Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
BETSIE-JANE was built in 1938 by Saunders Roe of Cowes, Isle of Wight, a motor cruiser of timber carvel construction. She was commissioned by Lord Ebbisham, a former MP and Lord Mayor of London, and named after his two daughters. Uffa Fox referred to the vessel as "the finest example of the round bilge day cruiser we shall find". She was based at the Sea View Yacht Club, Isle of Wight, until WWII, and skippered by Frank Toogood.
The vessel remained under Lord Ebbisham's ownership until his death in 1953, and thereafter had a series of private owners.
In 1991, she was purchased by retired boatbuilder Ron Bailey of Ely, Cambridgeshire, who worked on her for 16 years. Furniture-maker Paul Rainbird took ownership in 2007 and completed the work, which included removing her non-original cabin to revert her to an open-cockpit launch. Full restoration completed 2012. The hull is virtually all original and there are many original fittings and cabinet work.
From 2013, BETSIE-JANE operated as a passenger vessel on the Norfolk Broads and more recently on the River Hamble in Hampshire.
Update, February 2025: Vessel for sale.
We are lacking information on this vessel. If you have any further details, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
Key dates
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1938
Built by Saunders Roe of Cowes Isle of Wight
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1940s
Took part in the Dunkirk evacuations
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1991
Puirchased by retired boatbuilder as restoration project
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2007
Purchased and moved to Greenway Marine, London
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2013
Restoration continuing between charters and day trips- should be completed by end of year
Sources
Classic Boat: Saving Betsie Jane, February 2013
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If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
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