HISTORY & DESCRIPTION:
DOWAGER was built by Groves & Gutteridge in 1932 to the Watson Class 41 design by G L Watson and launched in 1933 as ROSA WOODD & PHYLISS LUNN ( RNLI number 758) as the Shoreham lifeboat, costing £6,500 to build. She served for 30 years at Shoreham and was launched 244 times saving 143 civilian lives.
In June 1940 she served at Dunkirk as one of the fleet of Little Ships pressed into service to evacuate the beaches. She made three trips to Dunkirk from Dover crewed by naval personnel. From 1963 to 1973 she remained a reserve lifeboat for the RNLI and was one of the first lifeboats to be fitted with diesel engines, a pair of Ford Parsons Porbeagle rated @ 47hp.
In 1973 and re-named DOWAGER she was converted to a private motor-yacht by T B Lawrence who bought her whilst lying in Bangor, Northern Ireland. During her time as a serving lifeboat for the RNLI she was involved in several heroic rescues, her crew receiving gallantry awards.
DOWAGER has made many returns to Dunkirk, most notably the 40th, 50th & 60th anniversaries. Her wheelhouse contains a good number of bronze commemoration plaques.
DOWAGER is of double skin mahogany construction on oak timbers all copper fastened. The deck-house and cabin structure were added during the conversion and offer accommodation for up to six, with scope to adapt the interior if required.
Forward Cabin with four single berths, heads compartment and vanity unit. Storage lockers and access to forepeak.
Deck Saloon/Wheelhouse with helm position to port, engine controls and instrumentation. Port and starboard settee berths, lockers, galley.
Double doors opening to the part covered rear deck with removable canopy.
PAIR FORD PARSONS (Porbeagle) 47hp Diesel Engines as fitted new in 1963 by RNLI.
BROKERS NOTE:
A rare opportunity to buy one of a small number of former Royal National Lifeboats which served at Dunkirk. Successfully converted to a comfortable and traditional style motor-yacht, ideal for extended cruising or as a permanent live-aboard. In long family ownership and having a wonderful period feel, so often lost with over restoration.
Some fitting-out required due to lack of use in recent years.
Watch the epic movie Dunkirk, then own a part of our maritime history and become a member of the most exclusive yacht club in the world.
Owner supplied images.
GUIDE: Sold – similar vessel required for brokerage
LYING: KENT
VIEWING: Through CLASSIC YACHT BROKERAGE – 01905-356482
