Boat Number UK12

Designed by Norwegian Borge Bringsvaerd the BB has become a modern classic. About 1200 were built and exported to the USA, Australia and other Europen countries. A large number are still sailed in Norway and they appear to have a lively racing season. In the UK the class appears to have had a shaky start and then declined, boats turn up for sale all over the country and there is no longer an established racing fleet.

That does not detract from the fact that the BB11 is a very pretty boat and was constructed to a high standard using top quality materials. Carvel construction, Mahogany planks on Ash frames with a steel keel. Many of the Norwegian based boats appear to have been upgraded to Aluminium mast and spars, my boat still has all original wooden spars, even the spreader arms are made from Mahogany.

Unlike the Fairey Marine 18ft Jollyboat which I restored last year the BB presents some different challenges. Firstly she is bigger and made form real pieces of solid timber where J23 was mahogany moulded ply. There is some proper boatbuilding needed on the BB and I plan to fit a new teak laid deck to replace the rotting ply deck currently in place.

I hope that the mast will be in good enough condition to use, there are some areas which need to be fully inspected but I am keeping my fingers crossed. One thing which will stand me in good stead as it did with J23 is the quality of the original materials and construction. If you want a new BB there are still boatbuilders who will put one together for you, prices start at around £14,000.

Various planks, floorboards, bulkhead covers and wiring litter the BB's cockpit.

The rear deck area, original mast and tiller.

A very ellegant rear. The name 'Lestrus' can be seen on the stern. I can't find any reference to 'Lestrus' anywhere so the boat will be re-named next year.

The 'business' end of the BB. The varnish is coming away in lumps, it will save time stripping!