What do a Morris Justine 36 and The Cutty Sark have in common? Two cherished nautical treasures receive a “second wind”.

During my recent travels to London, England, I spent many hours visiting and enjoying The Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper that was recently brought back to life with a major six-year repair and refurbishment project. There’s something about these historical boat restoration projects that just draws me in. Perhaps it’s the preservation of a majestic glory that is just so hard to come across these days or the fact that these vessels provide real tangible accounts of times gone by; times when gunpowder, wool and tea were sailed around the world on the trade winds. I swear I caught the scent of black tea leaves whilst onboard!

While a Morris Justine 36 is far from a 143 year old tea clipper, both boats have long and colorful histories that represent the epitome of maritime technology and boat building in their genre. The Justine 36 is the heart and soul of Morris Yachts’ heritage. She is one of the most popular models ever built by Morris Yachts, and has gone on to win many races including the Bermuda 1-2 on several occasions. As Sailing Magazine writes; “a graceful Chuck Paine design, the Justine 36 is superbly engineered and well proportioned. It is just large enough to be a genuine cruising boat with a nice turn of speed but it is small enough to be nimble and easily handled”.

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[fusion_image link=”” linktarget=”_self” image=”https://morrisyachts.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Dauntless9.jpeg” alt=”HER FIRST SAIL!”/]
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A Justine 36 is rescued.

So, in 2011 when Cuyler Morris heard news that one particular Justine 36 named Dauntless, (hull number 6 out of the 32 built), had fallen into disrepair and was stranded in The Bahamas, it didn’t take a second for him to contact the Owner and offer to buy her and bring her “home” for a refit.
A few years later and after a careful and meticulous repair and refurbishment by Morris Service, Dauntless is now complete and restored to her former glory. Stephen Nolf, the Service Writer in charge of the project commented; “It has been exciting to participate in bringing a classic Morris Yacht home and give her the care and attention that only Morris Yachts can provide.”

Everything old is new again.

When Dauntless arrived at Morris Service she was in a state of complete disrepair. Deferred maintenance had meant her core was wet, her interior had deteriorated, and all her systems and mechanics were very outdated. And so began her restoration….

Morris completely repowered her with a new Yanmar engine and replaced the fuel tank and most major systems, including freshwater system and plumbing. Her areas of wet core were replaced, as were her running and standing rigging and a brand new main traveler system was reconfigured and installed. Down below she received custom upholstery and new cabinetry as well as extensive hours of Morris varnish work. Her companionway was also rebuilt and provides a striking entry way into her new cheery and bright interior. To top it all off she was painted in custom Morris Blue Awlgrip paint. The icing on the cake!

Royal Seal of Approval.

Just as the The Cutty Sark received her “Royal” seal of approval from Queen Elizabeth II at the opening ceremony, Dauntless received her “Morris” seal of approval from all the crew at Morris as well as from Cuyler Morris (who drove 3 hours to see her splash in the water for the first time)! It was truly a special day at Morris to see Dauntless restored to her former glory.

A preservation of a majestic glory that is just so hard to come across these days![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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