classic boat rally 2

So..........a bacon buttie, cuppa and a read of the newspaper and then it was 10.00am and the pontoons were opened up to visitors. Its the first time I've been onto the pontoons in Sutton Harbour. people were enjoying the early morning sun, some were varnishing woodwork.....a never ever ending task I should think on some of these boats.

Elvin is a motor launch built by Clapson and Sons in Barton Upon Humber in 1937; she is also a Dunkirk Little Ship and so rather special. she is listed in the National Historic ships register. Arriving at Ramsgate ready to go and help at Dunkirk, she had a RNVR officer and a civilian crew. The Navy weren't too happy about this but the crew ignored them, cast off and went on; where they went alongside a pier and rescued 25 French troops and 8 British. They landed their part back at Ramsgate all safe and sound. She is now owned by Hywel Bowen Perkins, which sounds very much a welsh name....so he is doubly blessed!

Lovely mahogany and teak work

I admire the owners of these boats, not because they own such a boat, but because of the obvious dedication they have in conserving such stunning craft. Each is a labour of love and a black hole where money is concerned I suspect.

This is an amazing vessel

A World War One Motor torpedo boat

The only one left in existence!

she was built for the Royal navy in 1916 by Thornycroft and was named coastal motor vessel 9 (CMB9). Another one listed on the National Historic Ships register she is owned by Robert Morley. LOA is 40'; of double diagonal mahogany; and one of twelve such vessels. She could launch a torpedo from a stern tube mounting and she saw action in 1917 at Zeebrugge. in 1918 she was converted to a top secret Distance Control Boat (DCB1); she was the prototype and was fitted with twin screws, bilge keels, radio masts and a small bridge containing wireless controls which could be controlled by an aircraft. The torpedo could also be launched by the plane and she was capable of 40 knots. And there we have it, all her subsequent work is still top secret classified. She remained in service until 1950's and was found in poor condition. She has now been fully restored.

People ambled around; many stopped to chat to owners. I noticed that mooring stern to pontoon is the norm. I always thought it was a 'Mediterranean' thing but clearly it has come across here too. It makes sense, easy to step off and easy to be seen.

I fell in love with this boat; she was well kept and had such pretty lines. I met her owners and they were charming. Apparently she is for sale!

 

Some nice touches scattered across such elegant craft

 

 

Remiss of me but I forgot to get the name of this vessel but I think she is 'Matanga'. If she is then she is a Bermudan staysail schooner designed by john Powell and built by the Sussex Boat Company in 1951. she was completely rebuilt in 2008 by Bernard Yendell of Devoran, Cornwall. her LOA is 33'

her current owners Paul and Brenda Bidmead bought her in 2013 and she is based at Falmouth.

 

Anyway, I look forward to seeing them sail in the next couple of days.

Steve