New stunner from WBS

The Wooden Boat Shop (WBS) needs no introduction for the lovers of all things wood. However, for the uninitiated, the boat builders in the picturesque Melbourne suburb of Sorrento create some of the most lovely hand-built wooden boats in the country.

WBS’s latest creation is a 46ft wooden sailing smack that harks back to the days of the sturdy fishing boats that used to ply the waters of Port Phillip and Bass Strait.

Built heavy and strong, these little ships were designed to withstand all weathers and return their crew and their catch safely back to port.

Owner of the Wooden Boat Shop, Tim Phillips has, in the past, based his creations on these durable designs.

In the early 1980s, Phillips got together with Ken Lacco to develop the former's idea of building a purpose-built cruising boat. With inspiration from the Couta boats, Cray and Shark fishing boats of Bass Strait the lines for Jane were laid down.

According to Phillips, Jane is specifically designed to give just the right compromise of sailing ability and performance under power. The balance of the hull form will ensure she is light on the steering, on all angles of heel and at different points of sail.

Her low-aspect gaff-cutter rig is designed to be easily handled while strong enough to cope with all weathers.

Under power, her 100hp Yanmar diesel will push her along at up to 8.5 knots while at cruising speed she’ll use just five litres per hour giving her a theoretical range of up to 1000nm.

Jane is due to be launched in late July and she's sure to cut a fine figure wherever she sails.

For more information go to www.woodenboatshop.com.au