Laurent Giles prepresented by Barry Van Geffen and Steven Wallis proposed the L.G.520 which would give a draft of 4¨10" with a drop keel for ocean cruising.After a few changes Peter and Frances accepted this proposal and 2 years later the yacht was started by Sail and Steam the boat builder recommended by Laurent Giles.

The hull was removed from the yard after a disagreement over the standard of storage for the steel, they were leaving the steel outside in the weather allowing rust to form before using it on the hull. Peter had specifically asked that this not be done as he wished to avoid any rust, hoping to give the yacht a better quality finish and longer life.Peter and Frances took the hull home and after a good deal of remedial work started to complete the hull and fit out the inside themselves.

As with many truly home build yachts this took several years.The big day came in late 1995 for a test dip, to ensure she was trim. All excitement turned to horror as she sank lower and lower into the water well above the designed water line, with still many tons of gear to go on board. The first thought was to contact Barry Van Geffen(Laurent Giles) and try and find out what might have gone wrong, unfortunately Mr. Van Geffen was no longer interested and after very little discussion Frances and Peter were refered to his solicitors, Frances and Peter asked them to send a surveyor or at least a representative to look at the boat, but this did not happen either.

"Frances Ann" underway still not fully loaded but already 10" down on her marks.