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| Skylight on deck during 2004 refit. |
Built in 1910 by Summers & Payne of Southampton, yacht Hardy is a majestic example of a classic Edwardian yacht.
Knowledge of her early history is scant, although we do know that she was built in 1910 and was probably launched in 1911.
Although she was built in Southhampton, there are some characteristic features of her lines that are reminiscent of an east coast yacht. An early photograph indicate that she may have been built for a London east-end merchant who lived on the on the south east coast near Faversham.
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| Found on postcard, dated 1914 |
She was acquired by xxx Probyn, Noels Probyn's father in 1969, not being in any sea wortyy condition, she was mainly used as a weekend retreat/holiday home, by X. Noel remembers spending holidays on Hardy as a boy from the age of 12 and exploring the salt marches, identifiying birds, butterflies and sketching sea scapes and coastal views around the Heybridge and Maldon area.
The restoration of the yacht began in 1981, and was fit for her first voyage to Denmark in 1997.
Since then she has participated in many regatta's and often gains prizes for the beautiful restoration and classic up keep, which Noel and his army of various friends, boat builders, painters and engineers have help to restore this classic keeping many original features.
