Blacksmith
The restoration of a classic sailing yacht
Helen Roberts
Prior to 1939, most shipyards in the UK had a blacksmith on site. Maybird’s wrought iron floors and some of her hanging knees needed replacing and so we had to find a blacksmith who was up for a challenge – Helen Roberts (www.helen-roberts.co.uk) was recruited.
Helen’s normal work is more ‘artistic’ and she also teaches creative metalwork locally. Her forge is at Fareham which necessitated many trips between boat and forge to ensure all of the floors – each one a ‘one off’ – fitted snugly on each of the oak frames.
