Derek

APPLETON
My first venture into model boat sailing was a simple yacht purchased by my father and one which I am proud to still own complete with its original sails. Two hulls were restored for my children and latter inspired by Francis Chichester’s epic around the world voyage I built my two sons models of his clipper Gipsy Rose a kit made by Hobbies of Dereham.
Somewhat latter in life I was to receive a basic boat kit as a Christmas gift. This was developed into a freelance coastal trader of days gone by. “Trader” with her tan sails is featured in a picture on this page.
Trader was soon followed by another Christmas gift – this time a One Metre and I joined NMYC.
I have also built a Billings kit, US Coast Guard Cutter, which I modified to the design of the Waveney class Lifeboat modelling her on a local boat on station at Gt Yarmouth and Gorleston.
I am now developing a prototype of the Waveney lifeboat and US coast Guard boat at 1/12 scale.