Local History

John Cluett has been working with antique boats since the 1950s when he first saw one of the old style wooden vessels used by Guernsey sailors.

In 2009 he was working on small two masted schooner called Gabrielle which was originally constructed in St Peter’s in 1864 and she is known to have moored at Salerie Corner.

John is working from the original plans to try and restore the boat to its original state and he started out by stripping the paint down and soaking the wood in linseed and paraffin to "give the wood some life".

He said that a combination of fresh water and being on dry land cause the wood to decay faster as he saw with a ship used to transport fresh water to Brecqhou.

He added that the lack of engine in these boats makes them impractical for actual use due to the amount of traffic in Guernsey's seas.

Because of this he said it is likely this vessel will end up as an exhibit on the maritime history of Guernsey.