Fairey Christina
Bruce Campbell 25ft Christina - 'Malik'
Length: 25ft 7.62m
Breadth: 9ft 4" 2.84m
Depth: 2ft7" 0.79m
History
Bruce Campbell was a great friend of the Fairey family and obtained the distribution rights for the 25ft and 27ft Fairey Hot Moulded hulls, fitted out with his superstructer & specification. This resulted in the Christina 25 being built on the Hamble River, being offered for sale particularly in the Mediterranean. Fairey Marine was manufacturing the 23ft 'Huntress' version
The Christina 25 made history by winning the first 1961 Cowes to Torquay powerboat Race with 'Thunderbolt' , the course included circumnavigating the Isle of Wight, before dashing west to the Torquay finish. Driving to an average speed of 25 mph was Tommy Sopwith son of the aviation pioneer Sir Thomas. The first three boats were all Ray Hunt designs, which dominated the offshore powerboats of the era.
Bruce Campbell went on to produce his own wooden hulls and finally a GRP version of the Christina 25. These Hulls were built by Walter & Lawrence.
Construction
Cold moulded or Hot moulded Hull, marine plywood deck & superstructure. Curved screen in moulded perspex with alloy frame.
Machinery & Systems
Six cylinder 5.7 litre Ford Tempest Marine Diesel 96HP at 2400 RPM with Borg Warner reduction gearbox. 12volt Battery with isolator switch.
Stainless shaft with Bronze propeller & flexible shaft seal
Whitlock type rod and bevel box sterring, to tiller and bronze rudder.
Dash Panel with engine dials & RPM guage.
Domestic & Navigational switches on dash panel
Cabin
Twin long berths each side with fill in cushion. Cave lockers on top sides. The raised cabin top of the Christina design gives adequate headroom.
Galley & sink to startboard with marine toilet compartment to port
Cockpit
Helm position to port with drivers seat. The classic Bruce Campbell Dashboard design & throttle lever. GPS, compass, auxillary switches and starter key.
Stern seat above the Diesel Fuel tank.
Curved screen with 'bimimi' top.
The spacious cockpit has the classic Christina rail surround.
Fenders, flag and mooring lines
Anchor & mooring line with chain length.
Summary
'Malik' still has her Bruce Campbell building plate in cast brass as can be seen in the cabin. The bilges are clean as can be seen in the photos.
She is a fine example of the Fairey & Bruce Campbell range of offshore powerboats, which proved their seakeeping qualities in the powerboat races of the early 1960's. A number of these craft were extreamily popular in the Mediterianian for use by the 'Rich & Famous' of the day, 'Malik' appears to have had only a few loving owners.
This is a unique oppertunity to own a Bruce Campbell Christina, but is in need of some attention, mainly to the cabin superstructure & decks. She would afford a good oppertunity to 'visit' the French waterways by driving her home to UK before undertaking the refurbishment, hence the low asking price. The current owners use her frequently for visiting the Islands off Cannes.
She is currently lying in Cannes, South of France.
Lying: S. France Price: Sold
