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John Guzzwell Lends His Expertise

It was more than 50 years ago that a young British immigrant to Canada named John Guzzwell made history by completing an unprecedented circumnavigation aboard Trekka, a 21-ft wooden yawl he’d built with his own hands. The book he published about his adventures, Trekka Round the World, became a cult classic among would-be voyagers, and is credited for sparking the dreams of many who have circumnavigated since — a must-read, in our opinion, for both offshore sailors and armchair adventurers.

In a sport dominated by massive egos, John Guzzwell was refreshingly humble – both then and now.

© 2011 Guzzwell Archives

We’re happy to report that Guzzwell, who is not only a living legend, but is a true hero to many circumnavigators, is still going strong. And he’s still lending his boat-building expertise to a variety of projects. One of his latest efforts was helping his longtime friend Bob Cadranell rebuild his R boat Ace in the Seattle area. "The original boat was in very poor condition," Guzzwell explains, "so we rebuilt the hull and used the original lead keel and many of the fittings and hardware. Ace is cold-molded of five 1/8" skins of Douglas fir with a final 5/16" layer of Sapele mahogany."

The new Ace is a thing of beauty. We’d expect nothing less from a master craftsman like John Guzzwell.

© 2011 John Guzzwell

In October Cadranell will challenge the Royal Vancouver YC for the Alexandra Cup, which is now held by Lady Van. Guzzwell adds, "The original Ace was a San Francisco boat with a fine racing record. Designed by Charles Mower in the mid 1920’s, she represented the city very well and it is hoped that her re-birth will generate interest in this class." Like minature J class vessels, they are designed to the Universal rule and feature long overhangs, narrow beam and low freeboard. Ace‘s is 43.5′ OA, has a 7’4" beam, and draws 6’.

There’s more to Ace than meets the eye. This beauty is no fin-keeler.

© 2011 John Guzzwell

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On Monday we couldn’t resist sharing the astounding video of the sloop Atalanta trying to squeak past the bow of an 870-ft long supertanker during Cowe’s Week off the Isle of Wight.