MAGDA IV – 1904 William Fife Gaff Cutter

Specification

General Information

Rigg and Sails

Construction

Comment

Magda IV is a typical gaff cutter from the beginning of the 20th century, built in 1904 at Anker & Jensen in Asker, Norway, to a design by William Fife III. Her first owner was the wealthy wine and liquor merchant Alfred Larsen (1863 to 1950), who was also a dedicated yachtsman and regatta sailor. All his boats were named Magda. Magda IV was designed and built before the introduction of the International Metre Rule, which was introduced in 1907, also known as the “Copenhagen Rule”. This was the forerunner of the Metre Rule, developed under the chairmanship of Alfred Benzon in Copenhagen, who was a member of the standing committee of the International Yacht Racing Union. The size of the Magda IV is similar to that of an early 10-meter yacht, but she is lighter and carries more sail. After spending years in a shed in Sweden, Magda IV is looking forward to finding a new owner to restore her to her old, new glory.