Gleniffer at 110
Article written for the Classic Yacht Association, Fall 2022.
The Edwardian-era yacht Gleniffer turned 110 this year. As her long-time custodian, one of the things I have noticed is that, unlike myself, the boat gets more interesting over time. When out and about cruising, the interest shown in the craftsmanship of vessels like this makes them more remarkable today, especially as we are surrounded by the virtual and the disposable.
Gleniffer is unique in that she has managed to survive for 110 years and remains very close to her original configuration. Pre-war motor cars and yachts were undergoing great experimental development as they distanced themselves from the prior era of the horse and buggy, steam and canvas. The improvements in the internal combustion engine were rapidly changing what was once the realm of privileged gentlemen into one of family touring and cruising accessibility. Gleniffer, with her robust Burma teak construction, has managed to remain actively cruising as an excellent design representation of the pre-1914 motor launch.
Gleniffer was an early gasoline-powered boat in the Royal Vancouver Yacht club. Prior to World War One, there was a thriving business in delivering fine teak sail, steam, and motor yachts to Vancouver and Seattle from Hong Kong; Gleniffer was one of these. Built by the firm W. S. Bailey and Company, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, the new yacht was shipped by steamer eastwards across the Pacific Ocean to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1912. In the Atlantic, the liner Titanic steamed west for America.
Gleniffer is a flush-decked 40′ cruiser with a 9’6″ beam and a canoe stern. The evolution from a sailing hull is evident in the subtle curve of her bow, the solid lead section scarfed into the keel, and the inclusion of an aft hand tiller. She has had many motors over the years, most notably a six-cylinder Kermath and later a new special demonstration model Chrysler Crown. Today she is powered by an SD 33 Diesel. Perhaps one day she will sport an electric motor, and slip through the water quietly. One can’t own a boat like this without being somewhat of a dreamer, after all.
Personally, this boat has been a part of my life for many years and is most definitely a cherished member of the family. I had a morning paper route as a boy, and with those funds I bought an inboard-powered clinker-built putt putt boat at thirteen. If I siphoned gas from your grandmother’s Chrysler Cordoba in 1977, then I sincerely apologise. But for many years I rattled far and wide in that sturdy boat. A common cruise was to visit Gleniffer in Fishermans Cove Marina in West Vancouver. There were many marvelous boats there at that time. But for me, Gleniffer was my favourite. I passed her underway on one occasion off Point Atkinson, then I guess I was smitten.
During the winter of 2019/2020 Gleniffer received extensive upgrades and rebuilding. This was done on the ways in the shop of Abernathy and Gaudin in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia. The hull was made very strong with a complete rebuild of the forward deck and beams. The main deck was re-covered with marine plywood, epoxy and teak strip planks. New sapelle covering boards were installed. Patterns were made of the original cast iron handrail stanchions, and these were cast in bronze and fitted with brass rails.
After attending the Ganges CYA rendezvous this past summer I refinished the wheelhouse and cockpit teak sole in stain and polyurethane. Interior upgrades continue, and at the moment I am fiddling with making locker/lounge benches for the wheelhouse. Down below, there is a mahogany galley counter with drawers, and a Lunenburg Foundry wood cookstove. There is a separate water closet for the sink and toilet, which takes up a lot of space. This WC must have been rather posh in its day, when certainly most toilets were sensibly placed forward in the narrow bow. I have purchased a marine composting head, the plan being to re-use the door and teak from the water closet and rebuild it all up in the bow. This will free up space in the narrow galley.
In being a member of the CYA I find inspiration from my fellow classic boaters. I have enjoyed meeting up aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, cruising the waters of Venice, California, and looking up at the Golden Gate Bridge from the deck of the superb yacht Acania. Memorable times.
Stephanie and I would like to wish all the good folks we have met with the CYA all the best for 2022, and our sincere appreciation for maintaining the longevity of our marvelous craft.
