First Class response to Golden Vanity Crowdfunding!

On 12th January 2021 First Class Sailing launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise money to restore its recent acquisition Golden Vanity. She is only one of a pair of remaining Mumble Bee’s and was built in 1908 for marine artist Arthur Briscoe. We are delighted to announce that in the space of five weeks an amazing £25,405 has been raised towards the restoration and a total of 155 supporters have donated to help bring back to life this historical Brixham sailing trawler.

With our paid and voluntary team painstakingly restoring Golden Vanity we are truly humbled by the support we have received and as a result Golden Vanity will soon be launched and seaworthy again. A jewel in the First Class sailing fleet. The fact that we received so much support reaffirms that this was a good decision, and not a moment of lockdown lunacy!

Work to do

Her ballast has been stripped out and replaced, her interior is being repainted, hot water is being fitted, the heads have been reconfigured, a lot of the deck has been recaulked to stop her leaking, the engine has been lifted to allow a new drip tray to be fabricated and the engine mounts to be changed . Most of her electrics are being replaced and the original capstan given a makeover. The spars are being varnished; some of the standing rigging will be changed; all 26 blocks are being stripped and oiled. This is only a sample of the work involved and has all been made possible by our supporters who we really can’t thank enough.

Sail on a Traditional Wooden Boat

Soon First Class Sailing will be delivering RYA Training, Skippered Charter, Adventure Sailing and Sailing Holidays aboard Golden Vanity, including the lucky 23 pledgers who are set to cast-off for a day sail with Tom Cunliffe.

We do hope each of one of you will get a chance to sail on her and enjoy the fruits of all the hard work, commitment, faith and support that everyone has put into this amazing project .

Posted by: First Class Sailing