tophatyachts.com

I know Phillip is trying to put together a register of Top Hats and I think it is a great idea and have offered to assist in anyway I can.

Just so everyone is aware of which Top Hat is which, I have purchased Shaun’s Mk2 which was originally named “Greensleeves” then had a name change to “Irish Wolf” and I have renamed her “Homestar” her HIN is AUWWA055623FB8 and I have been totally unable to establish a month and year of construction from it no matter which of the available HIN to month and year of construction charts I have located on the internet.

She is now based in Brisbane, and I must give a huge thanks to Shaun who did the delivery trip. He put the boat first at all times, to the point of making sure she was secure in a marina while a particularly bad patch of weather took it’s time in moving northwards. Shaun was doing the delivery on an price we agreed before he set out, so his avoiding pushing the boat through the bad weather cost him both time and mooring fees.

He kept me constantly updated on progress and the boat arrived looking better than when she left .

I would strongly recommend Shaun to anyone looking to have a boat delivered. By the way Shaun is totally unaware I am posting this recommendation. Not only is he an excellent skipper he is also that rare thing an honest gentleman and one whose word is his bond., thanks Shaun.

Cheers
Michael

Shaun and I are putting together a plan for a Top Hat register at this moment.

Unfortunately for all Legg, Baker and Formit Top Hats, none received or were marked with a build number.

Reference to the registration number has no meaning as, when Top Hats were being built, registration was not required for yachts.
The same goes for HIN numbers.
Its also the same for AYF sail numbers.

And as far as I have been able to determine at this time, none of those involved in building Top Hats, Mark 0 to 3,
such as SS manufacturer, sail maker, riggers, fit-out, salesmen and others have any records left over from that time.

We can only state between what years your mark was built unless:

You have the builders certificate or a bill of sale, and I've only seen about 3 or 4 of those so far.

Or you have the previous owners stories. This is possible, for instance there is a Mark 2 being sold on for the first time on Boathub by the first owner.

So far we have about 150 named Top Hats, of which quiet a few names are still around today.

It will only be open to members only and some parts may require a request to view.

Anyway, give Shaun and I a couple of weeks to sort a format out.

Thanks Michael for the very kind words,
I would often think while sailing along, I should be paying you for the privilege , it was particularly memorable because of the non-stop leg of Coffs Harbour to Tipplers Passage over 160nm that was very enjoyable.
I made a few quick videos of the trip and will post the details when I've uploaded them.
Cheers
Shaun