Sail Number 4
Photograph UTSC Photo Archives
Designed and built by the very successful Burgoine in 1902 Estelle's first owners were EM Bond and HM Bond of
Thames SC. Always a very quick boat Estelle was one of the first to have, in 1938, one of the tall 45ft masts that are
now such a feature of the rater.
Estelle has had a lot of success over the years and was one of the most regularly sailed under owner Martin Grounds.
Sadly the year 2000 saw Martin announce this would be the last year he sailed Estelle at Bourne End, and the boats
immediate future was a problem. She is currently at UTSC awaiting restoration.
In 1974 the 18ft skiffs from Australia were trying to establish themselves in Europe. As a publicity stunt these 18ft skiffs built in 1894 challenged the A-Raters to a race on the River Thames. Estelle, My Lady Dainty, Saucy Sally and Vagabond, took on the Australians It was an easy win for the Raters as they were designed for the river racing and the 18ft skiffs couldn't use their spinnakers and trapezes because of the narrowness of the river. The Race raised a considerable sum of money for the British Olympic Appeal, and was a spectacular sight.
The Boat is at UTSC awaiting restoration.
