HISTORY & DESCRIPTION:
GLUCKAUF (Good Luck) is an International 30 square metre class sloop designed by Rasmussen and built by Abeking and Rasmussen in 1929. This type of yacht is known as a ‘Skerry Cruiser’ which is actually a mistranslation of the Swedish word Skargardskryssare which means a boat that is fast tacking in the skerry (archipelago). They have also been called ‘flying toothpicks’, mainly by grumpy individuals in bigger boats when passed on the water!
The history of GLUCKAUF (her original name) is sketchy. At least 4 yachts of this name and class were built by the same yard which suggests that her original owner was a “30’s” fanatic. She was based in Flensberg in the 1970’s as ‘Diana’ before being renamed ‘Kuky’ and sheathed in yellow GRP sometime prior to 1993 when her previous German owners acquired her. At that time she had been re-decked but photographs show her being transported by tractor on an ancient trailer with much of her centre structure missing and with her lead keel strapped down on the trailer beside her! Unlike so many yachts of her type, Gluckauf has no iron frames or floors (and no associated galvanic action!). The original owner was a mine owner – GLUCKAUF, although there is no exact translation, is a term of greeting exchanged by opposite shifts at the pit head. The word is still used by German Mining Engineers in correspondence.
The “30’s” are still a flourishing class with new boats occasionally being built in Scandinavia, Bodenzee (Lake Constance) and the USA. Gluckauf was bought by the present owners in the Spring of 2002 and was trailed back from Germany behind a Land Rover Discovery. At less than 2.5 tonnes displacement she can be towed legally using an over-run braked trailer which is a great practical advantage.
GLUCKAUF possibly got her first taste of the open sea in 2002 when she was based at Noss Mayo, Devon, and she obviously enjoys it. She is now based in Hayling Island. She is a delight to sail, being very responsive and with deeper bow sections and narrower counter is somewhat less prone to slamming than a Dragon. She is, however, a bit of a ‘sailing submarine’, particularly in a Solent chop.
Each alternative year 30 squares congregate together for the “European Championships” the Europa Cup. We took GLUCKAUF back to Bodensee in 2006 and then to Sweden in 2008 for the centenary regatta – quite an experience! She has been a regular competitor in the British Classic Yacht Club regatta based in Cowes and now sponsored by Panerai.
In classic fleets, notably the British Classic YC regatta she has proved herself over many years nearly always finishing second in class despite being raced by a Corinthian crew often competing against professional sailors. We won our class in 2012, narrowly missing overall honours. In 2013 we were second to ‘Clarionet’ a famous 1 tonner. In 2014 and 2015 we played ‘second fiddle’ to the legendary ‘Whooper’ but were ahead of ‘Clarionet’. We regularly race against ‘Mikado’ a 1903 Fife ‘Clyde 30’ which must be considered as one of the most lovely and fast yachts of her size anywhere. Gluckauf is very competitive in IRC fleets.
4 Wheel trailer with over-run braking system. New spare tyre.
Soft covers to bunks
Central removable stretcher between bunks
Integral paddle log and E/S
Tohatsu 5HP 2-stroke outboard (2013) plus a spare for bits!!
All Standing and running rigging was replaced in 2015 by Allspars, Plymouth consisting of Rod Cap Shrouds and Lowers, S/S Forestay Bartels under deck furling system. Kevlar permanemt and running backstays.
Gas kicking strap (Selden) Alloy spinnaker pole (spare carbon fibre pole)Boom – Speedwave 2000 Mast – New Speedwave (Germany) deck stepped aluminium mast 2015
Genniker 2012 (little used) Spinnaker 2014 Tuss Sails, Hungary Spinnaker 2010 Batt Sails Spinnaker 2005
Trunking through the counter was fitted in 2005 to house a 5HP outboard. The outboard can be easily removed and stowed on a sliding stretcher under the counter for racing and a bottom section fitted to reduce drag. A new bridge deck complete with a Harken control system and new fine and coarse runner controls was fitted in 2006. The hull was splined before covering with a light epoxy coating which has resulted in an extremely strong construction. There are no signs of movement since the restoration despite being sailed and raced pretty hard in a Solent chop. The hull does not make any water at all. Topsides finished in Awlgrip.
GLUCKAUF was rebuilt between 1997and 2000. A full photographic record of this is available. Her centre structure, garboards and rudder were replaced.
Hull, mahogany on oak frames. Lead keel. Laid teak deck on ply sub-deck.
BROKERS NOTE:
GLUCKAUF has a 2015 IRC Certificate (endorsed TCC 0.912) and in-date class certificate allowing her to complete in International 30 square metre events in Europe and Scandinavia. One of only a number of original surviving examples, fully restored and regularly raced.
Seriously for sale and excellent value. Early inspection recommended.
GUIDE: SOLD
LYING: South Coast
VIEWING: Through the brokers
CLASSIC YACHT BROKERAGE – 01905-356482 info@classicyachtbrokerage.co.uk
