Over 400 guests enjoyed a respite from recent rains at Gweek Quay Boatyard to celebrate the re-commissioning of the famous classic wooden racing yawl Lutine of Helford.

Lutine floated last week for the first time since 1988 as she was blessed with holy water from Sancreed Well by Beth Holman, director of Queens Hotel and a close friend of the owners of Lutine and Gweek Quay Boatyard, Clive and Gillian Emerson.

Delighted to be present were former skippers from her racing heyday in the 1950s, Mr Charles Lamplugh and Mr Bob Pizey, the well-known yacht surveyor from Ponsanooth. Charles and Bob regaled guests with their many tales of Lutine's sailing exploits, such as twice winning the Fastnet race in the 1950s.

Guests included Hugh Scully (former Antiques Roadshow presenter) and his wife Barbara, local sculptor Greg Powlesland, the inspiration behind, and promoter of, the proposed Clipper-ship museum in Penzance and many customers, friends and supporters from Gweek and beyond. Gweek Silver Band provided musical entertainment, and a buffet was laid on by the Gweek Inn.

Lutine was built for Lloyds' Yacht Club at Camper & Nicholsons' Yard, Gosport, and was designed by Laurent Giles and launched in 1952. She was built to the American Rule and over the next few years she competed in numerous ocean races, many of which she won, including two Fastnets.

She was replaced by Lloyds' Yacht Club in 1970 by a Nicholson 55 and sold on as Lutin. She was sailed back from the Mediterranean for restoration in 1988. Combes Boatyard began the work, which sadly ceased early on and she remained untouched until the hull was brought to Penpol Boatyard in the late 90s.

Lutine was purchased in September, 1999, by Clive and Gillian Emerson, and an extensive refit began.

Lutine will complete her fitting out in Falmouth prior to sailing to Fowey to take part in the Fowey Feeder Race, followed by the Falmouth Classics, this week.