The Building And Sailing Of Tehini
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มี.ค. 2021
- Two vintage movies filmed by Ruth Wharram in the early days of Wharram Catamaran designs.
In 1968, James Wharram, UK pioneer of off-shore catamaran sailing and already on the way to becoming a well known catamaran designer, gathered round him a group of young enthusiasts to build a 51’ ocean-going catamaran on an open pier in Deganwy, North Wales.
Tehini was one of the largest catamarans of her time and was built in less than 2 years with mainly hand tools. Her first voyages were to North Spain and Holland, during which time she met many other Wharram Catamarans.
What these two films show is a glimpse back into an era of freedom and adventure, hardship and joy, a delightful, but important piece of multihull history. Compared to the present day yachting scene, the building conditions and even some of the boats look perhaps a little primitive, but they set the scene for the next 30 years of multihull and Wharram Catamaran development.
These two films were shot on a Bolex 16mm camera by Ruth Wharram, who as a result does not feature in either of the films; they were then professionally edited by a Wharram catamaran builder and friend, Phil Wrestler (who also was director of the stunt scenes of two classic feature films, ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Octopussy’).
When these two old reels of film were shown to Georges Korgianitis, a Greek filmmaker on a visit to film interview James Wharram, he was so delighted by them that he offered to convert them to DVD. Thanks to him, many more people can now enjoy this piece of multihull history.
This film illustrates several years in the life story of James Wharram. You can read his full autobiography in his new book 'People of the Sea', www.wharram.com/news/2020/peo...
Rest in peace Mr.wharram and the other amazing people who passed...
Wonderful. Especially for those of us who have build boats designed by James Wharram and Hanneke Boon, to compare the changes in design and building materials and methods during the intervening years. Thank you, James Wharram for your designs. Thank you, Ruth Wharram for recording this history. Thank you, James Wharram Designs, for sharing this film.
A little story. In the late 80's while visiting Flamingo in the Everglades I discovered Wharram cats. My total sailing experience was a 22 ft mono for the last 8yrs. Lo and behold there was an Oro. I had never seen anything like it. The fellow getting it ready for departure gave a tour and I was totally effected. My love for Wharrams started that day. In the pre internet days I started my education by ordering the Wharram design book from an ad in the back of Cruising World. Anyway I could gush on forever. Fantastic movie! BTW I now own a Tangaroa in Traverse City, unfortunately life happens and I'm stuck in Floriduh.
Thank God for epoxy
Fantastic to see Raka again. I first sailed on her in 1976 on a delivery trip from Plymouth to Padstow. On. One sector averaging 16 knots. The fastest I had been on a cruising yacht. And the Tangaroa my heart leaped with joy. Thanks for the memory James.
I have a new appreciation for epoxy resin !
My Dad and I went up to see JW at Deganwy when he was building Tehini, we were building a HINA at that time 😀
One of my favorite youtube videos ever.
All so cool , 50 ' and 8 crew , not for me yet :-) Will see what I can do with a 26 ' .
..inspired me like so many to make their dreams come true. Thank you James & rest in peace!
In 1963 I was a competitor in the GP14 dinghy national championships at Llandudno in North Wales. On one day of the week long event, racing was cancelled because it was blowing a gale. I heard that someone was looking for help to sail a catamaran “round the corner” to Deganwy. Having never sailed on a cat I volunteered and was taken down to meet the owner, a guy in his thirties called James. He explained that he had plenty of experience but really didn’t like helming very much, so he wanted a competent sailor to helm the boat for him. Did I think I was up to the job? Well, I was 19 and so, of course, I was up for it.
Wonderful to see these films showing the history Wharram Cat's. Delightful to watch. Thanks for sharing.
timeless beauty
That was great. I really enjoyed that piece of the history of Wharram catamarans. Tehini is still a beautiful boat.
Awesome!!! Loved this film!!!!
Beautiful.
Looking forward to seeing you all again down Restronguet Creek
Dated (50+ years!) but utterly delightful!
Respect and admiration :)
Excellent film, showing that dreams come true only to dreamers...