70th Anniversary Commemorative Return to Dunkirk

Boat Name: Aberdonia
Boat Type: Motor Yacht
Boat Length: 48ft
Boat Beam: 11ft 3 ins
Boat Draft: 4ft 6 ins
Boat Displacement: 20 tons
Boat Engine: 2 x Perkins M65 Diesels
Boat Construction: Carvel, teak
Boat Builder: Thornycroft
Boat Year: 1935

Boat Name: Angele Aline
Boat Type: Gaff Ketch
Boat Length: 55ft
Boat Beam: 17ft
Boat Draft: 8ft 6ins
Boat Displacement: 29.17 Grt
Boat Engine: Perkins 6-354 Diesel
Boat Construction: Carvel, oak on oak
Boat Builder: L. Bennay, Fecamp
Boat Year: 1921

Boat Name: BLUE BIRD of 1938 previously Bluebird II
Boat Type: Motor Yacht
Boat Length: 107ft
Boat Beam:20ft
Boat Draft: 9ft 10ins
Boat Displacement: 175 tons
Boat Engine: 2 x Baudoin DP12 400hp Diesels
Boat Construction: Steel
Boat Builder: Goole Shipbuilding Co Ltd
Boat Year: 1938

Boat Name: Chumley previously Chalmondesleigh
Boat Type: Motor Yacht
Boat Length: 26ft
Boat Beam: 8ft 6ins
Boat Draft: 3ft
Boat Displacement: 5 tons
Boat Engine: Chrysler petrol
Boat Construction: Mahogany on oak
Boat Builder: Chrysler Marine Co, Michigan USA
Boat Year: 1934

Boat Name: Endeavour
Boat Type: Cockle Bawley
Boat Length: 34ft
Boat Beam: 12ft
Boat Draft: 3ft 6ins
Boat Displacement: 11.78 tons
Boat Engine: Ford 80hp
Boat Construction: Carvel, pitch pine on oak
Boat Builder: Cole & Wiggens
Boat Year: 1926

Boat Name: Greta
Boat Type: Barge
Boat Length: 80 ft
Boat Beam: 20 ft
Boat Draft: 3 ft
Boat Displacement: 49 tons
Boat Engine:
Perkins 6354 Diesel
Boat Construction: Oak on oak
Boat Builder: Stones, Brightlingsea
Boat Year: 1892

Boat Name: Letitia
Boat Type: Motor Sailor
Boat Length: 30 ft
Boat Beam: 10 ft 6 ins
Boat Draft: 5 ft
Boat Displacement: 7.09 tons
Boat Engine: Ford 4D Diesel
Boat Construction: Carvel, utile on oak
Boat Builder: Johnson & Johnson
Boat Year: 1938

Boat Name: Iorana
Boat Type: Motor Yacht
Boat Length: 40ft
Boat Beam: 10ft 6ins
Boat Draft: 3ft 6ins
Boat Displacement: 8 tons
Boat Engine: 2 x BMC 1.8L Diesels
Boat Construction: Carvel
Boat Builder: D. Hillyard, Southampton
Boat Year: 1935

Boat Name: Margo II
Boat Type: Motor Yacht
Boat Length: 34ft
Boat Beam: 10ft
Boat Draft: 3ft 6ins
Boat Displacement: 7.30 tons
Boat Engine: 2 x 1.6L Diesels
Boat Construction: Carvel, pitch pine on oak
Boat Builder: Royal Boatbuilding Co, Poole
Boat Year: 1931

Boat Name: Maid Marion
Boat Type: Cornish Lugger
Boat Length: 39ft 6ins
Boat Beam: 13ft
Boat Draft: 5ft
Boat Displacement: 18 tons
Boat Engine: Ford 6 cyl 120hp Diesel
Boat Construction: Pitch Pine on Oak
Boat Builder: P. Mitchell, Portmellon
Boat Year: 1925

Boat Name: Iorana
Boat Type: Motor Yacht
Boat Length: 40ft
Boat Beam: 10ft 6ins
Boat Draft: 3ft 6ins
Boat Displacement: 8 tons
Boat Engine: 2 x BMC 1.8L Diesels
Boat Construction: Carvel
Boat Builder: D. Hillyard, Southampton
Boat Year: 1935


all material courtesy ADLS, all photos courtesy the individual boat owners

I learned of this today from the Man on the River weblog. Giacomo is poised for his channel crossing, at Ramsgate, which is hosting the 70th Anniversary Commemorative Return to Dunkirk. They will leave from Ramsgate Saturday, May 22. From The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships website I have this:

'Every 5 years the Association organizes a cross-channel return to Dunkirk. 2010 is the 70th anniversary of Operation Dynamo and so far over 50 Little Ships have indicated that they will make the crossing from Ramsgate to Dunkirk. Subject to urgent operational commitments, the Royal Navy has confirmed that it will provide HMS Monmouth, a Type 23 Duke Class Frigate to act as escort ship for this anniversary crossing and ceremonies in Dunkirk. HMS Raider, a P2000 University Royal Naval Unit Vessel will also be present to provide close support if required. As in previous years the RNLI will provide a lifeboat escort.
For further information, in the first instance contact webadmin@adls.org.uk.'

I have written previously about the phenomenal story of Operation Dynamo, and was understandably excited by this commemorative cruise. I urge you to go to the Association's website to read the story of each boat, all are interesting. I have only presented a small number of the more than 50 boats taking part this year.