Hannah Cunliffe - Historical Researcher

The project: I was approached by Gerhard Schon, a German model maker who wished to find more information, in particular photographs, on Cicely, a 1902 William Fife designed yacht he was in the process of modelling.  He knew the basic history of the boat from Lloyds Register of Yachts, but was interested in details concerning her rig which pictures could show.

Model of Cicely built by Dr Gerhard Schon and Uve Hreckel.  Scale 1:24.  Length overall: 210cm  Max height: 196cm  Hull: 170cm  Sail area: 1,57 sq metres.

The process: The main source for this research proved to be back issues of yachting magazines held at the National Maritime Museum.  Local newspapers and clubs which the various owners had been members of also helped to build up the picture.

The result:  The yachting magazines yielded an interesting mix of photographs,  including a report on her launch and original owner and a picture of her just before her wreckage with the cut-down rig which Schon had hoped to find.