What’s happening at Demon Yachts…
11th Jan 2024
A belated Happy New Year to all our customers and friends! As you can see, the year has got off to a flying start, and the workshop is full! My New Year suggestion to you is: if you would like us to do anything to your boat before it is launched for the new season, then please let us know as soon as possible so that we can schedule the work for you. That way we should all avoid the last minute rush when the weather starts to make sailing a realistic possibility!
2nd Nov 2023
Fresh out of the mould, Workdemon 002!
Our second all-electric production boat. This one will boast a bit more power than the first with a conventional shaft drive, and power unit supplied by @lightningcraftmarine
Equipped with solar recharge, it will be capable of 60 nautical miles at 6 knots, and a top speed of 8 knots.
The Workdemon hull can be configured for pleasure or as a coded workboat platform for any number of uses, from harbour ferry to fishing.
10th June 2023
‘Jo’ the 103yr old, Olympic Gold Medal winning 6mR is finally afloat and racing again! A very proud moment for the team at the yard to see this boat, which was once languishing in our Field of Dreams, completely restored and looking stunning!
Metalwork by @east_coast_metalworks
Rigging by Evolution Rigging.
Winches and modern gear by @harken_u.k
Rebuild, spars & everything else by us!
April 6th 2023
Our new electric launch is afloat! 21′ of solar-powered electric boat for work or pleasure! This one has been sold, but please contact us to find out more!
Jan 26th 2023
What did we do in ’22?
Here is a quick round up of some of the many things we achieved last year:
For the first time in 30+ years, ‘Jo’, an Olympic Gold Medal winning 6mR went afloat for a sail! With a brand new mast and rig made by us she looked absolutely stunning.
‘Jo’ was found in Pin Mill during the late 90’s by Tim Street, as a rotting hulk in a hedge with both bow and stern chopped off. She found her way to the Aldeburgh Boatyard where a restoration was started, but soon ground to a halt. Many years, much work and 3 owners later she is ready to sail again.
For over two years now we’ve been quietly working away on a new venture, which is currently in the process of becoming a reality! Our CNC machine has been busy cutting frames to make a plug, and from that we produced a hull mould. A hull and superstructure has been made and later this year we will have a complete, finished boat to show!
So what’s the new boat? More on that soon…
Another 2 new Kites rolled off the production line …
Dock step, made by us, looking the part at Canary Wharf.
We love making cool things!!
‘Calypso’, Loch Long One Design no 38, is with us for a full rebuild. She has so far been stripped, seams splined, and has had most of her steamed timbers and all of her keel floors replaced. Next her interior will be painted out before her deck framing will go back in.
In a barn for a decade or so, sold on our brokerage, and then in with us for a spruce up and a few timbers…..Soonah, Loch Long One Design no 47 is ready to rejoin the fleet!
June 9th
If you, or anyone you know, is interested, then please get in touch!
May 20th
Here be Dragons!! And you’d better believe that they can fly!
March 31st
‘Jo’, the 1920 6mR that we’re restoring for a customer, is getting a new mast! Here’s how it works …
First, a special bench is created for the mast to be made on.
Next, in go the planks that the new mast is going to be made from.
The planks are glued together, and then begins the painstaking task of shaping them by hand into the correct profile.
As you can see, it’s a hollow mast.
Once the correct profile has been created for the full length of the mast, allowing for tapering plus a flat surface on the aft edge for the sail track, it can be varnished, rubbed down, varnished, rubbed down, varnished … and so on, until a beautiful, hand-crafted spar has been produced that will hopefully give Jo’s owners many years of sailing pleasure!
February 15th
The workshop’s full and there’s plenty going on, from a Kite in build, plus another in for its Spring fit-out, to Loch Longs, a Dragon and an electric motorboat also in to be got ready for the new season. The new Kite is sold already, but if you’re interested in one please come and talk to us and we’ll build one especially for you!
January 2nd
We have just installed a charging point for electric vehicles in front of the boatyard, so if you’d like to charge up your car, please come and use this new facility! You’ll also find us on the Zap Map. Please spread the news!
January 1st 2022
Happy New Year!! Let’s hope that 2022 is a great year for us all, and that we all have time and opportunity to enjoy being afloat! We have some very exciting projects ahead at Demon Yachts, including building more Kites! Do contact us if you would like to know more about owning a Kite, or would like a demo sail. In the meantime, watch this space!
December 24th
Our workshops will be closing today, and will be opening again on Tuesday, January the 4th. A very happy Christmas to all our customers and friends, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again in 2022!
December 13th
It’s all go in the workshop! Kite no 8 is just about ready for her new owner, and No 9 is taking shape alongside her. If you are thinking about a Kite and would like to discuss the idea or arrange a demo sail (no, it’s not too cold yet …!) then please contact us.
September 8th
Alongside everything else that’s going on in the yard, the good news is that work is starting on building a new Kite! The moulds are in and ready to use, so it won’t be long before the next Kite comes rolling out of the door! Come and talk to us if you think you might like one of these exciting boats!
June 22nd
Another new Kite comes out of the workshop to set off for its new home with its owner. If you think you might like a Kite come and talk to us to arrange a trial sail – we think you’ll be mightily impressed with this great little trailer-sailer! And we’re making more, so your name could be added to the list!
March 29th
The Big Cat is on the move! The platform has gone, and we’ve regained vital workshop space to get your boats in the workshop for their Spring fit-out! If you have plans for your boat then please contact us asap to discuss them so we can schedule the work and not cause any disappointment.
Jan 11th
Watch out – here it comes! Our giant cat is coming together! This is the solar-powered catamaran we’re building totally in carbon fibre for Fedor Konyukhov to cross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and we’re working again with our friends at Rannoch Adventure.
Jan 5th
Demon Yachts at the Aldeburgh Boatyard Covid-19 update, January 2021
With the changes just announced in government advice we are able to continue completing fit-out work and working on boats. However, we are still short-staffed so please be patient.
Please avoid visiting the yard within working hours (Monday-Thursday 07:30-16:30, Friday 07:30-15:00). Access to the shed is not permitted at any time without permission. When on site please observe social distancing at all times.
If you would like to discuss work on your boat or any other issue please email matthew@demonyachts.co.uk
January 4th 2021
Well, Christmas and New Year celebrations are over and we have finally said goodbye (& good riddance?) to 2020!
So, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our friends and customers, and let’s hope that 2021 turns out to be different and a much better year for us all, even if we are starting in Tier 4.
In the meantime, however, here’s quick round-up of the highs and lows of the year, and what we’ve got up to and achieved in 2020:
The year started with Jo, the 6-metre, being rolled over so the hull could be faired in preparation for bolting on a new keel.
Later in the year some fine African mahogany was sawn to make new cover-boards and coamings for her.
Also in January, Kajser, Peter Wilson’s Malar 22 was reunited with her keel, and the hull made watertight again. In the summer she was sailing in the AYC Regatta, looking stunning!
Many boats came in for their Spring fit-out, including Basilisk the Dragon, and Tarka, the AYC’s outgoing Commodore’s newly-acquired motorboat.
And despite whatever Covid-19 threw at our sailing customers, most seem to have had a good sailing season, albeit with less competitions and regattas to go to.
In August Watercraft ran an article about Kites,
and December’s Classic Boat included Kite in its list of top trailer-sailers. In September we sold ‘Kitty’, the most recent Kite, so we have no more to sell! However, fear not, if you would like a Kite built for you, please come and talk to us, and we can build one for you.
Throughout the year, our Gentleman’s Launch has gradually been transformed into a beautiful day-sailing picnic boat, powered by a quiet electric motor when the wind dies.
She’s gone from this
and this …
to this
to be driven along by this … very neat!
In October we finished building the second Accession Class Unmanned Survey Vessel, built for Unmanned Survey Solutions (USS). It might look like something out of a kid’s cartoon, but actually it’s a very robust vessel with a serious job to do. And like the Gentleman’s Launch, it’s electric-powered.
