'Flower' was built in Caithness in 1997 by her skipper, Peter Matheson, who is one of Scotland's most experienced traditional wooden boat builders. The vessel was designed by Murray Peterson in Main U.S.A. in 1934. She is an almost exact copy of the schooners, which were used for fishing and carrying cargo on the Eastern seaboard of the United States over a century ago. She is of all-wood construction with a length overall of 60ft including the bowsprit, a beam of 12ft and a draft of 6ft 6ins.
Working sail area (jib, staysail, foresail and mainsail) is 1,200 sq. ft, and there is also a topsail and a fisherman stay sail. The schooner sail-plan has two or more masts with the forward mast being shorter or the same height as the rear masts. The gaff schooner is able to spread more sail per height of mast than any other rig, which allows a generous sail area while keeping the center of effort low . While not the fastest rig close-hauled schooner rigs excels running or reaching, and 'Flower' is capable of speeds in excess of nine knots on a reach.
The 'Flower of Caithness' is a sister ship to the 'Mary Bryant' of Cornwall, both being built to the same Murray Peterson drawings. Shortly after the 'Flower's launch she sailed in company with the Mary Bryant from Oban to Skye, the Outer Hebrides and St.Kilda. A few years ago the 'Mary Bryant' was a regular visitor to Scotland, and Flower's builder and skipper sailed on her with her skipper Anna Straton on many occasions as did some of his staff from the boatyard in Caithness. In fact, one of Peter's boat builders having sailed on the 'Mary Bryant' from America to Scotland.
'The Flower of Caithness', although a pedigree long distance cruiser capable of transatlantic and worldwide passages, is an excellent choice for the less experienced sailor, with camaraderie and team building coming before beating to windward in adverse conditions. Guests are encouraged to take a hand in all aspects of the boats operation, whether it be taking a ‘trick’ at the wheel, handling the sails, navigating, deciding the next port or anchorage or just cooking and washing the dishes.
The schooner is also capable of serious offshore passage making however, and should a group of more professional sailors wish to charter the 'Flower' for some offshore cruising we would be happy to oblige. She can show a clean pair of heels to many modern yachts, and one of her sister ships has rounded Cape Horn. The vessel is of course fully equipped to MCA coding standards.
