A SKEMORLIE man is making waves as he celebrates the completion of an amazing 10 year mission to build his own boat.

Amateur boatbuilder John Guthrie, 75, lifted the anchor on his project with a special naming ceremony at Largs Yacht Haven last week.

The beautifully-built 6m gaff yawl took to the sea after it was officially named Fluke.

The boat has been slowly taking shape over the years under a temporary poly shed at the haven.

She was wheeled out of her temporary home to have the finishing touches put to her paintwork before finally taking to the water.

John, who had his loyal terrier Smudge by his side at the momentous moment, told how his boatbuilding passion began in 1965 when he first helped his father complete an Invicta.

The civil engineer turned industrial photographer decided to build another boat at the age of 65 as a 'wee retirement project'.

He said: “The launch has been a long time coming but I’m very excited to be actually sailing Fluke.

“I have been helped so much along the way by local suppliers, too many to name, but I would particularly like to thank the staff at Largs Yacht Haven who have supported and encouraged me every step of the way.

"Nothing has ever been too much trouble for them.

"I’m looking forward to having many sailing adventures in her, as indeed are my children and grandchildren."

Director of Largs Yacht Haven, Carolyn Elder said: "If you see John sailing or at his berth in Largs he will be very pleased to share his story with you.

"Fluke really is a special boat and will be much admired for years to come."

The GRP hull moulding was supplied by Universal Projects from St Austell in Cornwall.

Measuring 6m, she appears larger due to the yawl rig and carries 33 square metres of canvas stitched by William Leitch of Tarbert.

Above and below decks the layout has been tailor made to John’s requirements, with two quarter berths, seating, heads, an alcohol-fuelled stove and double sinks with a charcoal stove for heating.

The boat has an unusual engine design of a jet-ski type propulsion system with a 5hp diesel as well as aluminium masts which are filled with compressed air to increase strength and negate the use of running backstays.