Page 6 - Kwasind June 2020 issue

JUNE 2020
MEMBER NEWS • 6
Verve I (1882–1892) had a more complicated fate. Built in Scotland, she raced with much success until 1892 when she was broken up to build the equally accomplished Zelma. After 22 successful years, Zelma herself was broken up in 1914 for the lead in her keel.
The first year of war was the last year for many yachts like Zelma. We know little of the circumstances but Canada was said to have been broken up in 1914 for her keel. Gardenia had a complicated end. Stripped of her keel in 1914, she waited nine years for a replacement. In 1925, she began a second career: 150 races in 14 first-rate seasons, by which time she was tired and so honourably dismantled.
Many of us may lament the passing of beautiful old yachts, but without a loving and knowledgeable owner, a beautiful old yacht soon turns into a sad story. Patricia was sunk in the lake to avoid such a fate and while it’s sad that so many fine examples are taken away by fire, rough handling and simply the vicissitudes of time, their absence makes us appreciate the ones that remain all the more.
Gardenia. (1907- 1938). Photo Credit: Courtesy of the RCYC Archives (no. 1997-001-PH)