After 90 years, Sea Scamp’s original Sitka spruce mast has reached the end of its life. A crack in the mast glue line was discovered after lift-out last year. This has now been repaired and security bands fitted over it so that she can sail this year.
To keep Sea Scamp sailing for years to come, the Sea Scamp Syndicate which owns, maintains and operates the vessel must replace the mast this year, for the 2027 season. The new mast will be built by Collars of Oxford to the original 15.4 m length, restoring her balance and performance. Total cost is at least £14,000. After employing existing funds and a £1,000 grant from National Historic Ships UK, they still need to raise more than £10,000.
Built by Abeking and Rasmussen of Germany, and originally named Zeisig, she was used by the Luftwaffe for navigator training and recreation in the Baltic. In 1945 she was brought to the UK as part of war reparations, one of around 200 such vessels which became known as 'Windfall Yachts'. Offered to the services yacht clubs on her return, she was successfully raced for many years by the Royal Marines, and was later used for Sea Cadet training.
Sold into private ownership in 1984, the Sea Scamp Syndicate was subsequently set up to sail and maintain her, and now has around 110 members of all ages and abilities. She has taken part in many races and regattas, regularly attends maritime festivals, and sails around the Solent in the spring and autumn with a long summer cruise further afield. Sea Scamp celebrates her 90th anniversary win 2026.
Please join the Mast Appeal today!
100 donations. £100 each. One new mast.
Zone
South East