When Clane Cranfield contacted the Partners in December 1975, his request was not specifically for the designs of Vertue. He wrote “I am interested in building a small (22’ – 26’) gaff or Marconi rigged cutter of traditional character. The prime requisite is that she be beautiful. She will primarily be used for cruising deep-sea”. He received by return mail a selection of eight design information sheets (These days we provide Study Notes) which included: Normandy and Lymington classes, Wanderer II and of course the Vertue. Thereafter detailed correspondence discussed the alternative construction method, rigs and layout that could be offered. Clane describe himself as being an amateur builder” and requested as much detailed information as possible from the plans”.
A list of the ‘standard’ detailed plans was provided and it was easy for Clane to decide; within three weeks he placed his order for the Vertue. His yacht would be called Rambler and Clane would sail her predominantly in sheltered waters. The principal design features that he selected were: extended ocean cruising version, short cockpit, two berth layout and the masthead cutter rig with wooden spars.
Clane wrote: “Building my own vessel capable of cruising offshore has long been a dream, this order forms the first step towards making those dream a practical reality”