HDML restoration

Just out of curiosity...   Is anyone interested in getting an old 70 Ft(sh) WW2 boat and keeping her in or around Lowestoft/Ipswich/Gt Yarmouth or perhaps even Ramsgate.

This would eventually involve setting up a charitable trust to oversee the running of the trust.  We'd need volunteer administrators, crew, helpers, fundraiders and experienced skippers.  It would be based along the lines of the HDML Medusa or MTB102 trusts.

Another option is for a group of 4-6 people putting money into the hat to buy (and own) the boat.  

Getting a boat need not be the problem (I've got a 40' Seaplane tender to get started if necessary). Its running the trust and keeping the commitment to keep the show on the road that may be harder plus raising about £5000 per annum to keep a big boat.

Please understand that I'm not offering to run this thing as there are people much more capable than I who could do this.  I would however be willing to help with getting a boat, share the ongoing work and buy 50 gallons of grey paint!

I'm only asking at this stage.  If you are interested in being involved and most importantly can commit time, them please send me a message or email don@rania.co.uk, Look up the messages on 'boat share' on this forum.

If you are interested in a similar project but not in this area, email me anyway and if there are other people in your area, I'll put you  in touch.

Come on. Stop reading about it...do it.

Cheers



Edited by dgray

hi phil

i used to be the deckhand on the pride of the dart i worked alongside my father inlaw john for many years. i would be very greatful if you could send me some pictures on how she is getting on. she was a big part of my life and would like to know she has gone to someone who will restore her. i've worked on a few boats and i can safely say i would trust that boat in any weather. she is a good boat. i hope you enjoy her as much as i did

 

thanks christian,

 its sad to see her looking like that. hope she gets sorted. would be a waste of a good boat

 

              Dear All,  In the later part of 1948, we purchased two HDMLs from admiralty disposals. They entered service as Pride of the Dart Numbers 1/2.  Number 2 was sold to the brother of a very famous comedian. She ran from North Africa to Spain mostly at night, she is now on the sea bed in the straights of Gibraltar. Ihad command of number 1 in the mid 1950s. My father also purchased a BYMS Regency Belle, she used to ply her trade at Brighton and Scarborough. My last HDML was Devon Princess owned by Mr H Jennings of Budleigh, I had command of her when he purchased the Paddle Steamer Freshwater from British Rail.     John A.     

I was reading a wonderful book ( Fairmile Ships of the Royal Australian Navy ISBN 1-876439-86-6  -  www.warbooks.com.au) and noticed a dedication that is particularly relevant to coastal forces craft.


   Only a number, not even a name
How shall posterity hear of thy fame?

                                      Anon

Don