Cherub

Current boat name

Cherub

Boat class

7571

Function

Sports and Leisure

Type

Length (m / ft)

7.92 / 26ft

Beam (m / ft)

1.37 / 4ft 6in

Leeward

None

Masts

one

Rig type

Balanced lug

Propulsion

Oar/Sail

Date of build

1895c

Place of build

Richmond

Present use

Sailing

CHERUB is a Thames Camping Skiff built by Messums 1895c and stored for many years at Casey's Landing, Clifton Hampden. This unnamed skiff was sold as one of several lots of ephemera and an unusual canoe at a Phillips auction in July1997. The auction catalogue describes her as being well equipped and her inventory included 'four camping hoops and associated brackets, a quite usable camping cover, an 11ft 10in sailing mast and linen sail as found, a 6ft towing mast, cushions carpet and seat protectors.' This sail is beautifully made of narrow panels of linen and all hand stitched. Mark Edwards of Richmond Bridge Boathouses suspects that it was made by Nielsen’s of Hampton Court, although he has not seen the sail. The two sets of half button sculls are made from single pieces of pine, with tapered curved blades. Each varnished blade is painted with a monogram of the initials ERJ. The three removable floorboards have 'A' incised on the underside. There is a maker’s plate at the stern. Acquired by her present owner in 2011 she is now in use in Norfolk. She will be taking part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Review in June 2012 Name changed to CHERUB GH Jan 2012