"The Long Dream of Meye: Gothenburg 1929 - Vigo 2009"
In the icy waters of Sweden in 1929, the latest creation from Gustaf Estland for Luis de Allende appears on the scene, magnificently built by the manufacturer Abrahamsson & Son. She is named Meye and she is sail number E-26.
With its pristine Ratsey & Lapthorn sails she struggles in those early years of her life with the large fleet of 6 Meters International Formula racing at that time in Bilbao.
Her lightweight structure made of oak frames and keel creaks as she sails close hauled and her beautiful mahogany lining groans. On deck, supported by beams of Douglas fir, cotton warps and brass fittings work.
Years pass and her name changes. Now known as "Acacia III" she graces other waters with other sailers,Walter H. Kuchler, Cuyás Camiloand Pablo Madariaga at the helm, until the passion of Eraso Ñaco discovers her idle, broken and sad symptoms of agony in Castro Urdiales.
On her voyage to Vigo on her way to a new life her planks smile in the sun and as she dries out her sixty years of use become evident, as does the dismay of her owner on seeing the huge restauration task ahead.
A & A Lagos Yacht Design Studio and Naval Architecture carries out the restoration project. Soon new wood, stored for years at Lagos Boatyard awaiting its moment of glory and now perfectly dry, becomes part of this classic structure. Luis Costas, one of the best shipwrights Lagos Boatyard has ever had, y con la ayuda del armador y otros carpinteros, poco a poco su nueva quilla, varengas, cuadernas, baos, cubierta y mástil hacen resurgir el esplendedor de sus formas.
Pero la restauración es larga y la pasión de Ñaco Eraso por la bella dama ha de cambiar hacia otra dama y una nueva familia, no sin antes pasar el testigo de la restauración a nuestros buenos y leales amigos Mauricio Sánchez-Bella y Alicia Freire, otros apasionados del mar, amantes de proyectos románticos y auténticos.
Having her sails ready, made in Dacron but to the classic style by Manuel Lastra, soon the ACACIA will slip down our slip way going back to the sea as she did 80 years ago in Abrahammson & Son Boatyard.
In the next spring Meye will weak up of her long dream ....
Some links:
