March 4, 2009 - Hang on Tight

Finally she's on the water. She's fast, exciting, a bit wet and not at all like a boat that's coming up for her first century.

December 11, 2007 - Ierne re-united with her old adversary The Truant

It's no exageration to say Ierne and The Truant stole the show at Earls Court. Ierne, fresh from an 18 month renovation, was jaw droppingly gorgeous. Did we detect a quiver of recognition as these two majestic old ladies were reunited for the first time since 1914? Maybe, certainly there will be no love lost when they Duel again in July at the Fife Regatta.

December 11, 2007 - Finally she is finished

Just in time to sit with The Truant either side of the main stage at Earls Court.

The show opened on Friday and on Thursday he mast was stepped and sails hoisted for the first time.

September 11, 2007 - Ierne: Nearly there

June 11, 2007 - Ierne: Deck in Teak

May 11, 2007 - Ierne: Rudder is reinstalled

April 11, 2007 - Ierne: New Iron Floors

A source was found for a complete set of wrought iron floors and two hefty ring frames were added to take the stressess imposed by Irene's massive mast. Bill has worked with Joe on the whole project.

April 6, 2007 - Ierne at the end of May. Her hull was finished and she is now receiving her 15 coats of Blakes

April 6, 2007 - Ierne

Beams in place and keel back on. The new planking can be seen below the waterline

March 11, 2007 - Ierne: Begining to take shape

Deck beams back in place after working from November 06

October 11, 2006 - Ierne: Frames

Frames were removed and new ones installed one by one

March 9, 2006 - Ierne: The work begins

After Ierne arrived in Hull at Joe Irvine's yard in February the first job is to assess what can stay and what can go. Deck and deck beams were obviously in the latter category.

February 17, 2006 - Not just any old Ierne

Indeed. Ierne was the last of the First Rule 8 Metres and the first to carry a Marconi rig. Unbeatable in anything under a 4 she proved it when a Norwegian crew to her to Gold athe the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.

She has arrived in Hull after her overland journey from Portugal. Here you can see the unmistakeable Fife dragon motif on the bow . The has engaged Jo Irvine, a gradute of IBTC in Lowestoft to manage the renovation. Jo has a fabulous track record being the first boatbuilder to create a wooden Dragon since 1970.

July 11, 2005 - Ierne: You can't really find famous old boats hidden in barns can you?

Ierne spent the last 16 years in a barn in Portugal. Her only company was three guard dogs.  She was glad to emerge into the fresh air!

July 11, 2000 - 1914

Ierne and her old adversary, The Truant, racing on the Solent in 1914