Artesania Latina model ship kit of the French sailing boat Pen Duick in 1:28 scale made of wood.
Early history and origin
The Pen Duick is one of the most famous sailing boats in French maritime history and is closely linked to the life and adventures of Éric Tabarly, one of the greatest sailors of the 20th century. The ship itself has a long and eventful history dating back over a century and has played an important role in the development of modern sailing.
The Pen Duick was originally designed in 1898 by the renowned Scottish yacht designer William Fife III and built at the Gridiron & Marine Motor Works shipyard in Ireland. The boat was originally built under the name Yum for a British owner, who later changed the name to Pen Duick, which means "coal tit" in Breton. The name refers to the first owner's original residence in Brittany.
The boat was designed as a gaff-rigged cutter and was characterised by its slender shape and speed. Over many years, the Pen Duick changed hands several times before passing into the hands of Guy Tabarly, Éric Tabarly's father, in 1938.
Éric Tabarly, who would later become an icon of sailing, took over the Pen Duick after his father's death in 1952. At that time, the boat was in extremely poor condition. The wooden structure had deteriorated so badly that extensive restoration was necessary. Tabarly, who harboured a deep love and passion for this boat, decided to restore it completely. However, it was not an easy endeavour, as the restoration posed enormous financial and technical challenges.
Tabarly decided to replace the hull of the Pen Duick with a new one made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic, which was an innovative and daring decision at the time. The result was a boat that retained the classic lines of the original design while meeting modern demands for speed and durability.
Triumph and success
With the restored Pen Duick, Tabarly began to take part in numerous ocean races. His breakthrough came in 1964 when he won the "Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race" (Transat) from Plymouth to Newport. This victory catapulted him into the international sailing world and made him a national hero in France.
The Pen Duick and her successors, also named Pen Duick and designed or sailed by Tabarly, achieved many more victories in the following years and brought Tabarly worldwide recognition. The Pen Duick boat series is a symbol of innovation, maritime tradition and the pioneering spirit of sailing.
Legacy
Éric Tabarly died tragically in 1998 when he drowned overboard at sea during a sailing trip. However, the Pen Duick lives on as a legacy and is maintained and sailed today by lovers and enthusiasts of sailing. The boat is not only a piece of maritime history, but also a symbol of Tabarly's passion and dedication to the sport of sailing.
The Pen Duick has inspired many people over the years and remains an important part of France's maritime culture. She is a living testimony to the rich tradition of sailing and the enduring fascination of the sea and navigation.
Kit contents
The Pen Duick model ship kit is designed to replicate the real boat down to the smallest detail. The deck is laser cut and fully engraved to give a finish very similar to the real boat. The kit contains all the parts needed to build the model. Laser-cut frames made of lime plywood, complete fittings made of solid wood, brass and die-cast. A brass photo etching sheet contains numerous details. The deck superstructure is veneered with oak. The cotton sails are already sewn and ready for installation.
The building instructions are only available as step-by-step video instructions, which you can watch for free on YouTube. The kit does not contain any paper instructions! Coloured plans with several 1:1 views of the model and the parts list are included in the kit on paper.
Who is the kit suitable for?
The kit is aimed at modellers with advanced knowledge and skills, but is also suitable for beginners as the building instructions are shown on video, which makes assembly easier.
What else is needed ?
Paints, adhesives and tools are required and can be found in our range.
What do the assembly instructions look like ?
On YouTube a video instruction with all steps
2 large plans and parts list on paper in the kit
Languages: Multilingual including German
Format: Video
Technical data:
Scale: M 1:28
Length: 550mm
Width: 94mm
Height: 765mm
