N1596 Della

[National 12 Webmaster]

The life of N1596 Della. Design: Mark 4A, designed by: Ian Proctor in 1955
Original boat name: Willy Nilly.

[malcolmcjames]

N1596 was owned by Len Thorne at Burton SC during the Branston days. Deep blue hull and varnished decks/ interior. I used to crew for Len during 1972-73 before I purchased my own boat and he introduced me to the finer points of 12 sailing. His son Adrian sailed her occasionally with sister Della (who Len named the boat after) and they were particularly fast in lighter airs despite competing against more modern designs at the time (i.e. 1975-78). The boat didn't move up to Foremark when the club left Branston at the end of 1978 so I don't know where she is now. Sadly Len Thorne passed away about 10 years ago.