Veleiro Secret20 Info

Scruffie marine
about our
Secret 20
Secret designer’s brief
The design foundations of this type of vessel were laid in the nineteenth century by
which time the archetypal English gaff cutter had evolved into a near perfect
expression of hull and rig. Whether racing or trawling their straight stems, graceful
counters and rakish rigs dominated the sailing scene in late Victorian England. Their
speed and sea keeping abilities were the stuff of legend and even today cutters
such as the restored Partridge of 1885 are still winning classic regattas and races. I
grew up in and around the south east of England where many a fine cutter had her
home port and I had wanted one for the best part of forty years. Although tiny by
comparison, Secret shares a common heritage with those wonderful old cutters
and I have worked harder on her lines than any other in an effort to capture the
essence of the old timers in a thoroughly modern trailer yacht.
Intended primarily as a day sailer with good weekend accommodation facilities, the
emphasis is on cockpit comfort and space rather than a cavernous cabin with all
mod cons. The boat will sleep two down below and two under canvas in the
cockpit. Ample space is provided for portable toilet, sink stove and icebox. The
cabin features a canvas hatch and specially cast bronze oval ports. The cockpit is
self-draining and will comfortably seat four along one side (“R” Type.)
Auxiliary power is supplied by an electric motor sliding down through a flap in the
counter; the batteries stowed forward under the bunks. A small generator and solar
panels can be fitted for complete peace of mind (a petrol outboard can be fitted
but should be removable.)
Structurally, Secret is built around our time honoured slot system marine ply
framework. A two inch laminated keel/stem/stern assembly runs the whole length
of the boat, extending down to include the ballast which is in the form of lead
ingots, housed in a faired hardwood “box.” The machined marine ply frames, seats
and bulkheads interlock and slot into the keel, forming a light, strong box section
framework. Next a series of closely spaced stringers are fitted around the hull and
the ply skin is screwed and glued in place. The bilges are “planked” up in cedar and
faired to a firm yet fully rounded profile. The bulkheads, floors, seat bunks, and
lockers are all an integral part of the structure. There are no jigs or strongbacks
needed and with all the components pre-fabricated, initial build time is very fast.
Most builders will be able to get a Secret in frame within a week or two.
6-8 Knoll Road Scruffie Marine Pty Ltd Phone: +61 7 5545 1015
North Tamborine QLD 4271 info@scruffie.com Local: (07) 5545 1015
Australia www.scruffie.com
Fairing the hull and achieving a good finish will always take time and superb cabin
joinery is not an overnight job. To help make the work easier, many finishing
components are pre-machined to fit to the framework and a selection of matching
off-cuts is provided for custom work.
The keel is of Oregon pine (Douglas fir) and Tallowood, stringers of Oregon and
Western Red Cedar, the turn of the bilges is also Cedar. Interior trim and other
bright work is in Queensland Red Cedar – a tough, resilient yet lightweight timber,
finishing to a beautifully figured rich red brown. Options include Australian Silky Oak
or Silver Ash. The spars are hollow and of the best clear Oregon pine. The sailcloth is
available in tan, cream or white and the custom made fittings are in stainless steel.
Good quality cordage and chandlery is by Ronstan. The rig includes two rows of
reef points on the main, roller reefing to the foresail and a variety of jibs set flying on
the bowsprit. Secret can be rigged, launched and sailed by the single hander. She
draws 2’3” (.675m) when afloat.
Secret has proved to be beautifully balanced on all points, quick to manoeuvre and
satisfyingly fast. In about 8-9 knots of breeze she points efficiently to about 35
degrees, making true 45 degrees over the ground. On a reach over 7.5 knots has
been recorded. The boat has an easy motion in moderate chop and has exceeded
all expectations and we are delighted with her. While the “C” Type hulls and an “R”
Type rigs with their larger battened main, larger jib and with optional gennaker is by
far the most popular combination, for those who require even more performance
there is the "R” type cabin version with larger cockpit and a smaller, lower cabin
roofline. The two bunks below will remain for basic accommodation but there’s no
space for stove or sink in the cabin, although a port-a-potti will sit snugly under the
cockpit sole. Both rigs on both hulls are interchangeable. The “R” type with a crew of
three or four will be very competitive in classic boat competition and in mixed
handicap fleets.
The boat is thoroughly engineered to the best of my ability and while certainly not
cheap, in kit form it will represent a huge saving on similar custom built craft
Secret is for those who appreciate the very best in small boats – I am proud of her.
Derek Ellard
Designer
Secret racing on Sydney Harbour,, photo John Jeremy
Secret on Moreton Bay, Queensland
Specifications
LOA: 27’ (8.2m) LOD: 20’ (6.0m)
Weight: 700 kg approx. Ballast External: 100 kg
Draught: 2’3” (.68m) Ballast Internal: water/batteries
Beam: 7’ (2.1m) to 200 kgs
Berths: 2+2 Rig: gaff cutter
Working sail area: 24.06 sq m Timber trim: red cedar or
(“R” Type) various options
Kit Components: pre-fabricated and ballasted keel assembly, frames, seats,

