ones are showing a lighter wood which means they should be on the inside. I guess it doesn't matter one way or another.

Photo 2 shows the interior. I was very happy with the curtains I made. Phillip on this forum gave me the idea for the way the bottom edge has dowel and the curtain simply rolls up and stays up with a quick tie. And you can see the light brown rectangle on the side of the sink facing the quarter-berth. That is a cutlery drawer that slides in under the sink. It had extended side pieces so when the drawer was slide out, enough of the extended sides was still under the sink that it could have a big wooden cutting board placed on the open drawer and used for extra bench.

Certainly tough old boats.

troppo

Always saddens me to see a yacht in distress. The pullpit & pushpit and winches are worth moe than $200. Bugger

Brett, It surely saddens me to see Windchaser in that condition, especially after all the work you did and the enjoyment you got out of her.

Having just rescued, with Shaun, a Formit Mark 1, I can sadly say that with the value of Top Hats today it's not worth the time and effort to get her back.

I suspect the complete rigging and sails have gone??

If so, then that's about $3000 for new sails and who knows how much for a mast and boom, the rigging will be about $3000 also.

You can buy Moon Spinner from Shaun and I for that with no work!

In my history searches I have found that a Mark 0 was wrecked in Indonesia, owner said he was asleep and sailed her up onto a beach.
Another MK 0 that sunk on her mooring in Port Phillip Bay, both were from the original build of 10.
Previously I had only heard of one Baker Mark 1 being wrecked on a National Park headland between Sydney and Pittwater. NP removed her by cutting her up with a chainsaw. The hire Captain was prosecuted for being in charge of a vessel when drunk!
A Mark 2 or 3 that sunk at her moorings in Qld, I think, and was raised but I don't know if she is still sailing.

And now we have Windchaser wrecked at 1770 and from the Gumtree photos she certainly took a beating.
I suspect at the grounding and during the subsequent recovery.

Sorry to see her like that Brett, and also to her present owner Peter.

Considering the number of Top Hats built, the small number of 4 being lost is remarkable.
If anyone knows of other Top Hats being 'retired', please post the info or PM me please.

ill second that ! When we first saw Jilpanger as a mooring minder many years ago it sadden me knowing how many years and work go into building and maintaining a boat to see her become a mess.Then to see someone bring her back to life and enjoy her brings a smile to your face .
It just goes to prove what a tough yacht the Top Hats are ?
Phil not only Top Hats most 70's yachts aren't worth much these days ,let alone restoring.
Cheers Bear











t

Apparently Windchaser has been listed as "sold" on Gumtree.

Anybody have any idea where she went?