he Derwent-Class yacht has been saved from abandonment and is undergoing a thorough restoration that started on 1 June, at the Wooden Boat Centre (WBC), under the boatbuilding for the water nymph who could only become human if she was loved by a faithful mortal man, she is D13, built by Don Colbourn of Pirie Street, New Town in 1948 ahead of the 12th D-class sailing season. Each D-Class vessel is named after a mythological or literary persona. “There are around seven D-Class boats in Kettering,” says Cordy. “It’s becoming very popular. We’re thrilled to be adding to the fleet.” The Derwent OD Class is Australia’s oldest racing class and was designed by naval architect AC (Arthur Carlyle) Barber in the 1920s for competing on the River Derwent and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania. Today, at least 18 still exist of the 26 or so built, and the class is experiencing a vivid revival.
