EHYC Boat-of-the-Month

June 2007

"QUERENCIA"

1960 39’ WING ON SHING YAWL

Owned by Tom and Myra Hudson

Couple an acclaimed marine architect, Olin Stephens of Sparkman & Stephens, with a superb Hong Kong builder, Wing on Shing Shipyard.  Find the very best materials - - - teak planking from the Thai jungle, seasoned yakel for ribbing.  Fabricate a bronze cage running beneath a solid teak sole to support the mast, the lead keel, and a half ton bronze centerboard.  Select the best bronze hardware and apply heavy chrome plating to the parts that show.  The result was a seaworthy, fast and elegant yawl of regal bearing.

Sadly, beauty and condition can be ephemeral.  By 2003 she was a tired hull, stripped of her hardware and fittings and destined to continued decay unless . . .

Enter the Hudsons who purchased her in 2003 and trucked her to Bainbridge.  Tom says they were lucky to find her.  This gorgeous yawl was, instead, very lucky to have been found by ones who appreciated what she could again become.  Tom rented a site, built a shed and hired shipwright Ed Lambertson to restore her.  All decking was stripped away, some hull planking was replaced.  The masts were restored, the booms replaced, topsides crafted and installed.  Sails were ordered from Schattauer of Seattle.  Additions were made such as a skylight to open up the restored salon.  Miraculously, Tom was able to find and purchase the missing hardware after 23 years in storage!  She was trucked to Port Townsend and re-launched in June of 2004.  Re-christened Querencia, she has the latest electronics, a modern galley, and a new 40hp Yanmar diesel engine.

Not surprisingly, Querencia is a head turner and consistent first place winner at wooden boat gatherings.  Her famed S&S sister ship, Finisterre, won the Newport to Burmda three times.

Tom and Myra have lived on Bainbridge for 21 years.  Prior sailing vessels include a Hans Christian and a Stonehorse 26.

Tom in salon with album showing the many steps in restoration.  Note the Luke chromed, cast bronze soapstone cabin heater

QUERENCIA at home in Eagle Harbor

The wheel is a 100 year old antique.  Winches, binnacle, and other hardware are restored original fittings.

Forward cabin

A sumptuous updated galley.  Note the leaded glass cabinet doors.

The nav station with

new electrical and electronics throughout

And the new skylight to brighten the cabin during our sometimes gray NW days!