Clinker Lugger Alert

Alert is a replica of an 1835 smuggling lugger designed and built by Stirling and Son at Morwellham Quay, Devon. Alert sailed to Iceland on her maiden voyage after her launch in 2007. On her return she was sold and is currently based in Plymouth.

Principal dimensions are: Length overall 37’, beam 11’ 8”, draught 6’3”, length over spars 65’. Notable contemporary design features are the wide boards of clinker planking up to the whales, which are of oak, carvel and thicker. Relatively full forward sections above the waterline lead to an upright stem while a deep and pronounced forefoot is the culmination of a fine entry below the waterline. The beam of the vessel is comparatively wide which gives a beam to waterline length ratio of less than 3:1. This lends the boat stability and an ability to stand up to a large rig. The long run leads right up to the tuck of the lute stern, which overhangs the sternpost by approximately 4’. The keel is straight and her depth of draught reflects her Westcountry origins. She is built of larch on oak with lead ballast and copper and bronze fastened throughout.