John Guzzwell Lends His Expertise

It was more than 50 years ago that a young British immigrant to Canada named John Guzzwell made history by completing an unprecedented circumnavigation aboard Trekka, a 21-ft wooden yawl he’d built with his own hands. The book he published about his adventures, Trekka Round the World, became a cult classic among would-be voyagers, and is credited for sparking the dreams of many who have circumnavigated since — a must-read, in our opinion, for both offshore sailors and armchair adventurers.

We’re happy to report that Guzzwell, who is not only a living legend, but is a true hero to many circumnavigators, is still going strong. And he’s still lending his boat-building expertise to a variety of projects. One of his latest efforts was helping his longtime friend Bob Cadranell rebuild his R boat Ace in the Seattle area. "The original boat was in very poor condition," Guzzwell explains, "so we rebuilt the hull and used the original lead keel and many of the fittings and hardware. Ace is cold-molded of five 1/8" skins of Douglas fir with a final 5/16" layer of Sapele mahogany."

In October Cadranell will challenge the Royal Vancouver YC for the Alexandra Cup, which is now held by Lady Van. Guzzwell adds, "The original Ace was a San Francisco boat with a fine racing record. Designed by Charles Mower in the mid 1920’s, she represented the city very well and it is hoped that her re-birth will generate interest in this class." Like minature J class vessels, they are designed to the Universal rule and feature long overhangs, narrow beam and low freeboard. Ace‘s is 43.5′ OA, has a 7’4" beam, and draws 6’.