MAFALDA-A gift to the right custodian
MAFALDA was first Launched in 1926, so I guess she wasn’t named after the character in Harry Potter or the famous Argentinian comic series of the 1960’s. In fact the word is a germanic version of the name MATILDA which roughly translates to “strength in battle”.
And with only four years to go to her 100th birthday the etymology seems apt.
Unlike most of the boats that come with the “free to a good home” tag, MAFALDA doesn’t require a major restoration.
This week we received an email at SWS from the current custodians and this is what we can tell you.
MAFALDA was built on the banks of the Swan River in East Fremantle in 1926 by the Gourley Brothers from Scotland for the Merindino family .
She was custom designed as a cray fishing sail boat and remained cray fishing until 1970, including a stint in the Abrohlos Islands in the 1960’s
The Abrohlos fishing fleet
She is 30’ LOA x 8 1/2’ Beam and has a draft of 2 ½’ She is gaff rigged with a Volvo D130 30HP Motor .The hull is NZ kari with jarrah keel and ribs. The centre board case now needs work as it was last replaced 1997.
Bill Leonard’s line drawings for the WA Maritime Museum.
The current owners family purchased the boat in 1993 from the Grandson of the original owner. The boat is currently on the hard at North Port Boatlifters in Freemantle (click to enlarge)
If you are interested in becoming the new Custodian of this unique craft and feel that you understand the responsibilities that ownership will entail then please email us at SWS and we will put you in touch with the current owners.