Click here to watch it’s sea trials!
Along the way, we created possibly the world’s most beautiful rope ladder, with oiled Iroko treads.
And as the year drew to a close we have been building an all carbon-fibre, solar-powered catamaran – maybe not the longest boat we’ve ever built, but certainly the widest!
It’s 11m long, powered only by the sun, and is going to be used for single-handed crossings of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans with Fedor Konyukhov, in association with our friends at Rannoch Adventures.
However, the year had one extremely low point, and nothing to do with Covid-19.
In April we lost Euan Seel, co-founder of Demon Yachts, tragically and unexpectedly. Euan worked in the boat-building industry all his life, often alongside some of the great names in British and international yachting, and always adding his own individual flair, humour and energy to every project. Euan is sorely missed by us all.
September 28th
There’s a distinctly autumnal feel in the air today, and although the hardier sailors amongst us will, I’m sure, continue sailing for a month or two more, if you’re thinking about bringing your boat in and storing her with us, here is our new service-charge price-list for you. You can see it by clicking here.
September 28th
Our Gentleman’s Launch gets its new electric motor installed, along with …
… two hefty battery units, to make sure it has plenty of drive! It’s a very neat, clean and green solution for auxiliary power. The batteries will have a solar panel to recharge them whilst the boat is on her mooring as well as when under way.
August 7th
If you haven’t seen it yet, get a copy of the current (Sept/Oct) issue of Water Craft magazine, with its stunning front cover picture of a Kite and an OGA dinghy, both deigned by Andrew Wolstenholme, (beautiful pictures by Gill Moon). Definitely worth a look!
May 29th
Exciting news!! Successfully launched today (Friday), Lincoln Arlo, displacement 7lb 14oz! Designed by our boatbuilder Tom with his wife Sam, and with a nine-month build process, many congratulations to all three, and best wishes to Lincoln for a long, happy and successful voyage ahead!
May 12th
Demon Yachts at the Aldeburgh Boatyard Covid-19 update
With the changes in government advice we are completing fit-out work and preparing to launch boats. We are still short-staffed so please be patient. We are as keen as you to see people on the water again!
Please avoid visiting the yard within working hours (Monday-Thursday 07:30-16:30, Friday 07:30-15:00). Access to the shed is not permitted at any time without permission. When on site please observe social distancing at all times.
If you would like to discuss work on your boat or any other issue please email matthew@demonyachts.co.uk
April 18th
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the sudden and unexpected death of Euan Seel on Thursday morning. Euan, who had traded under the Demon Yachts name at various times since the 80’s, co-founded the business we are today in 2010. His life-long career in boat building was innovative, and he regularly worked with some of the great names in British and international yachting, putting his own flair, energy and humour into everything he did. All at Demon Yachts are utterly devastated by his loss and our thoughts are with his wife and family at this difficult time.
March 6th
Tarka’s in to be prepared for the new season. A lot of varnish is going to be used!
March 6th
And just to show that we don’t only work on classic and wooden boats, here are some carbon-fibre sheets just in for a job!
March 4th
A beautiful piece of sustainably sourced African mahogany is prepared to be cut down to size …
… and then sawn into planks for Jo and the gentleman’s launch..
February 21st
Long term projects, Jo and Kajser, are sitting in their waterproofs with humidifiers underneath to make sure they don’t dry out too much.
Storms Ciara and Dennis may not have encouraged you to think about going sailing, but we know we’re getting close to the start of the season – we’ve got the workboat in!
February 12th
Basilisk looking splendid in her new paintwork!
January 28th
Kajser’s bottom is looking whole again.
January 28th
Jo gets a first coat of primer.
January 17th
Kajser is sitting on her own keel again!
January 10th
Heavy metal!!
2020! January 10th
Jo rolls over, and …
… the boss gets to work checking her bottom!
Then the hard work of fairing by hand begins.
December 11th
She’s starting to take shape!
