Keewaydin

History

Built in 1913 by G. & T. Smith, Rye, East Sussex, KEEWAYDIN is a gaff ketch sailing trawler with a carvel constructed hull of oak planking on oak frames. Her current engine is a Gardner 6LXB 6cy 180 bhp. She is believed to be the only surviving Rye built sailing smack.

Originally named KEEWAYDIN, she has had several changes of name, ownership and country of operation. Fishing out of Lowestoft until 1938, she was sold to Denmark and then to Sweden, renamed VESTENWIND in 1944 and was said to have been involved in gun running and carrying refugees during World War II. In 1973 she entered the first Whitbread Round the World Race and in 1974 went to Greece as a cruise yacht where her rig was changed to 2 Bermuda sails. During this period she had two name changes, first to ODYSSEUS and then to ALICE A. In 1989 she went to Malta for major repairs.

In 1997 she was bought by her present owners who have restored her to her original gaff rig and also to her original name. She can be seen on the river Teifi at her mud berth above the Pinog at St.Dogmaels or on the Wharf by the old Cardigan bridge. (National Historic Ships)