
Design: 8 METRE CRUISER /RACER
Designer: Jack Savage (to the International Metre formula)
Builder: J. J. Savage and Sons Williamstown Victoria
Year Launched: 1954
Rig: Sloop 7/8 fractional
LOA: 40´
LWL: 29´
Beam: 9´
Draft: 6´
Sail No: KA1
History: In 1906 a conference in London, attended by all the major yachting nations, [excluding USA which had its own Universal Rule] paved the way for this new breed of yacht-the METRE CLASS Out of the chaos of many different rating and handicap systems came a formula that allowed yachts from many countries to race together. The numeral designation ie 6,8 or 12 has nothing to do with any physical dimension of the boat but is a result of a formula measuring the major design aspects.
In 1953 Bill Lowe, a member at RYCV, commissioned J. J. Savage and sons, Williamstown to design and build [to the Rule] an 8 Metre Cruiser/Racer-to be named Mongoose 111.
Hull constructed from 1 1/8´´ Huon Pine over 2 x1 1/2 laminated ash frames@ 8 1/2 centres. Spruce mast and boom.
Extensive Huon Pine fitout. Five berths.
In her first year she was sold to fellow RYCV member Richard White, renamed to MARIE LOUISE 111 where she competed successfully, and trained many junior sailors, for some 20 years.
Then owned by the VALHALLA syndicate, a group of Past Commodores at RBYC for some 10 years.
Current owner Scott Taylor, purchased this classic boat in 2019 and undertook a complete bow to stern restoration.
Marie Louise III competes in the CYAA series and at her home club of RGYC she has won numerous cups and awards including "best presented " yacht
in 2023 the mast was removed and stripped back and 8 coats of Awlwood varnish applied. In January 2025 she was completely stripped back to her Huon Pine planking, re caulked and re painted.
She has recently been upgraded for more comfortable cruising with a Raymarine Autopilot, pressure water, 2 burner stove, new head, front opening 12V fridge, Lewmar anchor, new interior LED lighting, chain and Lofrans Anchor Windlass and new interior upholstery.
Marie Louise is currently set up witrh her original laminated timber tiller, however all the below deck fittings and quadrant are in place for wheel steering and the pedestal, wheel and instrument cluster are available.