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The
original Zepher was designed and built by Robert Irwin of
A.J. Fisher Models of Royal Oak Michigan. A company that has
been in business since 1925. Mr. Fisher sold the company to
Raymond Irwin in 1957. Robert took over the company from his dad
in 1960. I had the honor to meet Robert just before he retired
and sold his company in 2003. He took me on a tour of his garage
shop which was full of early 1900's belt driven machinery. Great
guy and very helpful with finding fittings for my Great Lake
boats. Unfortunately he past away shortly after. Few have
contributed as much to the ship modeling then these three
gentlemen of A.J. Fisher. Not to mention specifically what they
have done for Great Lake ship modeling as well.
When Robert past
away the sons and daughters had an estate sale. It was a sad day
but was a chance to own a piece of model history. I picked up
many things such as fittings, Great Lake ship plans, hardware
and tools and even a few models. One of which was a 1 meter
class sailboat called the Zepher.
I finally got
around to restoring this slick sailboat. I soon found out that
it is the original hull. Inside read the words "A. J. Fisher
Zepher Mk2 Hull #1 0-1 Meter" I don't know when this hull
design came about, but I am guessing it's from around the
1970's. Pretty cool to have the pleasure of sailing this great
boat of Roberts. A true craftsmen like no other!! Thanks
Robert!!
Zepher
Length: 3 Feet
0-1 Meter
Beam: 9 Inches
Height: 7'
Aluminum and
wood mast
Mylar sails
Built and
Designed by: Robert Irwin
Owner: Jeff
Churill
My median
voyage: Round Lake Michigan
Have to admit I was
a bit nervous on the median. I have some sailing experience but
shortly after these shots where taken the wind really started to
kick. I was at the mercy of the wind with my less then ideal
sail rigging. However after a few logical tweaks she real step
things up. A real pleasure to sail!!
Note all brass
fittings where made by Robert....
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"The
Zepher" By
Robert Irwin of A.J. Fisher