Little Anne 11 was built in 1946 by Osbornes of Littlehampton for Gerald Turnour as a replacement for Little Anne, previously built by Osbornes in 1938 but lost after being requisitioned for the war effort.
William Osborne Ltd. need little introduction as one of the principal boat-building firms on the South-Coast from the 1920’s to 1980’s. In addition to their range of motor yachts Osbornes’ built many of the twin diesel R.N.L.I. lifeboats which served the UK coasts during the 1950’s, 60’s and early 70’s. The double diagonal hull construction technique used in the R.N.L.I. boats is a feature of all post-war Osborne Craft, giving great strength and durability.
Little Anne 11 was built to the Swift Junior Class, one of a range produced post-war by Osbornes, the other late 1940’s designs being the Swallow, Falcon and Eagle Classes. A further ‘bird’ range continued in the 1950’s with designs such as the Curlew (20ft.) Martlet (28ft.) and Osprey (31ft.)
The Swift Junior design features in The Yachting Year, volume 11, published in 1947 by Eric Hiscock. ‘William Osborne Ltd specialise in the production of standard cruisers. The firm has brought its designs throughly up-to-date and a number of vessels have been built. These are shapely, able looking little ships.’
Gerald Turnour only kept Little Anne 11 for a few years, selling her in 1949 to P B Myers LDS RCS. She was stationed at Poole in Dorset near to Myers home. In 1951 he decided to re-engine Little Anne 11 replacing the original 20hp Morris Vedette with a 35hp Austin engine. About ten years later and still in Myers ownership he again re-engined Little Anne 11 this time with a 60hp Gray Petrol engine which must have considerable improved her speed and performance. In total Myres owned the vessel for almost twenty-five years. Her following history is rather sketchy, however in recent years she has been stationed on the River Thames in central London.
Little Anne 11 is of double diagonal mahogany construction copper fastened to steam bent oak timbers. Mahogany laid decks and varnished superstructure. Long keel, round bilges, straight, raked stem and transom stern. Hull survey April 2008. Engine serviced April 2009. Electrics re-wired April 2009. New soft furnishings April 2009.
Foreward Heads Compartment with marine wc.
Galley with sink unit, cooker and lockers.
Saloon with two full length port and starboard settee berths.
Aft Cockpit with port helm position, central engine instrumentation. Windscreen, full cockpit canopy. Stern lazarette. Engine casing housing a 37hp Perkins 3 cylinder diesel engine. Direct cooled. Bronze three blade, shaft driven propeller.
Transom bathing ladder. Signals mast.
Brokers Note:
A well maintained and rare post-war Swift Junior design, in remarkably original condition. An ideal vessel for exploring rivers and estuaries, a great weekender with a large aft cockpit for entertaining. Family and work commitments dictate a sale. Offers considered on the guide price. Possible central London marina mooring available.
Guide: SOLD
Lying: London
Viewing: Through the brokers, Classic Yacht Brokerage. Tel. 01905-356482 / 07949-095075