bulkheads, stringers, hull panels, timber spars, rudder and tiller, solid timber trim for
fit out, epoxy resins, fillers, fibreglass cloth, fixings and custom fittings – everything
except paint and varnish.
Materials: BS1088 marine ply and Hoop Pine plantation ply, Western Red Cedar,
selected Queensland Red Cedar, Silky Oak and selected hardwoods. Spars in clear
Douglas Fir (Oregon Pine.)
Hull Versions
Secret 20 Full Cabin Hull Kit – more cabin, more overnight comfort.
Secret 20 Cuddy Cabin Hull Kit – a shorter cabin allows more cockpit space
Mast/Sail Pack Versions

Secret “R” Type Mast/Sail Pack
Mast, gaff, boom, bowsprit, rudder, tiller, all standing & running rigging,
fairleads cleats, blocks, mainsail, foresail and jib in 6 oz cloth, foresail roller reefing
Secret “C” Type Mast/Sail Pack

As for the “R” Type but with cruising rig, smaller unbattened main & smaller jib
Road Trailer – custom built
Accessories – a full range of accessories is available

Special Trim – Please request price & availability of special trims when ordering
Completed Boats – built to various stages, please contact us for further

information
Secret at Moreton Bay, Queensland
Max Campbell’s Secret, Whisper, in the UK, photo by Peter Chesworth
Secret “R” Type hull and rig
Secret “R” and “C” Type cabin layout
Secret electric outboard
A “Secret” day out on Sydney Harbour
It’s a fine day and we’re heading out onto the harbour for a lazy summer sail and
picnic in the modern classic, Scruffie Marine’s flagship, Secret 20. We chose to leave
from Rose Bay boat ramp this time, which is in the south eastern corner of the
harbour and offers the quickest path to the best sailing and best beaches. Being
the closest ramp to the open water there are usually quite a few small fishing boats
at the ramp, both commercial and recreational and it’s a public ferry wharf as well,
so it gets a little exciting sometimes.
The Secret 20 is an easy going, sea-kindly gaff cutter with good, balanced
performance on all points, but she really gets up and flies when running or
reaching. Those who have some sailing experience will enjoy the light helm and
predictable heeling motion, as well as the raw performance of this modern take on
classic racers. Secret 20 owners are very confident with their boats and take them
out in all conditions, so far with winds up to 30 knots. I chuck a reef in at 20 knots if
I’m not racing but she is a safe boat with enough airtight compartments and safety
features make her crew, of six (seven at a squeeze) confident and comfortable.
This is maybe the tenth time I’ve taken out my Secret 20 (built by Scruffie Marine in
Queensland Australia) and I’ve got to know her well. She is a modern interpretation
of East Anglian fishing smacks from the golden years of sailing at the turn of the
last century, renowned among classic yacht enthusiasts. Although loosely based on
these thoroughbred working boats, looks can be deceiving. She has a traditional
appearance above the waterline but below it’s a different matter. The keel is
reminiscent of the full-length type popular with the smacks, but has a large
cutaway towards the bow to give her a fin type leading edge, while retaining that
directional stability provided by the large surface remaining aft. The hull has a very
fine entry which tapers smoothly to a full centre section, sliding gently back with the
perfect amount of rocker, to a graceful counter stern. And when you see her on the
trailer with all the sails up, and you can see the keel, rudder and wetted area below
the water line, you know she’s going to be quick and point well. It’s very rewarding to
have one of the best looking and handling boats on the harbour, and I’m continually
beating away the hordes of bystanders and interested parties harassing us at the
ramp (I keep a short stick in the cockpit.)
Secret’s probably the perfect boat for the harbour with her shoal draft and
manageable rig. We were due to leave Rose Bay boat ramp about 10 am
(remember it is Sunday) and pulling up at the ramp I could smell the salt breeze,
eagerly anticipating what the predicted southerly might hold for the day’s
adventure.
After arriving at the ramp at 9am, we had an hour to get her ready while the other
crew members, who were coming later, took their time having breakfast in bed and
generally lazing around. The coastal weather forecast for the day was a 10 –15 knot
southerly, gusty later and with clear blue skies. At that time of day it was a mere 3-5
knots, a perfect beginning for a Secret Sydney day, bound for one of the famous
little harbour beaches.
On any given Sunday there are numerous racing fleets out and about, including the
famous CYCA fleet of 150 large Tupperware racers. The classic Sydney 18 footers
(replica timber boats from the twenties) were out in force with their seriously over
canvassed rigs and serious, calloused captains and crew. We sometimes take the
same tacks as these beautiful classics but don’t get too close as they are usually
racing around the marks in a very serious manner and don’t much care for modern
gaffers keeping station with them.
We watched the fleets start to make their way out of port and thought this would be
