YW Diamond Keelboat.

Hi Gary,
I used to sail on "Rainbow" when it was owned by 2 brothers in Kerikeri back in the early 1980's. I remember one day we sailed back from Roberton Island to Kerikeri Cruising Club and we sailed at 20 knots consistently with the sumlog jammed on the stopper. They sold it and the new owner had Phil Atkinson build in a self draining cockpit. An old quarter ton rig was installed off a boat owned I think by Doug Pye. I owned another Diamond around the same time, it had a cabin (off the pace - due to weight) "Spectre". "Windsong", a Wellington boat and "Facet" were all at the Kerikeri Cruising Club at the time. Those were the days.

Tony

 

jeez Bassa, what old farters were are now .... but I'm worse than you. Anyway who cares? ... but the Diamonds ARE something special - can you think of any other keelboat that displaces a miserly one tonne? No wonder they are planing fools offwind.
Here is an shot of Facet and Talaria on a light day on the Waitemata - taken from Rainbow, so we would have been leading at that stage, may not have lasted.

 

correction: an "old" shot ..... would have been in the mid 1970's.

 

The Diamond you are looking at is called Dictator and was modisied by Tony Guy in Tasmania. Just out of interest it was his old man that died on his own boat, Business Post Naiad in the 98 Hobart.

Dictator has extended, had a new 2ft deeper keel and bulb put on, a new rudder and a 6ft taller rig.
She was raced with some success out of Launceston but due to her slight beam, she suffered hugely in any longer races where alot of gear had to be carried.

IMHO, not worth it for a cruising boat, especially if she has some rot.

PM me for any more details.

Mez

 

Mez,
Was Dictator the Tassie Diamond that had tubular wings added that gave it approx 16' beam?
Peter

 

Yeah I think so, but not at first.

think they were added later but I moved away so not %100.

 

Dictator is defo the Diamond on steroids, Peter, I have a couple of pictures of her, taken by Ian Wright. I'd love to see her underwater shape, anyone got contact details for her owner?

 

Old 'Rainbow'

Here is a pic of the Slippery Beaver (ex Rainbow) in her current state. Sailing out of Bucklands Beach, Auckland. Still sporting the bendy quarter tonner rig and self draining cockpit. Mast head gennekers and kites make her a blast downhill.

Talaria is up the river and free to a good home.

 

Hauraki Gulfer, what sort of condition is Talaria in? Not interested, no ... just slightly interested.

 

Hi Gary,

She has seen better days. She was still sailing when she was stripped but parts of the deck, gunwhale and transom were shot. If you were to fix one up, she would be the one. Go on, you know you want to!

Light Brigade makes for good reading Gary. Would like to have a chat to you about Rainbow.

Ta

 

The original 35 foot version is still for sale I believe. The owner is delusional about the rot in it.

 

Diamond rebuild and modification

The 'Slippery Beaver' (formerly 'Rainbow') is undergoing a rebuild and having significant modifications made to her. She will be sporting a new high aspect rudder and a 2m draught T-bulb keel.

For those Diamond enthusiasts, pics can be found on this website.. http://bstubbing.wix.com/slipperybeaver

 

Fantastic effort and hard won result. With new and decent higher aspect ratio appendages, open transom and lifted cockpit floor for better crew comfort and work, plus lighter overall boat weight - this breathed on Diamond WILL perform.

 

Saltash II was modified specifically to win the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race which starts each year on Good Friday. The prevailing winds at that time of year are the SE Trades and the northerly route means a downwind sleigh ride. Saltash II won 8 B2Gs on corrected time between 1986 and her last race in 2007. In her last race, which she won, she was clocked at 17.6 knots in 35 knot winds and 10ft swell.
Bill or Ian Wright at Norman R Wright & Sons in Bulimba, Brisbane may help with more info.

 

Most tastefully designed cabin I've seen on a Diamond.