Boats at Gibraltar and Malta
Printed From: BMPT Forum
Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: Where Are Those Boats Now
Forum Description: Tell everybody where those old boats are
URL: http://www.bmpt.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=102
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 7:57pm
Topic: Boats at Gibraltar and Malta
Posted By: Christian
Subject: Boats at Gibraltar and Malta
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:05pm
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FOR SALE 2006 BPB Co 71.5' MTB Ambra at Malta as harbour ferry.Ex MTB 1506 Proud Grenadier,ex MTB 506. |
Replies:
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:10pm
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FOR SALE 2006 BPB Co 71.5' MTB Raia at Malta as harbour ferry.Not identified yet.Pics Hector Sheppard-Capurro,info Philip Simons. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:14pm
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72' HDML Madonna Ta Pompei at Malta as fishing boat.She is ex ML1271,bt Hillyard 1943.Pic Hector Sheppard-Capurro,info John Lambert and Al Ross II's book Allied Coastal Forces. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:17pm
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RAF 63' General Service Pinnace 1391 as Samarang in Gibraltar.Pic Hector Sheppard-Capurro |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:22pm
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72' HDML Gibel-Tarik at Gibraltar.Ex ML1301,bt Blackmore 4/43.She is running original Gardner engines and genny and is very sound.Her twin sister,Vincent ex ML1300 (bt Blackmore 1/43,Gardners)will visit soon for a reunion 63 years on.Pic courtesy of owner,Hector Sheppard-Capurro. UPDATE For sale Oct 2006 £40K. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:24pm
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FOR SALE 2006-ONLY £35K! BPB Co MA/SB 32 at Gibraltar.She is featured elsewhere on this site,she is now running Ford New Holland diesels.Pic Christian Sheppard-Capurro |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:31pm
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68' Vosper RTTL2753 as Flywood at Gibraltar.Pic Christian Sheppard-Capurro. UPDATE Sold 2006. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:36pm
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68' Vosper RTTL2758 as Barracuda at Gibraltar prior to moving to Malta.Pic Hector Sheppard-Capurro.(certain sources also have her as ex-2752) |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:47pm
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FOR RELUCTANT SALE 2006 BY WIDOW OF OWNER BPB Co 68' Hants and Dorset HSL/HSTTL Adelheid at Gibraltar.Original ID unconfirmed but believed by historian Donald Smith to be HSL later RTTL 2554. UPDATE now confirmed as ex HSL2595 "Solitude", Flt Lt Lang's DSC winning boat (yard number was found under sickbay floorboards). Sale Price is EUR60,000.00 |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 February 2006 at 6:50pm
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MFV64 as Cara Of Deben at Gibraltar.Not really speedy enough to interest most,but a genuine WWII workhorse in fine condition,with original Gardner.Fuzzy pic by me. Scuttled April 2006 |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 10 July 2006 at 5:58pm
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Shamelessly replying to my own post in order to get these boats back at the front,hoping to see a flicker of interest in the 71.5ft BPB Malta MTBs which should have sold ten times over by now (to be honest I can only tell you they were still available a few months ago,perhaps someone will contact Kevin at Captain Morgan in Malta to see the current situation,I know the Canadian coastal forces people are keen to buy one and ship her to Canada). BPB 68ft Hants and Dorset HSL Adelheid is also for sale at Gibraltar. BPB 63ft Whaleback MASB 32 is also for sale at Gibraltar.(One of only 2 seaworthy Whalebacks in all of Europe) All these boats have had a much easier time of it than the UK based boats,far less rainwater and far more saltwater have seen to that. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 11 July 2006 at 1:57pm
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STOP PRESS! MALTA BOATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! ONLY ABOUT TEN GRAND EACH!!! THAY ARE READY TO GO,CONTACT CAPT MORGAN AT THEIR WEBSITE. |
Posted By: dgray
Date Posted: 26 October 2006 at 8:03am
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Hi Christian, I stumbled onto the complete war history of HDML 1301 on the web (including photos). See: http://www.combinedops.com/HDML%201301.htm I'm sure that your dad will love to read about her. Regards ------------- Don Only a number, not even a name. How shall posterity hear of thy fame? |
Posted By: dgray
Date Posted: 26 October 2006 at 8:22am
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Update: Its by David Carter titled: HDML 1301 - OPERATION BRASSARD - 17 JUN 1944 Didn't you mention somewhere that he visited your dad's boat as his father (as skipper) was killed on her? Regards ------------- Don Only a number, not even a name. How shall posterity hear of thy fame? |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 26 October 2006 at 8:25am
