Key data

The EA is a Marconi racing cutter, 19.50 meters long and 3.70 meters wide, built in 1952 by the Baglietto shipyards in Varazze. Its construction features triple-layer mahogany planking, with an external longitudinal layer and cotton canvas placed between each layer. The boat is built on a dense framework of ash ribs and Douglas fir stringers, with additional structural reinforcement in steel at the mast, connecting the chainplates to the keel.
The EA project is inspired by Miranda IV, another Baglietto vessel influenced by the work of Laurent Gilles.

We are currently working on the complete re-planking of the hull.

The vessel's history is somewhat troubled, despite a notable palmarès. EA participated in nine editions of the Giraglia, winning three in real time. It later disappeared from the Mediterranean, reappearing along the Atlantic coast of France in the late 1960s. It was eventually purchased at a judicial auction from a bankruptcy, thanks to research conducted by  Paolo Giorgetti on behalf of the current owner.

The current goal is to have it participate in the Imperia Vintage Sail Rally in 2008.

The Arrival of the EA

The photos you see today show the EA upon arrival at the shipyard. They are shocking—it looks as though a universal flood has rained down on this boat. It appears faded, worn, and in poor condition. The bilge remains wet despite the journey from Les Sables d'Olonne to here on an exceptional transport, filled with rubbish, and the deck is a sieve. Thus begins the challenge of restoring it to its former efficiency and splendor.

The Planking

EA, built in 1952, features triple-layer mahogany planking, with a mahogany keel and uprights. In the photos, you can clearly see the planking and the most striking detail: the bronze nails. Today, we would solve the same issue using glue, achieving a much stronger and more durable structure. Just imagine the structural implications of so many holes, nails, and the time involved in their processing.

One detail of the work we are doing on EA: from the photo, you can see how the upper part of the planking has practically rotted inside, caused by moisture accumulated over time from the deck, infiltrations, and the conditions of abandonment. The only solution will be to replace it.

The Hull

The hull of the EA has been significantly weakened by years of neglect and a lack of maintenance. It is constructed with triple-layer mahogany planking, with the external longitudinal layer and cotton canvas interposed between the layers, over a dense framework of ash ribs and Douglas fir stringers. It also features a steel structural reinforcement near the mast, connecting the chainplates and the keel.

The main work on the hull involves strengthening the frames and re-planking the hull.

The Ballast

Made entirely of lead, the ballast is rigidly connected to the keel by these pins you see here. There are several of them, all relatively thin. This is another example of how much naval construction techniques have evolved. Think of today’s fin blades and bulbs, or the ballasts on boats like the Junoplano.

The Engine Support

I fear the old engine support is not very reliable. What do you think?

Reinforcements for the Shroud Attachments

Here, you can see the reinforcement structure inserted by the designer to distribute the compression forces from the mast and the tension from the shrouds. Imagine this slender hull having to withstand such significant and concentrated forces in just a few points. To address this, we created a section that avoids force concentration on a structure that foreshadowed modern composite techniques.

A photograph documenting the structure after dismantling the deck.

Reinforcing the Frames

The new frames are reinforced by doubling, tripling, etc., to create a new laminated structure that is much stronger than the original.

Rebuilding the Deck

After quite a bit of effort—cleaning, clearing piles of debris—we can finally see the clean hull. Now, the work that brings real satisfaction begins.

One strip after another, we plane to correct the curve... perfect.

Little by little, the boat starts to take on a new face.

Progress Report - December 2007

Yesterday, I finally managed to take some photographs of the progress on the EA. I will publish a series of posts below on the current state of the restoration.
Documenting these projects always takes a backseat to our day-to-day work. Small shipyards typically handle their communication efforts in-house, and it’s only with the evolution of internet tools that we’ve been able to connect with the world. We hope this blog will help satisfy the curiosity of those interested in restoration.

In the image, you can see the hull of the EA, its section, and the location of the ballast, as illustrated in previous posts.