Name St Alexander

Ex-owner - David Buckland - Arctic Explorer and Arctic Conservationist. Founder of Cape Farewell. ST ALEXANDER is a heritage boat of historic significance, an Admiralty Launch built in 1945 by McGruer of Dumbartin, commissioned by the Admiralty during World War II. She was hung on the side of a larger warship and one of her main functions was to transfer cargo and troops (often officers) between ships while at sea. Her beautiful and functional carvel construction with double diagonal planking of mahogany fastened with copper nails is shaped to create remarkable little wash even at top speeds and strong construction to withstand shells.

ST ALEXANDER was originally propelled by steam and still maintains her original steam funnel feature through the main living space. She was re-engined with a beautiful Diesel 6-cylinder Gardner 150 Engine in 1974 by Charles Sadler and Co of Birmingham. ST ALEXANDER is unusually well preserved as her hull was copper sheathed from first construction. Which also suggests she may have served overseas. Her hull is a stunning example of original double diagonal Honduras mahogany construction and not many Admiralty Launch WWII ships are as well preserved. St Alexander has been in Chelsea Harbour Marina for 20 years for the public to enjoy seeing her exterior.

Launch Date 1945. Re-built and Re-engined by Charles Sadler and Co in 1974 from Steam to Diesel Gardner 150 6 cylinder engine. Past Owners at Chelsea Harbour: Max Fezer, David Buckland, Current owner: Marianne Bailey Both Max Fezer and David Buckland have sailed her around France, Mediterranean, Italy, Greece. When she was re-engined in 1974, enough Diesel and water storage was put in to sail to America. She has old marine maps of South America on board so we believe she has made several long journey's in the past. Owner David Buckland made some changes to make ST ALEXANDER a better houseboat and enclosed the outdoor space between the wheelhouse and kitchen situated on the lower deck. The original steam funnel runs through the main living space. (The Wheelhouse has been extended aft to form a deck saloon over the coachroof of the engine room and aft saloon has been built over the aft deck.)