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Hi Don VMT for the tip, David Carter the author is a regular visitor and steers the Gibel-Tarik on trips round the bay holding the very same steering wheel his Dad did. He and Hector have been in cahoots preparing the information on the combinedops site. B Rgds, Christian. |
Posted By: dgray
Date Posted: 26 October 2006 at 4:36pm
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Hi Christian, I should have known that you'd know about 1301 and the combinedops site..lol. I don't suppose David/coastal forces have any plans to bring Gibel-Tarik back to the UK. Now that would be something. Regards ------------- Don Only a number, not even a name. How shall posterity hear of thy fame? |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 31 October 2006 at 2:39pm
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Malta based Barracuda ex Vosper RTTL is up for sale on main page, worth a look even though the pdf takes a while to open. |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 2:16pm
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Hi All, Is there anyone out there interested in trying to put together a group to bring one or more of these interesting boats back to the UK. it seams such a shame to see these wonderfull boats meet a sad end.
------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 2:38pm
| So what would be the cost of bringing one of Captain Morgan's boats back to the uk?Now that would be one nice trip.I bet people would pay to come along! |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 3:05pm
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No idea. Careful planning needed if it is to be under own power and don't fancy that journey without enough power to get her planning. Interesting conunderum?(not sure I have spelt it right but you know what I mean!) ------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 3:14pm
| Wouldn't try it until August unless you go through the French canals, if you tried planing through those they'll throw the (cheese and wine) book at you. Putting enough power in one of these hulls to make it plane is in itself an exercise that needs careful thought, MGB 81 and HSL 102 manage it because they've essentially been rebuilt using epoxy sheathing. It can easily spell the (well-meant) destruction of a classic. I think the best thing would be to ask a shipping specialist the price to have one shipped on the deck of a freighter, likely to cost as much as the boat but then again that's not very much, certainly less than the massive expense of rebuilding a similar boat in much worse condition but closer to hand. |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 3:36pm
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Christian, Thanks for your helpfull comments. The truth is that freighting one back is almost by definition the best way to do it not least because of the problems that you mention. The point is I can't afford to do it on my own. Are there any people out there who will put their money in the ring to get one of these boats up and running in WW2 grey. It must be possiable to put together some sort of Boat Share deal if the right peoplke are interested. It's never going to be anything other than a drain on ones pocket, but what a drain! ------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 6:45pm
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Hi Sentley We recently sold the Vosper 68ft RTTL "Flywood" and I believe the purchaser received a quote of £9K to ship her from Gibraltar to the UK, not such a frightening figure. There are currently 3 very interesting boats for sale here in Gib, see the "Boats For Sale" section on the main page (click on the icon at the top LH corner of the page). There is a "Boat Share" topic elsewhere on this forum, it did receive a lot of interest so I dare say those involved will chip in to this discussion. Regards, Christian. |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 09 December 2006 at 5:26pm
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Hi Christian, Thanks for your comments. Please see the HL145 posts re MAS in Gib. Dont know if there will be enough takers though. Regards Sentley. ------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: dgray
Date Posted: 10 December 2006 at 11:32am
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Perhaps an advert in Classic boat for a syndicate would be the best way forward as, given the responses on the forums, it seems unlikely that there is the interest here. I'm sure that there are people out there who would be interested but they may not know of this forum. I went out to see both the MASB and the HDML and can assure you that they are in remarkable condition and useable exactly as they are. Don |
Posted By: tonclass
Date Posted: 13 December 2006 at 11:20pm
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Is this a Fairmile B, working for Captain Morgan in Malta ? If so, which one ? Rik
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Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 14 December 2006 at 8:31am
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Hi Rik She looks ex German (post war inshore patrol type?) to me but I can't place her, I will keep looking. Rgds,Christian.