November 21st
Look what a difference some varnish and paint makes!! They certainly chose beautiful timber when she was built. We now know for certain that this boat was built at Camper and Nicholson’s yard, but we still don’t know what her intended purpose was.
November 13th
Venya comes out of the shed to head off south to her winter quarters, and …
… in comes Rhombus, from Orford, for some autumnal tidying up.
November 1st
Well, ‘Kate’ the Kite is off to a new home! She’ll still be on the East Coast, but being a trailer-sailer she will no doubt be causing headaches to many sailors and handicappers wherever she goes next season, especially in the hands of her new owner!!
If you fancy owning a Kite (and why wouldn’t you, they’re lovely and quick!) don’t worry, we will build one for you, so come and talk to us!
October 18th
Venya’s in for an autumnal spruce-up. Topsides and brightwork will all be gleaming shortly!
October 17th
Stem and planking repaired – the launch is coming on well!
Sept 25th
Our gentleman’s launch has been sold! Now in the workshop, it will be transformed into a beautiful sailing dayboat with an electric motor to get home when the wind drops, and a small cabin to provide shelter when needed as well as the occasional overnight stay. Watch this space to follow the story …!
25thSept
Zest no longer has a hole in the bow!!
July 31st
New shallow-draft Loch Long having a snooze? No, it’s Viva waiting for her re-furbished keel to come back.
July 31st
Jo’s beautiful teak laid deck is looking good again!
July 5th
And off she goes on her long journey to Vancouver. Goodbye and good luck Razzle Dazzle!!
July 5th
All loaded up …
July 5th
Doesn’t she look stunning? You wouldn’t think she’s a wooden 6mR would you?
July 5th
Razzle Dazzle finally comes out of the shed into glorious sunshine, and looks gorgeous!
June 28th
Razzle Dazzle goes back into her tent to have her bottom polished and finished!
June 24th
SYH Classic Regatta 2019: Two classic yachts maintained by Demon Yachts, ‘Venya’ and ‘Zest’, sailed to Levington last weekend to take part in this year’s Classic Regatta, accompanied by Peter Wilson in ‘Maudorces’, his beautifully restored 1927 Silvers launch. ‘Venya’, a Norwegian Spidsgatter whose mast broke at last year’s event, proved that her new Demon Yachts-built mast definitely makes her go faster, taking line honours in the 3rd race, and finishing 2nd overall in class, just behind ‘Zest’, the Tumlare.
June 14th
Product Recall
We’ve just been informed by Torqeedo that there is a product recall for safety reasons on some of their outboard batteries. This affects Travel and Ultralight batteries that are in the following serial number ranges: Travel: 1001 – 1752; and Ultralight: 1117 – 1826. If you think you may be affected by this then please go to the Torqeedo safety website at www.torqeedo.com/safety/ where you can get full details regarding where to find the serial number and how to register your battery (if it’s affected) with Torqeedo.
May 10th
Just heard the exciting news that Fedor Konykhov safely completed his row across the Pacific Ocean yesterday (May the 9th), rowing from New Zealand to Chile in an amazing 154 days! His voyage set a new record for the number of days in the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties, and has set several more World Records in the process. Many congratulations to Fedor and his team! He and his rowboat “Akros” are now safely in Ushaia. You can read all about Fedor’s journey HERE.
May 10th
Fresh in this morning – a new Ian Howlett-designed lead keel with bronze wings for a 6mR customer! Like the other two this one’s going abroad and is the 3rd of this design. We made the original pattern with our lovely CNC machine! As far as we know, all three will be competing at this year’s 6mR World Championships in Finland – good luck to all three!
May 3rd
… and here comes Basilisk out of her tent, looking beautiful!
April 25th
… and on goes the varnish … she’s ready for the riggers!
April 15th
Venya’s mast, ready for varnish ….
April 12th
Fairwind’s mast being stepped, ready for launch …
Basilisk goes into purdah, inside the tent.
April 10th
It’s taking shape ….
