Fairlie obtained the Archive of William Fife Jr.’s designs in 1991.

This archive contains over 600 yachts from under 10metre long to 43metre length on deck. The resurgence of interest started by Albert Obrist restoration of Altair in 1987 has lead to the majority of the available yachts now restored.

Potential owners wish to own a classic designed by Fife, Mylne or Charles Nicholson can make use of the available archives to commission Fairlie to build their own classic yacht.

Clients who are interested in Regatta racing can choose from any of the metre classes or indeed yachts whose design is not constrained by the metre rule but raced under a handicap rule. Examples of the possible yachts to replicate are:

Shamrock 23 Metre

This gaff cutter built to the 23 Metre rule was built by Thomas Lipton in 1909 and broken up some years latter, believed to be in the U.S. Quite why Lipton needed yet another gaff cutter is unknown the best guess would be for use as a crew training vessel. In the early part of the 20c Fife designed a few yachts to this rule, White Heather II and Shamrock being the most beautiful and successful. This yacht, giving more accommodation than the 19m class would make a welcome addition to the Mediterranean classic yacht circuit

19 Metre class

Mariquita is the only surviving yacht from this class, This size of yacht, 29metres on deck. Is large enough to sail long distances and accommodate an owner for the occasional overnight stay. Plans for the lost members of the class by Alfred Mylne and Charles Nicholson are available. Norada, designed by Nicholson was perhaps the member of the class which dint realise her full potential.

15 Metre class

There will shortly be three members of this class competing in Regattas. In 1909 Fife designed three identical yachts. Two of these, Tuiga and Hispania have now been restored by Fairlie. Why not replicate the third, Vanity. To give some variety to the fleet designs by Alfred Mylne and C.E. Nicholson are available.

Susanne

Perhaps one of Fifes most famous yachts, built at Fairlie in 1906. This yacht was in commission for over fourty years as a racing and cruising yacht, (then known as Lamorna) until she sunk neglected at anchor in the mid fifties. Rebuilt as a racing schooner she would make a superb spectacle competing in the Med. Regattas. She is big enough for ‘sensible’ long distance cruising.

Cicely

Built in 1902, sporting a clipper bow. This shallow draft yacht was built as a fast cruiser and quickly gained a reputation for speed. This yacht was lee shored in a gale in the late sixties and foundered on the Dorset coast. Fairlie have already carried some design work to ensure that a replica of this fine yacht could carry sufficient tankage for long distance cruising.