International 8mR

Overview

Severn II of Ardmaleish is an International 8 Metre built in 1934 by Bute Slip Dock Co. of Scotland and designed by Alfred Mylne under the Third International Rule. Representing Great Britain, she won the Coupe de France in 1935 and went on to enjoy a long and distinguished racing career off the River Clyde before being imported to Canada in 1975.

Now sailing from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC), Severn II has continued her winning ways—claiming multiple Club, LORC, and NAEMA championships. Following a complete professional refit from 2023–2025, she presents in outstanding structural and cosmetic condition and is race-ready for the international classic circuit.

Specifications

• Designer: Alfred Mylne

• Builder: Bute Slip Dock Co. (Scotland)

• Model: International 8 Metre (Third Rule)

• Year: 1934

• Official No.: 185257 (Transport Canada)

• LOA: 48’0”

• Beam: 8’6”

• Draft: 6’7”

• Displacement: 26,100 lbs

• Ballast: approx. 12,400 lbs (lead keel)

• Rig: Fractional sloop

• Sail Area: approx. 841 sq ft

• Construction: Mahogany carvel planking on oak frames with epoxy-sealed decks

History

Commissioned in 1934, Severn II was one of Alfred Mylne’s most successful designs. After decades of competitive racing in Europe, she was shipped to Canada in 1975 by RCYC member Steve Cameron, and purchased in 1978 by Dan Molloy and Cedric Gyles, who have since overseen her careful stewardship and continuous modernization.

Severn II has been a consistent front-runner in the Canadian 8 Metre fleet, winning:

• 6× RCYC Club Championships

• 6× LORC Titles

• 8× NAEMA Overall Season Championships

2023–2025 Restoration

In 2023, Severn II was involved in a collision during a race off Toronto and sank in 180 feet of water near the Toronto Islands. She was immediately salvaged by Toronto Dry Dock and underwent a comprehensive, professional restoration by Gyles Sails & Marine (Thornbury, Ontario) and Klacko Spars (Oakville, Ontario).

Major restoration and refit items include:

• New anodized aluminum mast (2025 – Klacko Spars)

• New deck, coach roof, and cockpit floor (2025 – Gyles Sails & Marine)

• Rebuilt Westerbeke W260S 26 HP gasoline engine (2025 – JLC Marine)

• New electrical system, wiring, and batteries (2025)

• New Raymarine Axiom 7 navigation suite with AR200 module and Standard Horizon VHF

• New manual and automatic bilge pumps

• New standing rigging and fittings

• Fully refinished brightwork and varnished mahogany superstructure

• Hull and frames reinforced and inspected, all keel bolts secure

All work was completed to a very high standard, blending original craftsmanship with modern reliability.

Mechanical & Electrical

• Engine: Westerbeke W260S, 26 HP (gasoline) – rebuilt 2025

• Transmission: Hurth HBW10C-2R

• Propeller: 2-blade bronze Martec folding, 14” x 10°

• Fuel Tank: 11 US gal aluminum alloy (cleaned and reinstalled 2025)

• Electrical: Dual Group 24 12V batteries, 10A charger, all new wiring (2025)

• Bilge Pumps: Whale Gusher 30 manual and Johnson automatic 2200 GPH

• Steering: Tiller-driven rudder on stainless post

• Toilet: Recirculating marine head with self-contained waste tank

Rig & Deck Equipment

• Mast: 2025 anodized aluminum double-spreader with jumper struts (Klacko Spars)

• Boom: Aluminum with fixed vang system (Klacko Spars, 2008)

• Winches: Lewmar 3-speed chromed bronze primaries and Lewmar 42 self-tailing secondaries

• Traveler: Harken, aft-deck mounted

• Deck: Marine plywood with fiberglass/epoxy overlay, refinished 2025

• Cockpit: Newly rebuilt with varnished teak and nonskid sole

• Ground Tackle: 20 lb Fisherman anchor, 100’ of ½” rode

• Safety Gear: Fire extinguishers, life ring, and all required Transport Canada safety equipment

Sail Inventory (Evolution & North Sails)

• Mainsails: 2010 (Kevlar Carbon Fibre), 2013 (Dacron)

• Genoas: AP #1 (2025 North), AP #1 (2012), #2 (2000), #3 (2000), #4 (2013)

• Spinnakers: .06 (2025 North), .06 (2010), ¾ (2017), Lite (2000)

Additional Equipment & Spares

• Carbon fibre spinnaker pole

• Spare aluminum spinnaker pole

• Spare aluminum mast, boom, and spreaders

• Custom shipping cradle