Svek, #59 20sq meter Swedish Tumlaren designed by Knud Riemers built 1936 in Sweden.
Brought, along with five other Tumlarens, to the US, Chicago, IL, by Henry Babson who wanted competitive sailing. Actively raced and sailed from both Chicago YC and Columbia YC.

I have newspaper online clipping of race results from the Chicago YC, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.

I saw and purchased Svek in 1978 after seeing the Tumlarens sailing in the Chicago to Michigan City race. I sailed Svek for 5 years off a mooring in Lake Macatawa, Holland, MI. Eventually moved to St. Louis leaving Svek behind. Svek remained in covered storage for 39 years.

Work to restore Svek at Gannon & Benjamin Railway, Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard, MA began November 2021 to repair the floors and steam bend new frames working exclusively with Ross Gannon and continued till June 2022.

It was only the tabs on the floors that were the problem. The floors themselves were in satisfactory condition. So, patterning from each floor, 2” thick live oak floors were cut and bolted to the metal floors using 316 sst hardware. Custom bronze floor brackets were fabricated which were fastened through the live oak using bronze fasteners. Then one inch diameter bronze keel bolts were used, replicating the original fasteners, to through bolt the keel and lead ballast.

Covering boards were removed and steam bending replacement wooden frames was quickly and efficiently using copper nails and roves to rivet them into place.

Planking removed to enable working on the floors and bending in frames were replaced.

The cockpit, cabin and interior furnishings were also rebuilt and installed.

Electrical system was installed as new: battery, running lights, bilge pump, compass, cabin lights and solar panel.

The deck was stripped, sanded and smoothed and tri-axial 10oz cloth was epoxied into place.

The hull, bright work, and interior sanded and 15 coats of varnish applied.

The mast and boom were sanded and 15 coats of varnish applied. Additionally, Myles Thurlow doing the work, all standing rigging and running rigging was replaced including the spreaders.

Thus bringing Svek to as-new perfection – Ready for competitive sailing.

At the 2022 Mystic CT. WoodenBoat show Svek was awarded “Best in Show” reflecting her perfection.

Svek is a delight to sail! And is looking for a new owner. See boats for sale.