Summary | Accommodation | History | Specifications

Leader's decks are wide and spacious, and surrounded by high, solid bulwarks and capping rail, so she feels very safe and protected. Aft is the helm, from where the boat is steered. Though built with a tiller, she now has a wheel, so is much easier to handle. Most people like to have a turn at helming during the week, with the crew at hand to keep you right. Just ahead of the helm is the Mizzen mast, with the mizzen sheets and halyards coming down to the pinrails on either side.

Ahead of the mizzen is the aft companionway, which the crew use to reach the galley, chart table and crew cabin. Forward of this is a large area of open deck space. Perfect for relaxing, chatting, reading, or even dancing reels, when at anchor, the ships tender (a large inflatable with outboard engine) is stored here when at sea.

Next comes the main mast, and again the ropes used to set it, and the topsail that sets above it, come down to the pinrails on either side. Beside the mainmast is the forward companionway, used to reach the guests' accommodation area, and ahead is the anchor windlass, still of traditional style, though now with the option of hydraulic power!

A Tour of the Accommodation

Descending the aft companionway from the Deck brings you into the Galley. The Galley is equipped with a gas fired commercial range, fridge, freezer, and sinks with hot running water. On the Port side is the Chart table, equipped with GPS and Radar.

Aft of the galley at the stern (back) of the boat is the aft crew cabin. This is where the Skipper, Mate and Bosun live. Forward of the galley is the main saloon. This is the heart of the boat, and is where everybody eats together. The large table can seat 17 people (or more at a squeeze), but can be folded back during the day to allow easy access to the guest accommodation. There are bunks either side of the saloon that are not used as berths, but can be a good place to relax with a book when the weather is not so good on deck.

The guests' accommodation is situated in the central part of the boat, just ahead of the main saloon. Bunks are arranged in pairs, with three pairs to Port, and three to Starboard. Each pair of bunks is separated by curtains for privacy, and each bunk has it's own curtain. There are lockers for stowage under each bunk, and further locker space at the forward end of the accommodation.

Just forward of the bunk area is the forward companionway, with access to and from the deck. At the bottom of the companionway is a wet locker for the stowage of oilskins, wellies, and outdoor clothing. Opposite the wet locker is the forward crew cabin, home of the cook and assistant cook.

In the forward part of the boat are two heads (toilets) each with a sink and hot running water, and two shower cubicles, each with a hot shower. Leader carries two tonnes of fresh water, so staying clean and comfortable is not a problem. Hot water is provided by the generator, which also powers the 240v ring main. This is live for about three hours each day, and can be used to charge phones, shavers, video cameras etc.

Right in the bows of the boat is the workshop, full of the tools and spare parts that help to keep the boat and her systems in good condition. Also in the workshop is the chain locker, where the anchor chain is flaked, and the motor for the hydraulic anchor windlass.

Accommodation Plan