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Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 14 December 2006 at 11:02am
| I can't find anything. My only helpful comment is that she looks an awful lot like the Dusseldorf Fire Boat as made in a model kit by Robbe, the real thing would be 95ft long which looks about right and they have the same low freeboard aft, but the wheelhouse is not quite right. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 14 December 2006 at 12:54pm
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A 1965 85ft ex-German Customs Cutter, Rik sent me the full size image of the boat in Malta and you can make out that she is steel and that she has a canoe stern. I think she started life as something very similar to this, perhaps a little longer and more modern (hence the squared off wheelhouse windows). Rgds,Christian. |
Posted By: tonclass
Date Posted: 14 December 2006 at 1:09pm
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They do look very similar. Rik |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 23 January 2007 at 2:57pm
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Hello Christian. I have tried to pm you but your inbox is full! Please will you empty it. Thanks ------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 23 January 2007 at 5:31pm
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Hi Sentley Fire away! |
Posted By: dgray
Date Posted: 30 April 2007 at 9:28pm
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Ambra on the slip in Malta today. Four of us (Billy, Don, Jimmy and Sentley) will be there on 2nd for a few days. Billy & Jimmy are hoping to stay until 10th to try to stabilise the hull. Gearboxes and tools arriving by pallet in Malta tomorrow. Fingers crossed that she's not too far gone. 
------------- Don Only a number, not even a name. How shall posterity hear of thy fame? |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 8:33am
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Hi Don If you keep her name, try to get her registered at a place called "WANNABEKNICKERS". B Rgds, Christian(AMVERYFUNNYTHISMORNING). |
Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 8:41am
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Hi All,
Well, what a site, on the slip early then which is great, see the guy with the old pressure washer at work, hope as Don says, it dose not reveal anything to scary, out of the water she is quite a size, await further news as every one else, with great interest. John |
Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 9:16am
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Christian AMBRA man meself!! (or was I must admit I am impressed with the old war boat co - well done!! ------------- Pioneer - Forum Moderator |
!!)Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 9:39am
| Agreed and seconded. |
Posted By: jimmy p
Date Posted: 11 May 2007 at 1:17pm
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Hi All, Dont know if Dons put pics anywhere else on the forum but we found a very nice rttl out there. Topsides the sun has done a lot of damage but credit to the guy who was working on her for the hull. She's brand new underneath & inside if anyone fancies a crack. Got my hands full & cant afford to ship her which is a shame. Theres another harbour ferry out there that was a hospital ship transport. We thought it was a hdml until we saw the straight stempost(surveyor soon put us right & told us history). Have fun out there playing bilgerat on ambra's frames billy, take it i'm working bilges when i'm back to help on the chine lol. Those who havent seen her will have to understand that they employed very skinny midgets, small children or people with very long arms to rove these boats. Oh yes & if anyone fancies a 1970's conservatory with a large balcony, make us an offer for ambra's superstructure(Put it on top of a towerblock in london & sell it as a penthouse lol).
------------- A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 11 May 2007 at 4:15pm
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the dark class are still here aparently, local opinion is that they were left here at the end of british rule in 1980 or whatever and never used..abandoned? A new local friend has offered to take me to see them some time. P.s i would rather she was "AMBRA" "WEARINGSTOCKINGS" but i think perhaps thats just me ------------- |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 11 May 2007 at 4:18pm
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re Ambra's conservatory! Im still considering the chainsaw option..plus theres no one here to stop me!!perhaps a dark class bridge to come home with??? ------------- |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 13 May 2007 at 5:29pm
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Don't chain saw it, I have applied for planning permission to put it on the back of the house!!!! ------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 13 May 2007 at 5:39pm
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its bigger than my house! mm perhaps a garden shed!! or car garage!1 ------------- |
Posted By: S R Wilson
Date Posted: 13 May 2007 at 5:45pm
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If you take much longer to get home you will need it to live in!!!! ------------- SRW "Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy" WSC. |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 2:54pm
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Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 2:57pm
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i found a very helpfull internet cafe that will let me load up pics..
