Built in 1888 at the yards of George Wanhill in Poole, Dorset, Thalia, a seductive gaff cutter is Centenarian of the Year winner in the Classic Boat Awards 2021.

Thalia has a long history of captivating the hearts of true sailing devotees. Her latest conquest, as it were, is the current owner, David Aisher. Aisher has embraced the task of performing extensive restauration work since the boat came into his possession in 2010.

The Royal Cork Yacht Club sailed Thalia in the 1890s. She then returned to the south of England in 1914. With her owner at the helm, Thalia still emanates all her determination and beauty at regattas.

The Classic Boat Awards is a major nautical celebration within the classic boating and sailing industries. It is highly regarded by sailors, boat owners and sailing aficionados from around the world. Due to public health concerns related to the new coronavirus, this year’s award ceremony was broadcast online, providing the opportunity to all the enthusiasts to follow it.

The lifetime achievement award, one of the highlights of the ceremony, was a posthumous recognition to Robert Fisher for his contribution to sailing. Fisher was a competitive sailor, renowned journalist and author of over 30 books.

The Gstaad Yacht Club has been a partner in the Centenarian of the Year Award in the past five years.

GSTAAD YACHT CLUB

THE CLASSIC BOAT AWARDS WINNERS 2021

Restored Sailing Vessel (over 40ft)
Cynara, 95ft (29m); built by Charles E Nicholson; restored by a team led by Paul Harvey and Ben Hobbs

Restored Sailing Vessel (under 40ft)
Bel’Rose, 30ft 6in (9.3m); built by Albert Andersson; restored by Nyhamns Såg & Båtbygerri

Traditional New Build
Scarabee, 55ft 8in (17m) rig bermudan yawl; built by Pieter van der Aa

Spirit of Tradition
The Longshore, 14ft (4.3m) rig standing lug; built by Sam Doman

New Powered Vessel
Ittir Kaktir, 33ft (10m); built by RMK Marine; designed by Devlin Boat

Restored Powered Vessel
Makaira 47ft (14.3m); built by British Powerboat Company; restored by Michael Dennett Boatbuilders

Classic Boater of the Year
Luke Powell

Centenarian of the Year
Thalia, 45ft (13,7m) gaff cutter