Previous names
- 1922 - 2018 Growler
Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
GROWLER was built as a third-sized version of the legendary racing Thames barge SARA. Little is known of her history. We know that she spent the Second World War laid up at the Benfleet yacht club, and that she was then refitted.
In the 1970s she was restored to her original rig. Sometime after that she fell into disrepair, was rescued, and then taken to a barn in Dedham, Suffolk.
For the last 25 years she has been undergoing restoration, with new frames and chines installed. In August 2018 she was taken on by a private owner, who undertook a major restoration project, with GROWLER being relaunched in summer 2023.
Key dates
-
1922
Designed by the architect T H Hughes and built at Ipswich.
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1939-45
Spent war laid up at Benfleet Yacht Club
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1970s
Restored to original sloop rig
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2018
Transferred to Norfolk for completion of restoration
Grants
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July 2020
A Sustainability Grant of £800 towards the cost of the engine was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships UK
Sources
Classic Boat: The schoolboy and the Thames barge, March 2019
Classic Boat: Project Growler - Winner of the 2019 Jotun restoration competition, August 2019
Classic Boat: New kid on the block, February 2020
Own this vessel?
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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