Classic Boat Awards

Heron II from Devon Wins the Classic Boat’s ‘Restored Sailing Vessel over 40ft’ award.

Devon born sailor Aaron Ashton has spent 3 years restoring a classic sailing yacht with the help of Jimmy Green Marine who supplied all the standing and running rigging.

Aaron Ashton was the winner of Young Sailor of the Year 2016 at the Antigua Panerai Classic Sailing Regatta and was given the yacht as a wedding gift.

Originally designed by Fred Shepherd, HERON II was built in 1936 by Woodnutts, Isle of Wight.

Heron II is a classic piece of history and a registered National Historic Vessel.

Heron II Photos by Nick Compton

This major restoration project included the repair and replacement of the floors, replacement of 10% of the structural ribs, full replacement of the deck corking, full stripping and re-varnishing inside out, Bulwark and capping repair, and an interior and topside overhaul.

As part of the restoration she was converted from a ketch rig to the original sloop design.

Jimmy Green Marine supported Aaron with his rigging replacement job.

Aaron sent us his old rigging which we used as a pattern. After measuring up the rigging we provided a quote and asked the pertinent questions regarding the new rig. The modifications were discussed and the quote was finalised.

Heron II is now fully re-furbished with new stainless steel 1x19 wire standing rigging. It was decided that the final measure and cut would be best performed onsite using Sta-Lok compression fittings to terminate the lower ends of the wires. Chromed bronze turnbuckles provide the fine tuning and finish off the rig.

Full colour Classic Marlowbraid was used for the majority of the running rigging.

Heavy duty white webbing jackstays produced in-house by the Jimmy Green Sewing Team compliment the classic finish for this now beautifully restored yacht.

The winners were announced in the April issue of Classic Boat Magazine. Classic Boat Website

Yacht Charters

Heron II is now based in the Med and is available to charter exclusively for trips worldwide.

Visit the website to find out more about the restoration project and charter availability.

heron2.com