It is not known exactly when Ailsa production started but the keel shape and the fittings on this yacht suggest that she was built in the early 1930's.
 
The hull is hollowed pine and is painted in its original red and yellow paintwork with a gold coachline. The paintwork is in good condition with just a few marks. It appears that the whole yacht was coated with varnish perhaps when it was new. This was common practise to give extra protection when it was intended to sail the yacht and explains why the paintwork and the deck are in good condition. The hull has had 2 pressed metal name plates added to the bows. There is also a pressed metal plate on the deck with the initials M.D.K.S.
 
The deck fittings, the spars and the sails are all original. However, the sails are a little delicate with a rust hole in the jib and a small tear in the mainsail. Unusually the jib sheets are taken aft to a cleat arrangement in the middle of the deck. The bowsprit has been repaired at some point in the past.
 
Overall Heather Bell is in remarkable condition for her age. A very pretty and collectable yacht.
 
The stand is relatively modern but is in included in the sale if required.