History

Fair Maid was built by Johansen in Cottesloe, and launched in 1951. The man who commissioned her was David Lesslie, a Scot from Dundee, hence the name Fair Maid, a reference to Sir Walter Scott's Waverley novel, Fair Maid of Perth. I like that, cultured yet subtle. David saw the design featured in Sea Spray magazine, and purchased the plans from Eric Cox of Christchurch NZ. In '52 and '53 she participated in the annual Fremantle-Bunbury and return race. I suspect that winning it was David Lesslie's dream, but sadly not to be fulfilled.

David suffered a heart attack a few years after launching the little lady, remained ill, ceased sailing, and his son John (21 when she was launched, now 86 and going strong, a real gentleman) sailed her in the next Fremantle-Bunbury and return race. David died and the family disposed of the boat. I have yet to discover the next owner, but so far we know the following (this is a State Library summary of a discussion I had with them asking for information):

Confirmation of receipt of Question submitted to WA State Library:
I am looking for photographs on the 30-foot Yacht "Fair Maid", which was launched in 1951 and has been sailed and owned by a number of people since including David Leslie, Governor Sir Wallace Kyle's brother, Dr. Barry Hopkins and the lawyer Peter Kyle. A colour photograph was published on the front page of the Western Mail on 17th December 1953 and I would like to find the original of this image or any others of the yacht that may be available.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/3686516

The Trove link is to the Western mail front page, a magnificent photo!

Peter Kyle is the son of Sir Wallace Kyle, but he sailed Fair Maid with his uncle (his father's brother), who owned her. Dr. Barry Hopkins is a famous cardiologist, who cared for Lang Hancock of Iron Ore fame for many years. Another previous owner is litigation specialist Terry Clavey, and prior to him John Gaunt (and in partnership for a period, Bill Perry), and also Errol Bristow, a retired Police sergeant. Terry told me that if we sail Fair Maid to Rottnest or somewhere where there are lots of boaties, somebody will ask, "Is that Fair Maid?" as she is so well known here. Terry acquired Fair Maid in 2006 and owned her until 2016. The next owner was Johan Grobler, and I acquired her from him.

The ownership history so far, in somewhat doubtful order:

David Lesslie:  1951 - circa 1955
Colin Harry Edwards, of Nedlands, Manager.
Kenneth Joseph Reagon, of Perth, Manager.
Thelma Joy Reagon, of Perth, Widow.
John C Martin, of Cottesloe, Barrister.
Eric W Kyle, of Dalkeith, Surgeon.
Robert Sinclair Ryding, of Perth, Manager.
Anthony John Clarke, of Maylands, Manager.
Dr. Barry Hopkins:
John Gaunt (and Bill Perry): circa 1985 to 1996

Cameron Crevola 1996-99
Errol Bristow
Terry Clavey and Allison Wheatley: 2006-Jan. 2016
Johan Grobler: Jan. 2016-July 2017