Amokura on the slip at Rowhedge Ironworks Co (c.1950)

Dear David

Yacht AMOKURA

Many thanks for your letter and renewed invitation to see the AMOKURA again when she arrives at Lowestoft.

I look forward to this after so many years and expect to bring with me an old friend you may know; Bernard Hayman, late editor for many years of the Yachting World magazine and someone who also knows the AMOKURA from her racing days. I think Bernard sailed against her in some races long ago.

Regarding the photo of her on the slip at the Lower Yard of The Rowhedge Ironworks Co.about 1950. It was one of several taken at the time by the late F.J. Armes, a very good marine photographer from Brightlingsea. His widow still lives there, over eighty and I believe rather crotchety as I tried hard last year to see the vast number of negatives and prints she still has at her home, kept in suitcases, but without success. I fear the lot will one day be thrown out and burned, as so often happens. I will try to get the whole lot taken in to The Nottage Institute at Wivenhoe, which besides its educational maritime functions has a large collection of local maritime items gathered over many years. As I am to become one of its Trustees in autumn, having first been a pupil at its naval architecture evening classes in 1943, I may be able to influence this.

If I think of other things regarding the AMOKURA before we see her, I will let you know. Do tell me when it is suitable to visit.

Best wishes

John Leather