Dafila, an Essex One Design originally built here at the Aldeburgh Boatyard, gets ready for the new season.
April 1st
No, this is not an April Fool: a delivery of beautiful Sitka Spruce has arrived, and already Venya’s new mast is under construction!
March 29th
The world was supposed to change today, (at least in the UK), but it hasn’t … Never mind, here in Aldeburgh (& away from Westminster), the sun’s shining, the sea is (almost) blue, and the new sailing season at the Aldeburgh Yacht Club starts tomorrow. Loch Long One Designs ‘Finola’ and ‘Tantrum’ are sitting on their moorings looking splendid and waiting for their owners to race them tomorrow in the first race of the year. Good luck to both of them!
March 2019
Spring in Aldeburgh and we are super busy at Demon Yachts. In fact … we’re hiring!
We’re looking for a keen boatbuilder to join our team at the Aldeburgh Boatyard. We would like someone with wooden boatbuilding skills who is also able to be flexible and work in the yard as well as on composite projects when called for. A passion for building and restoring great boats is essential! Send us a message or give us a call.
At last! The weather really has certainly started to look like covers can come off boats! Phones are busy with owners wanting to discuss plans to get theirs ready for the new sailing season, just about to start. Boats are lining up to get into the shed for their Springtime fit-out … it’s all go here at Demon Yachts!
Jo
March 2019
New planking is coming on!
February 2019
She now has a new hog and wooden keel, and the new garboard planking is going in.
She’s had plenty of new steamed oak timbers to replace the old broken ones, and where necessary graving pieces have been let in.
Jan 2019
Jo is back in the shed. Her lead keel is off and she’s having extensive repairs carried out to her planking, amongst other things.
Razzle Dazzle
February 2019
Razzle Dazzle has come out of her tent looking simply stunning! Her topsides have been faired and sprayed, and now her new deck fittings are going on. Her keel was taken off, given some much needed TLC and is back on and faired. Currently her new rudder is being fitted. So what has she had done?
We started by replacing a number of floors and frame ends. As her keel had been taken off we were able to roll her over and epoxy sheath her on the outside, followed by extensive fairing. The sheathing puts an enormous amount of stiffness into the hull. Next, we sealed the inside of the hull with many coats of epoxy sealer, followed by polyurethane varnish so from inside you can still see she is a wooden boat. We completely replaced her deck framing, fitted two deep ringframes/bulkheads at the mast, and fitted a new ply deck which was also epoxy glass-sheathed. Her keel is now back on, together with a new rudder. A fit-out of new Harken kit mixed with some lightly-used Barient under-deck winches has been done, and a mast roller system with matching chainplates completes the fit out. Sadly she will not be joining the British 6mR fleet but we really hope she gets to go to a world championship to race for the Nelson Trophy. She should be a brilliant competitor to US 114 Scallywag – a boat we restored as a Nelson’s Trophy contender two years ago and who put many much younger boats to shame at the 2016 Worlds!
Zero Proof
March 2019
The Aldeburgh Yacht Club’s Sonata, ‘Zero Proof’ is in for a spruce-up to be ready for the new season. She’s being re-painted inside and out, as well as receiving new deck gear. She should look splendid, and with performance to match!
New 6-metre rudders and keels
We have also been busy with parts for modern Sixes. We made a new mould recently for Ian Howlett’s latest full-draft rudder design. The rudders we make are all carbon, very stiff, down to class weight and fitted with Jeffa bearings. A number of boats are now sailing with these rudders.
Also we have just made a keel pattern to a new design by Ian, and are working on new wing patterns and moulds. It will be exciting to see just how well the new shape performs….
Business Energy Efficiency Anglia Programme
At Demon Yachts we are very aware of the need to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment generally. As such we are pleased to have been awarded a Bronze Carbon Charter Award, and we are working hard to achieve the Silver and Gold Awards. As part of this ongoing process we have received a grant funded by the European Regional Development Fund to reduce our carbon footprint significantly by upgrading and improving our heating and lighting system.