Seafly 14 – Tiki

Jono Dunnett writes (October 2020)…
It was both an honour and a sad experience to drive Tiki away from her long term keeper, Jenny Verey, knowing they have so much shared history. I moved Tiki to a garage in Suffolk and had intended to work organise the rigging and do some sea trials over the summer. But Covid-19 put paid to that and I ended up locked down in Menorca (there are worse places). I am now back in UK, quarantined in Suffolk, and making a start with Tiki these days.

As Tiki will be a cruising boat I have swapped the forestay and hoisting jib system for a furling jib (currently an RS200 jib because not sure of the strength of the wire in the original). Tiki has a chute on the foredeck for spinnaker launch/retrieval, but my inclination is to remove and seal that and revert to a cockpit launch system. I think a sealed bow would be safer for rough water sailing. Her condition seems remarkably good, just a small patch on the foredeck where the ply is a bit soft. Once quarantine is done I hope to finally get her wet!

In May 2018 Jenny Verey wrote…

I still have Seafly number 14 (Tiki) – I have owned her since 1966 when I bought her from South Devon Boat Builders. My then husband (Chris Verey) and I learnt about racing being members of the South Cerney Sailing Club for quite a long time, until windsurfing took over! I believe she won the first Nationals in 1963. We raced a bit at the various open meetings but never quite lived up to her past. She came 4th in 1969 at HIghcliffe and in 1970 she came first in the South Cerney club racing series.

We’ve enjoyed sailing her at Falmouth Week and a lot at Keyhaven and around the Solent. There were many happy, memorable days sadly gone in the mists of time. A friend and I sailed to welcome H.M.S Invincible back from the Falklands and the next day to Keyhaven for a potter where we lost sight of land when a sea fog descended! I have many stories to share, such as the time we were leading the first race of the Nationals at Plymouth with fresh squally winds when we capsized, causing chaos for the rest of the field.

I still have her down at Salcombe now, where I moved in 1999. I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m not able to manage her and its either a Viking funeral for her, or sold/given to somebody who will give her the love that she needs. If you know of anybody who might be interested, please point them in my direction!
I’ve attached a couple of recent photos

Jenny Verey (May 2018)