Completely restored recently
An excellent example of one of Fred Sheppard's unique Motor Sailor's looking for a new custodian to continue enjoying this piece of maritime history.
Ideally suited for inland and (local) coastal sailing, this Fred Shepherd 53ft Gentlemen's Motor Sailor is found having been beautifully restored and loved by the current owners.
Commissioned in 1921 for an unknown Gentleman in the Southampton area, Motor Sailor ‘Louana’ was likely used for cruising in the Solent and for observing the local racing.
By the beginning of WW2 the boat was located in the Rochester area, and owned by a hotelier. She was then sold with the permission of the Ministry of Shipping to a publican on the Kent Coast.
The wheelhouse radio, compass & American searchlight were painted in Admiralty grey and the brass navigation lights painted non reflective mat finish. All indicating wartime use.
Post war the boat was sailed down to the Mediterranean and back to then be used as a motor yacht on the English South Coast out of Brighton.
Taken into storage following damage caused by a pile ring sticking at the top of the pile damaging the rear deck ‘Louana’ was then stored indoors for about 22 years.
In 2010 the owners began the extensive restoration using original drawings and a surveyors list of works. The restoration took over 9 years under cover & a further year afloat to complete. The standing rigging, then running rigging and sails were then subsequently added, about 12 years in all. The restoration was fully finished in July 2022 and the boat sailed across the English Channel and down the French Canals to Aigues-Mortes, where she lies today.
The designer: Fred Shepherd (1872–1950) was a renowned British yacht designer celebrated for crafting elegant, seaworthy sailing and motor yachts. His designs combined classic aesthetics with advanced functionality, emphasizing comfort and performance. Notable creations include the “Lively Lady”, ”"Wyvern" and "Amokura." Shepherd's legacy endures through his timeless yachts, admired by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The Boatyard: Summers & Payne were renowned British boatbuilders active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, based in Southampton. They specialized in crafting elegant wooden yachts, including notable examples like Leander and Sunbeam. Renowned for their craftsmanship, their yachts remain cherished by classic sailing enthusiasts today.
The Refit: Professionally restored by time served shipwright, marine electrician & plumber, marine engineer and antique furniture restorer. Surveyor estimated £600k to build again in 2021.
Additional Information
Specification
LOA 53ft (Extended by 5’ to 53’ in 1922.)
Beam 10’6’’
Draws 4’6’’
Owner's Comments
A most comfortable & spacious live aboard with generous head room.
Shallow draft gives access to most ports. Sleek underwater profile cuts through with little drag. High freeboard facilitates dry sailing. Low aft deck affords easy access. Tabernacles afford easy river and canal access.
Construction
Lloyd’s register 1921.
Designed by Fred Shepherd.
Built in Southampton by Summers & Payne.
One off design built for a Gentleman.
Mahogany planking over oak frames.
Interior oak.
Pine floors.
Rigging and Sails
Schooner rigged with a gaff loose foot sail. The rigging sail plan dates from 1922.
Standing rigging comprises new (2023); bronze chain plates, 10mm SS stays and turnbuckles & mast cap & boom end cap, fitted by professional rigger.
Running rigging is new a mixture of wooden blocks for the Halyards and synthetic for sheets. All ropes new in 2022/2023.
Main sail - new in 2024
Gaff – age unknown but in useable condition
Jib - age unknown but in useable condition
Deck equipment
Hatch covers and mast covers fitted & rail covers on order.
Mooring cleats, fair leads & winches bronze. Mainsail horse bronze.
Manual anchor windlass
Anchor and chain
Mooring lines
Fenders
Navigation and Communication
The wheelhouse radio, compass & American searchlight were painted in Admiralty grey and the brass navigation lights painted non reflective mat finish. All indicating wartime use.
Mechanical, electrical and tankage
Very recent economical 90hp Beta engine.
Heavy duty alternator.
New gear box, prop shaft & prop.
New SS steering cable.
New electrics throughout.
3 battery system. (2022)
Flexible solar panels.
220V Shore power.
LED Lighting
New plumbing throughout.
Pressurised hot & cold water system.
Purpose built S.S. Fuel & fresh water tanks.
Bespoke grey & black water tanks fitted.
Upholstery & bedding new.
Refitted galley with gimble oven and fridge/ freezer
Accommodation
Interior restored as original with new galley hand crafted to match.
Accommodates 8
3 bunks in fore cabin
Front heads & wardrobes en-suite.
Fitted cupboards & drawers.
Main panelled dining salon provides
Gimbled drop-leaf dining table.
Original diamond shaped glass cupboards.
Racked wine cupboard.
One single & one double bed.
Off fully fitted galley.
Bespoke keel cooled fridge/freezer.
Central heads with fitted shower.
Behind engine table worktop
Engineers bunk for 2, settee back for daytime.
Spacious teak wheelhouse, benches fitted to 3 sides. Storage under including 8 man inflatable life raft (service likely due).
Double door access to rear deck with large lazarette under.
New fore and aft deck beams & decks.