Lolita is a magnificent little custom yacht that I designed back in 1978. She was designed for a gentleman who was a true connoisseur of fine wooden yachts and was meticulously built by my old friend, Steve Douglas in Signal Hill, California.

The boat was purchased by Mr. Lon Schleining in the early eighties and he sailed it for a few years before putting it in storage, where it sat for about 12 more years. Lon is no stranger to fine woodcraft, having authored several books and articles on the subject (see www.woodbender.com ).

Lon loved the boat because it embodies both elegant design, and construction of that is of the highest quality. The day finally came when the boat needed a complete refit to bring it back to its original glory and it was brought to Bravura Yachts so that the work could be done under the supervision of the designer.

Lolita is build of cold molded mahogany, using WEST system resin, she has a fin keel made of cast lead and a laminated wood rudder. The mast and boom are aluminum and the deck hardware is bronze. Here lines include long, classic overhangs, a boldly sweeping sheer and a sharply reversed transom. Finished with multiple coats of varnish, Lolita is evocative of the best days of wooden boats.

Unfortunately time has taken its toll on the boat. The varnish has let go and the bronze has turned a dingy green. The portlights are cracked and the interior is musty and old, with decrepit cushions and dry rot in a few places.

After an extensive survey, the boat was pronounced structurally sound in spite of the rot, and so we embarked on restoring her.

The first set of photos show the boat about as she was when she was brought into the shop. As the work progresses, we'll post photos of the boat and describe what is being done.

If you have questions you can drop us a line at info@bravurayachts.com