Name Patience

PATIENCE is a Victorian gaff racing cutter, legendary and reputed of great success. She was built by P.T Harris at Rowhedge, Essex in 1894 and designed by K Harris. She was subject to serious alterations in the 1920s where then-owner Surgeon Rear Admiral John R. Muir had the deck raised to increase the head room and free board, this was done by her original builders.  Muir went to write "Messing about in Boats", in which Patience was mentioned and pictured. 

She was bought in the early 1970s and berthed at Maldon where work was undertaken, but fell further into disrepair. She was refloated by that owner and towed to Faversham where she was lifted out of the water on to a bespoke steel cradle. This was to ensure her shape was kept. 

Starting in the 1990s a major renovation was started by Alan Staley who removed the interior and stored elsewhere to put back post renovation. The vessel was reframed and had new bronze floors. Rotten planking was removed with as much original material saved as possible. The renovation ceased in the mid 1990s and sadly nothing has been done to her since. She is now in need of a new custodian.

Update: April 2024: Vessel for sale.