News: Willett Built Restores J24 Classic

Willett Built, based at Shamrock Quay, boasts a rich heritage in the boating industry. The company is home to a team of exceptionally skilled and dedicated craftsman, each an expert in their respective field. Their specialisations span from traditional boatbuilding and restoration to contemporary composite yacht construction and repair. Presently, Willett Built is engaged in the restoration of two classic yachts: a 1922 Thornycroft Motor Yacht and a 90-year-old wooden MFV.

The Motley Crew after winning their first race.

Why Did They Choose a 1979 Model?

Andy Willett emphasises the J24 as “the foremost and highest production number in the keel boat One Design Class,” celebrated for its dynamic global racing scene. It is deemed as fiercely competitive on the water and wonderfully social and supportive off it.

The restoration of Motley Crew was a particularly special project, as she had been wholeheartedly cared for throughout her life. Remarkably, she had “never competed in the J24 One Design Class until her relaunch last September.” Originally built in America as a cruising boat with significant racing potential, Motley Crew was among the oldest J24s in the UK when she was acquired.

Time to neaten and paint her boot top line.

What Inspired the Goal of Qualifying for the 2025 UK World Championships?

Beyond simply constructing a competitive J24, Andy Willett aimed to create a transformative experience for his team. Inspired by the likes of John Fisher and Ellen MacArthur, he recognised the value of mentorship.

“John beautifully demonstrated things. I admire his approach to everyday life as well as his professional
sailing career – things I want to improve on myself. Ellen MacArthur is another source of inspiration for me. Her determination and ability to weather any storm at home or at sea show us that despite the odds, there is always a way forward if you stay true to your course.”

First J24 Regatta in Plymouth for the team/boat.

What Specific Upgrades Are Planned for the J24?

The Motley Crew still has significant work ahead. They must smooth out the ship’s underwater hull, which has become uneven over its 45-year lifespan. Additionally, they need to install features that will help the helmsman keep the boat on course while still being able to adjust the sails and steer effectively. Currently, this is a challenging task.

Stripping away the old hull coatings from the GRP hull has proven to be the most labour-intensive project so far. Thankfully, the previous owner had the foresight to apply WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy, which means the hull laminate is structurally sound.

Despite this, the Motley Crew faced the challenge of contamination plagued throughout the boat. Likely caused by a silicone-based polish used by a previous owner. This makes repairing the GRP/gelcoat difficult, requiring careful prep work to remove any silicone residue.

The team found WEST SYSTEM Epoxy essential for various restoration tasks, including laminating over unnecessary fittings, filling holes, and sealing the core of the J24.

Future Sailing Events

“We’re exploring other events for next season. With our IRC certificate, we plan to participate in more Solent-based races. This year, we entered the Round the Island Race as part of our heavy weather training. We had a blast turning back at Hurst Castle for a 14-knot ride home.”

In terms of the crew’s next project, their plans includes restoring a classic 20-foot 1912 Camper and Nicholson launch and a 6-metre ‘Mini J’ (a scaled-down version). The Mini J, needing a teak deck rebuild, will be one of several used for thrilling match racing events. The launch will serve as the committee vessel, ensuring a smooth and well-organised experience.

Describing the most important lesson learned so far, Andy Willett states, “We have all learnt that no matter how fast your boat is, or how new your sails are – there is no substitute for time on the water as a crew.”