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Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 2:59pm
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I suppose I'd better load this one up for don!!!
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Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 3:02pm
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do you think this could lift the Ambra?
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Posted By: tramontana
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 4:20pm
| Northeastuser, are you still out in Malta? Some interesting photo's you have posted on the site, the boat with the boat lift behind is an ex R.A.F. range safety launch and the other could be an ex R.A.F. G.S.P. or an ex navy T.R.V. any names to go with these boats? Any sign of Grillette? |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 4:55pm
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Hello there, yes I’m still in Yup the top one is a mk1 GS pinnace, (same as 1262) called Temptation registered in As for Grillette, I was under the impression she was last seen undergoing refit on gozo, I haven’t been there yet. But it’s on my ‘to do’ list!! ------------- |
Posted By: marksaab
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 5:15pm
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Hi Billy I think I have a pic of the pinnace I took in 1986, she was all white then, doesnt look too bad now. ------------- Only yield when you must, never "give up the ship," but fight on to the last "with a stiff upper lip!" |
Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 6:18pm
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Hi Billy,
Great shots, the range safety launch looks very interesting, I know a few people would like to get hold of such a craft. The travel hoist looks just about capable of lifting Ambra! what a piece of kit!, bit "dissapointed" that you have to return for these domestic reasons! getting in the way of such great works! (only joking Mrs Billy) well done so far, a good book waiting for you on your return relating to the next? project!
John |
Posted By: tramontana
Date Posted: 14 May 2007 at 6:47pm
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Northeastuser, I think Grillette's refit will be finished by now, her owner took her all the way from England to Gozo as it was cheaper to do a wooden boat out there, food for thought in making Ambra seaworthy before the trip to England if you are going to sail her round through the Bay of Biscay, always risky even for the larger vessel's. Has Ambra's added keel got a steel shoe fitted? |
Posted By: d-zine
Date Posted: 17 July 2007 at 3:51pm
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Hi Christian, I spotted Gibril Tarik out in Caleta bay when I was out in Gibraltar. It was Sunday 01/07/07 and I was having afternoon tea on the Caleta Hotel veranda. She looked very special sitting off the beach, she was last seen moving at speed out to sea towards the moored tankers etc about a mile out. I have attached an image so that we can all be envious.  ------------- Advance - Runaway Quickly , Runaway Quickly |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 18 July 2007 at 8:09am
| Thanks d-zine, she later encountered choppy seas rounding Europa Point which tore away some copper sheathing, leaving nail holes through both layers of planking. This was not noticed at the time. The slight water ingress overnight coupled with a sticking float switch resulted in the boat taking enough water to expose the topsides planking to the sea, accelerating the ingress. Luckily at that stage it was noticed by the guys from the sailing school (who are also helping Clive out with the MASB) at about lunchtime on Monday. Pumps were brought on board and disaster averted, the holes are now plugged, the float switch replaced, the mess cleaned up and the engines have been run up with no problems, it could have been a lot worse. Just goes to show you really have to keep an eye on these old boats, even the really good ones. It also shows that these potential disasters are usually caused by a combination of problems. |
Posted By: northeastuser
Date Posted: 18 July 2007 at 10:51am
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Narrow escape, glad she’s ok! Hope the gents at the sailing school got a nice ty!! Nice to see her being used. I see gib has something Malta hasn't..e.g sand!! ------------- |
Posted By: Jacmac
Date Posted: 01 August 2008 at 10:30pm
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Does anyone know if this is ex-RAF 1391? http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=293087 Loads more photos on this site of other interesting craft. Unfortunately some of the photographers knowledge is limited. Saw a nice snap of ex-RAF RSL 1659 tagged up as a Dunkirk veteran!!! |
Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 03 August 2008 at 8:39pm
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Jacmac the pinnace in the photo with Maltese Customs pennant C21 is now yacht Galaxy at Mgarr Harbour, Gozo, Malta. She was RAF GSP 1373.
ex RAF GSP 1391 was sold at Gibraltar and is now yacht Samarang. She will be returning to the UK somtime soon.
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