The Top Hat 25

Following on from Peter (Cisco's) request for more information about the Top Hat 25, here is what I know.

These boats were originally designed by John Illingworth, of Primrose and Illingworth in the UK. John was one of the initiators of the Hobart race. They were designed to be a family friendly cruising/racing yacht capable of handling anything Port Phillip Bay could dish up. The first being built in the UK and then a few cold moulded in Victoria. In the late 60s they took a mould and the first full fibreglass models were made in Sydney, then later in Wyong by Form-it Fibreglass. All together there were 5 versions, pre Mark 1, Mark I, II and III, plus a couple of 27s.

There are some fascinating stories of Top Hat adventures, but the best so far is the circumnavigation by Ian and Jan Mitchell in a 1964 model that they took west from Pittwater in 1974, spending 38 days crossing the Indian Ocean, then living in Durban whilst she gave birth, rounding the cape then travelling to the Carribbean with a new born, then being pregnant again on the last leg between NZ and Australia. You can read the articles here. homepage.mac.com/clatimer/TopHatYachts/FileSharing11.html

Some may say they were completely mad, but they managed to make it and have a great adventure into the bargain. Had they been in a less sturdy vessel, perhaps not so lucky. I wonder if any of us here would attempt such a venture these days.

There is a world of information at Wikipedia and at dicksimonyachts.com/

So far I have had to do very little. Had the bottom cleaned by a diver, although she was anti-fouled in January.

The sails are a bit old and dirty, the boom cover not so great, the toe rails and hand rails need an oiling or some varnish and the deck is a little chalky. The rig is about 10 years old, but seems pretty solid and whilst the running rig is a bit grubby it will do for a short coastal run and around the harbour. She is also dry, there are no deck leaks, nor sea cock problems and the bilges are bone dry. The 150 odd litre water tank is set in the foot of the cabin over the 48% ballast full keel. So she's pretty stiff, although a little slow in the acceleration stakes. Light winds pointing close, she's brilliant, not so good downwind unless you pole the #2 or fly the spinnaker.

Actually, so far we've spent more time sailing and having fun than any tinkering, but it's only tinkering for the moment that she needs.

She came with a newish 8hp 4 stroke Tohatsu, tillerpilot, stainless bbq, new compass, potti, metho stove, an old radio that works I believe. Basic safety gear, #2 on the furler, storm jib, spinnaker and a luff battened main in lazy jacks.

So, for my $10k, I reckon I've done pretty well and if I ever have to sell, she won't be in any worse condition, so I may even make a little on the purchase price.

Finally, here is my Dulcamara. The name is a contraction of Latin - Dolce = Sweet, Amore = Love. It was named that by the previous to the previous owners. She's moored near Drummoyne at present, but will be moving to Pittwater when the days become longer.

Hey Peter, I know what you mean about the name, and yes it's coming off as soon as I get the chance and she's off the mooring in the main channel.

I was actually going to do exactly as you suggested, and perhaps add a small brass plate to the transom somewhere.

Time is the essence, I'd rather sail than make cosmetic changes just yet.... we're still working out how we want her to look and what is really important.

Thanks for the compliments.

Michael

Good for you - great buy at the price. There's a Toppie for sale at Brighton (in Melbourne) which is going a bit over $10 I think, but much more tired looking.

Hi Michael, Cisco and all others interested in Top Hats.

Michael has given a fairly accurate account of the Top Hat story but I have discovered much more information about the history of the Top Hat in Australia. This will soon be published on the Top Hat site.

The Wikipedia source is now out of date and full of mis-information. The real information is contained on the Top Hat site at dicksimonyachts.com/ where 70 + Top Hatters exchange information.

There were 6 versions built in Australia. The 32" & 33" (really 30") were not Top Hats and are now ignored.

I sail out of the Camden Haven River where we have 4 versions moored

.

Phillip
SEAKA

Thanks Michael,

I have a very old one in Pittwater but none of SEAKA sailing since I have had her.

Plenty from on board, but not from an other boat.

Phillip
SEAKA