The Orkney Image Library
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Willie Groat with his boat Saga. [Contributor?]
View Large VersionPicture added on 17 March 2009
I think the Crewman with Willie was George "Todo" Grant who sailed with Willie for a number of years. Willie's boat was a Redwing Rocket, the first of their kind in Orkney preceding the Merlin Rockets of which there were so many. Some were taken in to Orkney and some were built by Leslie Wylie for their owners. They were beautifully built, the first one being for Dan Grieve. I remember you could see your face in the deck he had such a finish on it. Aptly named "The First Attempt".
Added by Phil Brough on 28 March 2009
I submitted this photo which was taken in the 'Hope in the 1960s. It was interesting to see Phil's comments. Herbert Mackenzie
Added by Herbert Mackenzie on 31 March 2009
Willie Groat's Saga was a Looe Redwing. Built for him by Billy Clouston in Stenness. She measured 14 feet and carried a 26 foot mast and 147 square feet of sail. Designed by Uffa Fox for open sea sailing and racing. Willie was very proud of her. I'm reading "Sea Under My Counter" at the moment.
Added by Barbara Jolly Watt on 09 September 2011
My father, Jack Livingston also sailed with Willie around this time and looking at the picture I think it could be him. Willie and Dad had scaled models made of the boat and we passed Dad's to be sailing club a few years ago
Added by Janis Larkin on 10 September 2011
Not a lifejacket/buoyancy aid to be seen.
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Anonymous comment added on 23 September 2013
St Margaret's Hope
