McGRUER
Top: 7-Meter Zaleda, launched in 1966 Bottom left: Kelana of Clynder,
launched in 1946 Bottom right: Rowan IV, a 1938 cutter based on a Loch Fyne skiff
Sonda, Inismara, Feolinn, Gigi of Clynder and Nan of Clynder – all still sailing. These boats have all- or part-laminated frames, often planked with teak below the waterline and mahogany above, with a coachroof and doghouse suitable for Scottish weather. The workmanship below is very fine and distinctively McGruer, with oval openings into lockers and exposed mahogany stringers that show off the woodwork. Other cruisers were built too: the lovely Kelana of 1946, the 43ft (13.1m) Westward of Clynder, the 7-Metre cruiser-racer Zaleda, several boats for Le Mans driver Ninian Sanderson, and the smaller and much- loved Lorne class. Two 35ft (10.7m) Admiral’s barges were built for the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1953. Boats designed by Olin Stephens, Laurent Giles and George Watson were being built as well, with a workforce of about 70. The Admiralty and NATO commissioned work, including the maintenance of minesweepers, and in the 1970s McGruer moved a few miles south to the Admiralty’s site at Rosneath. James’s son George followed him as managing director after a spell as naval surveyor and architect for the Hong Kong government, later handing over to Fraser Noble. His main legacy is the three ketches T
alisker Mhor, Cuilaun and Glory Be IV.
Thereafter, McGruer turned increasingly to the production of GRP boats, including a successful range of pilot, patrol and survey vessels. The company established
46 CLASSIC BOAT MAY 2012
Scotland’s largest Lloyds-approved GRP mould shop in 1990, laying up hulls from five to 20m. The proud family tradition of building beautiful wooden boats waned and finally ended in 2000, when the yard at Rosneath closed. The name McGruer still lives, mainly for surveying and advisory work. There’s also an Owners’ Club and a healthy register of over 120 boats on its website. Camellia of Rhu, an 8-Metre cruiser-racer, came fifth in her class in the 2011 Round the Island Race, RIIS I will be in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant and others are spread around the world. In the end, the McGruers themselves are as compelling as the boats they created. Ewing with his artist’s smock and tam-o’-shanter, Andrew cycling to work most days in flannel shorts, David always in a kilt, jacket and brogues, Willie taking a cold dip in the Gareloch most mornings and possessing all the McGruer charm. Owners had a warm relationship with the McGruers, returning to them when their boats became too small for a growing family. This is the underlying story of a boatyard: not just the skills and strengths, the boats built and races won – but the tales, the raconteurs, the builders and the customers, and it’s part of the reason the regatta should be such fun.
McGruer Regatta, 5-6 May,
www.mcgruerregatta.com McGruer Register:
http://mcgruer-register.org/clynder313.html
KATHY MANSFIELD
GORDON DRYSDALE
KATHY MANSFEILD
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