Key details
- Current boat name
- HIGHTIME
- Boat class
- Alan Buchanan Wind Elf
- Sail number
- GBR9150T
- Number
- SSR 110861 / Lloyds 182772
- Function
- Sports and Leisure
- Type
- Yacht
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 7.62 / 25'
- Beam (m / ft)
- 2.13 / 7'
- Draft (m / ft)
- 1.37 / 4'6"
- Construction
- Carvel
- Material
- Wood
- Masts
- 1, wood
- Rig type
- Fractional Bermuda sloop
- Propulsion
- Sail/engine
- Engine details
- Yanmar 2GM20F (F: 2017). Originally Stuart Turner twin cylinder inboard (F: 1950)
Design and build
- Designer
- Alan Buchanan
- Design date
- 1946
- Date of build
- 1950
- Place of build
- West Mersea, Essex, UK
Current status
- Home port
- Emsworth
- Present condition
- Resto-Mod in regular use
- Present use
- Pleasure yacht
History
Original build for Commander Hilbert Hardy RNVR as a one-off based on AB 4 ton Wind Elf design. Raised topsides included to provide cabin standing room and accommodation for up to 4 as a weekend family cruiser. Spacious accommodation for a 25-footer with 6'3" owners quarter berth, 2x cabin berths with trotter boxes through main bulkhead and pipe berth to forepeak.
Previous owner accounts record restoration in the 1960's and again in the 2000's, including light modification to the coachroof in the 1960's to an extended and sleeker design than the original. Present ownership has involved extensive restorative work to upper sheer planking and deck, as well as some structural work. Keel bolt renewal 2005.
Known to have cruised extensively on the East Coast and near continent throughout the 1950's, 60's and 70's with the Medway CC. Featured in Yachting World April 1951, PBO June 2019 & Classic Boat August/September 2005 and August 2019. RTI participation on multiple occasions, last in 2021.
Currently based at Emsworth. Memberships include RYA, RNLI, Emsworth CA, OKSA and Royal Southampton Yacht Club.