Fairey Falcon - any information?

[Martyns]

I have recently acquired a Fairey Falcon pocket cruiser which is fitted with twin keels and has a small cabin. Although I have done extensive research on the Internet I can find very little information about these boats.

This one seems very unusual in that she seems never to have had a centreboard, although I believe that most of the Falcons were delivered as open dayboats with centreboard. The keels look like they might be original because they have been well fitted and have cast iron ballast weights which look to have been specially made for the job.

She seems to have the correct Albacore-based rig but I cannot tell what changes have been made to her until I get the paint stripped and examine the various repairs to her hull and superstructure. I would like to find out more about these old boats, if possible. Perhaps I need a pointer to some paper-based documentation, or maybe some drawings or photographs. All replies will be gratefully received.

Regards
Martyn

[Leon Steyns]

Martyn,

Did you try contacting the Fairey Owners Club? Although they seem more geared towards the motorboat hulls, they might also have some info on the Falcon.

http://www.faireyownersclub.co.uk/

Greets, Leon Steyns.

[Martyns]

Hi Leon,

No I haven't yet contacted the Fairey Owners Club directly. They have one or two posts in their newsgroups that mention the Falcon but you are right, they are very focused on the power boats.

I am exploring one or two sailing clubs in the UK that still race the Falcon to see if I can get some information. Even a visit to view another Falcon and take some measurements would be welcome!

Thanks
Martyn

[Meerkat]

Have a look here: http://media5.hypernet.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=001697&p=

In particular, look at the right side of the 2nd picture (article reprint) in the first post of the thread.

[Martyns]

Many thanks for that link. An actual drawing of Charles Stock's boat! I can certainly use that to give me the basis for a drawing of my own boat. I think it always helps if you can draw things. I can now get some idea of the relative positions of sails and keels and that might point me to to whether to expect weather or lee helm.

It is always interesting (if a little frustrating) researching the origins of old boats. When I get the paint stripped off I might be able to find out more of the boat's story from the various changes and repairs that have been done over the years.

Regards
Martyns

[Meerkat]

Martyns; You should get his book! Gives a few construction details and some good bits about his rig.

Note that the drawing is not what Charles built: his cabin is different from what's drawn.