CLASSIC SIX METRE NEWSLETTER

over the original winch pit by extending the opening forward to the after beam in the way of
the mast partner (an increase in length of approximately two feet). The hole was also
widened from the original two feet to five feet. The after cockpit had been altered to follow
the lines of the cabin trunk, with bench seating on either side, and the rudder shaft extended to
bring the tiller up out of the boat.
In 1960 the deck was stripped of its canvas and fiberglassed, according to Williams. The
coamings and cabin trunk were clear-coated as well.
When IYRS began restoration of Madcap in September 2008, the intention was to return the
deck to its original configuration. The built-up bulwarks were cut down and the fiberglass
chiseled from the deck, revealing her original mahogany covering boards and sprung cedar
strip decking, ends herringboned together. These were removed with great care, so that the
deck structure might be saved. However, the iron fastenings of the decking had done-in the
spruce and oak beams, which had to be replaced.
The new beams were laid, preserving the original camber of the deck (which grows a quarter
of an inch in the way of the mast partner and continues forward to the bow). The new oak
carlins were let into the oak beams defining them with bevel-lapped, half dovetails, as were
the half-beams into the carlins. New quarter knees have been installed and the original,
galvanized hanging knees have been sealed with epoxy to prevent any future electrolytic
action.
A strongback has been run down the vessel’s centerline, cross-lapped into the deck beams.
This was deemed a much better way to provide support to the decking joinery than the
original, which consisted only in a series of toe nailed backer blocks. Laminated coaming
knees have just been faired into the helmsman’s pit in preparation for decking.
The deck will consist of 5/8ths inch sapele mahogany covering boards let into the deck beams
so as to be flush with the 1/2 inch cedar strip planking. This is in accordance with the
vessel’s original construction and Nevin’s own rules for yacht construction, which allows for
a 1/8 th inch reduction in decking thickness where the deck is to be canvas covered. The
coamings will also be sapele.
Madcap is being restored for a syndicate out of Newport, headed by Tom Fair, a local
businessman, sailor and racecar driver. The restoration is being done by 7 second year
students at IYRS, under the direction of Warren Barker. Prior to construction of her new
deck, a survey by Pedrick Yacht designs deemed Madcap’s hull to be true to her original
specifications.
Although refastened, from keel-bolts to planking screws, Madcap retains a remarkable
amount of original fabric. She will be an exquisite restoration of a classic yacht, true to the
early 6 Metre rule.
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