a perfect time to get over to Chowder Bay to avoid being caught up in some more
serious racing. So, broad reaching on a sou’ west heading, we made our way to the
calm protected waters of the bay. Coming in we could see a large number of
yachts and motor boats anchored and decided to put the engine in the well just in
case.
The Secret 20 is designed to have an electric outboard which will push her along at
near hull speed for a couple of hours on ¾ revs with two batteries. With four or even
eight batteries, which also increases the ballast, you could expect 5-8 hours total
running time. There are options for solar panels or for a small generator to charge
batteries on board, otherwise plug them in at home for a couple of hours after
sailing. The recommended petrol engine is a 2 hp Honda 4-stroke which sits neatly
in the well in the counter stern. It has a top mount 1-litre. fuel tank, which will run for
2 hours on 1/2 revs. This is my favourite engine in the world. It starts first go every
time and never misses a beat but this time we didn’t need it.
We brought in the foresail, left the staysail and started spilling wind out of the main.
We came in to cheers and envious looks from many of the other people there. We
managed to easily manoeuvre amongst the vessels at anchor without the engine
and dropped the hook in 4’ to a sandy bottom. We lowered the yard, brailed the sail
and boom nicely underneath and tied the halyard off at a height that would provide
good seating headroom in the spacious cockpit.
By now the sun was riding high and a quick swim and a cold beer was the order of
the moment. So in they all jumped. With all the ample storage space I keep two sets
of flippers and snorkels on board. These were put to good use over to the western
side of the bay where it is very rocky and provides shelter for the many species of
sub-tropical fish that live in Sydney’s warm waters.
While the pampered crew were frolicking about, I was laying out a small stern
anchor for peace of mind - there was a large turn out of boats, even for a Sunday.
So, after our swimmers and adventurous snorkelers returned we grabbed towels,
bags, food and drinks and waded ashore for a picnic on the beach. Distributing the
provisions began, (the captain of course gets a double ration), the hungry crew
gobbled up the rest and topped up any vacant space with more beer and wine.
We stayed for a few hours, laughing and splashing about like little kids, but soon it
was time to get back. So in piled the crew and up came the hooks. We could have
sailed off the anchor, although by then more boats had arrived and I thought we’d
better use the engine. She started first go and took us just out of the bay where sails
were hoisted, sheeted and off we went again. The course we decided on was to
head for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House for some photo opportunities
for the more artistic among our motley crew. This meant a southerly reach across
to Shark Island, then we bore away and made our way upstream in style. The wind
was a fresh 15-knot breeze by now and we were sitting on a very comfortable 6
plus knots. The Bridge, Opera house and colonial Fort Denison quickly came into
view and the cameras started snapping away.
It was getting late as we turned to beat back to Rose Bay. For a gaffer, the Secret is
remarkably close winded – a true 35 degrees with little leeway – and with the
breeze still holding, a few tacks and we were in sight of the ramp. The Tupperware
fleets had disappeared and the old salts on the 18 footers were likely back at the
club with jugs of rum in front of them. The sun was setting over the beautiful city
that is Sydney and I wasn’t quite sure whether it was the crew or the sun casting a
warm glow over the boat.
We soon arrived back at the ramp, I jumped ashore to get the car while the others
held the boat off the jetty and started a chain to remove all the gear that didn’t live
aboard. We got her on the trailer and de rigged her in 25 minutes. The day was
over and a well satisfied crew all offered their thanks with smile (until I held my
hand out and said ’that will be fifty dollars each please), which some took seriously.
All said and done it was a very successful day. I’ll have the same again please!
Christopher Ellard
Contact Scruffie Marine

Email: info@scruffie.com
Website: www.scruffie.com
Phone: +61 7 5545 1015
Phone local: 07 5545 1015
Yard: 6-8 Knoll Road, North Tamborine, Qld 4271, Australia

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Scruffie marine

Secret on Moreton Bay, Queensland

Kit Components: pre-fabricated and ballasted keel assembly, frames, seats,

Mast/Sail Pack Versions

Secret “C” Type Mast/Sail Pack

Road Trailer – custom built

Accessories – a full range of accessories is available

Completed Boats – built to various stages, please contact us for further

Secret “R” and “C” Type cabin layout

Secret electric outboard

Contact Scruffie Marine

Phone: +61 7 5545 1015

Phone local: 07 5545 1015

Yard: 6-8 Knoll Road, North Tamborine, Qld 4271, Australia

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