Name Vesta

VESTA was built in 1956 by Camper & Nicholsons Ltd in Gosport as one of the last "traditional" Portsmouth-Gosport ferries. In 1966 she was made a reserve vessel for the ferry route, and was also used on seasonal harbour tours. She was sold to Thames Pleasure Craft in 1974, and was running for Thames Launches by 1977.

She passed to A. Green as the DUCHESS M in 1978, and then to D.C & W.Tours in 1981. By 1983 DUCHESS M was under the Capital Cruises banner. In 1991 she was on the River Tyne running charter cruises for Rolls Royce Limousine Hire, passing to River Tyne Cruises by 1995.

In 1997 DUCHESS M had relocated to Southend-on-Sea, running services to Queenborough and Strood, as well as local sea cruises. By 1999, she was the sole fleet member, and was sold in 2002 to the Lower Thames & Medway Passenger Boat Co for use on the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry, which she did until 2016. She had new engine fitted and was then sold in 2020 to the current owners to be turned into a live-aboard motor boat.