RODNEY PELL: IN MEMORIAM
The National Historic Ships UK team were sorry to hear the news last week of the death of Rodney Pell. Rodney was the proud owner of the 1935 motor yacht Sheemaun, which he had owned since 1981, and which was a well-known sight in Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour as well as at maritime festivals in the UK, France and Belgium. He also wrote a book about Sheemaun; Little Ship, Big Story.
In 2010, Sheemaun was awarded the accolade of NHS-UK’s Flagship of the Year, and in 2012 she took part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the Throne. Following Sheemaun’s Flagship Award, Rodney was part of the Judging Panel for the award for many years, and became a great friend of NHS-UK’s late Director, Martyn Heighton.
Rodney also took on the informal role of National Historic Ships ambassador. Current Director Hannah Cunliffe recalls him gladly taking on this role with pride and doing an excellent job enthusing others with his love for maritime heritage. Our condolences to Rodney’s widow, Maura, his friends, and family.
- the National Historic Ships UK team
Zone
South East