Dreva: A Gaff Cutter Born in the Mists of Mevagissey

Dario D'Atri
May 29
2 min read

Dreva en la Sitges Vela Clásica (Foto: Jan Latussek)

In the gentle haze of interwar Mevagissey, when shipyards still smelled of tar and wet oak, Dreva was born—a gem of British maritime tradition. Built in 1936 by W. Frazier & Son, this gaff cutter with harmonious lines and a carvel wooden heart has elegantly sailed through nearly a century without losing her essence: to navigate with beauty.

With her 35-foot length and 10-foot beam, Dreva combines stability and grace, ideal for coastal voyages or leisurely days with the wind at her back. Her pitch pine hull over oak frames reveals the craftsmanship of an era when each vessel was unique and carried the soul of its builder. The gaff rig and solitary mast evoke the romantic silhouettes of classic sailboats that still inspire postcards, poems, and sailors’ dreams.

Refurbished and meticulously cared for, Dreva continues to sail as a private vessel between Wales and the Mediterranean. Inside, simple yet warm, one can sense the scent of living wood and hear the whispers of past stories. Equipped with a reliable Saab 2HG diesel engine, her navigation blends tradition and functionality. Dreva is not a boat for those in a hurry; she is for those who understand that the most valuable time is measured in nautical miles, open skies, and the stillness after lowering the sails.