A brief history of Gulf Kilo - By Andy Blackburn

Gulf Kilo was originally a deck stepped GK24 and was converted to a keel stepped sometime during her earlier life. This is apparent as the remnants of the original mast supports are clearly visible in the main cabin, as well as the numerous removed deck fittings. The refit included a Z Spars mast and boom to complete the tranformation to a fractional rig. Gulf Kilo is easy to find - just look for the mast with the most prebend and thats normally her! She has both a RORC registration of GBR7083R and a RYA registration of GBR3083T.

Current owner Andy Blackburn bought the boat in 2001 and brought her up to Southampton from Falmouth. Having been ashore for nearly 3 years, Gulf Kilo was transported by road rather than the hard way! She was relaunched at Shamrock Quay which remained her home until 2004, when a swinging mooring on the Itchenor Reach was obtained.

Gulf Kilo is currently undergoing an extended refit as previous owners had removed much of the interior, presumably as part of the rig refit. Over the next 12 month the instrumentation will be upgraded (NASA Duet only at present) to include a NASA Clipper Wind set and fixed GPS and VHF systems. The intention is also to restore the interior (and sea toilet!) for a more comfortable cruising configuration.

As a dinghy sailor the virtues of the GK are really appreciated. She is quick, often outpacing 30+ ft'ers, very responsive, and surprisingly dry for a flush deck design. Whilst not in the league of the lightweight modern boats for overall speed she also has that Westerley feel, built like a battle cruiser!