Hello Chrusty1 and all.

Cleone is "allegedly" 148 years old. That's to say her previous owner told me that the previous owner to him, going back many years, all believed that she was built in 1860. Certainly in terms of hull shape and design, she's very much of the period.

Having done some little research, there seems to be only one other small sailing boat still in active commission, and thats Boadicea, built in 1808. There are older ships, to be sure, but these are either total museum pieces either afloat or in dock (like Victory and Constitution) but only Boadicea seems to still be sailing on a usual "boaty" basis. There are a couple of rowing boats which are still used, notably the gig on St Michael's Mount.

I didn't realise her provenance when I bought her. I may have thought about it a bit longer. Probably 5 seconds longer.

Once I've finished the maintenance, she'll be back in the water swinging round the bouy next month, or maybe July, just in time for some nice summer weather. So when are Aldi selling these Oilies again?..

I'd like to know if there are any older vessels between Cleone and Boadicea. I'm beginning to think that Cleone is the oldest gaff yawl actively in commission on the Planet.