History of a Gentleman's Racing Yacht

Designed & built by William Luke and Sons, Hamble

1894         Launched as ‘Apteryx’ a 16 ton cutter, registered Southampton.

First owner Richard Bennett from Southport. Chinese ceramics collector?

1900         Owned by Gordon Roberts, Cheshire who also owned Edna, another Luke-built 2 tonner

1902         Registered to C E Tunnicliffe of Caernarvon

1909                  Owned by JG Webster, Cheshire

1910                  to 1923 No records in Lloyds

1924                  Registered to S Porter Jr, Birkenhead. Port of Registry Caernarvon

1926         Owned by Capt S G Stewart, Lee 
                  on Solent

1927                  Owned by William Ball of Torquay. This year she’s registered as having a Berguis petrol/paraffin motor 22hp, 4 cylinder (3.5 – 4.75 inch). She’s now an auxiliary yawl and named Glance, registered Dartmouth

1930                  Owned by David W Cambridge, Hamworthy, Dorset

1935                  Owned by Capt G L M Welstaed, Chippenham, Wiltshire

1937         Owned by F Alex Haworth, Fenchurch House, Fenchurch St, London – a member of Royal Thames Yacht Club

1938                  Allocated her first RORC rating of 36.78ft. Haworth had a distinguishing flag for her – a red-bordered white carnation with green stem and leaves on a royal blue background.

1948                  Owned by Sir John F W Dilke, Bt of London. The auxiliary motor has been removed and her rig is now Bermudan cutter. She’s also classed in Norske Veritas

1949                  Owned by Dr H Allan of Lymington

1950                  A Parsons petrol engine 49 fitted. 4 cylinder 2.5 – 3.64 inch.

1952         Owned by F C Hopkirk, Belfast. Doghouse fitted by Bangor Shipyard, Co Down in time for the Fastnet Race in 1953.

1953 and 1955 competed in and won 
                 Fastnet Race. RORC 29.39

1962                  Owner Graham Chambers, Downpatrick

1970                  By now, possibly earlier, a BMC 1964 petrol engine 30/38 hp

1978                  By now, possibly earlier, a BMC 1976 Oil (Diesel) engine 31 bhp. This is the engine currently in her. The shaft was originally on the starboard quarter.

By the late 70’s, early 80’s, she was semi-derelict with all planks needing refastening, stern timbers needing replacing etc.

1982                  Owner Jack Carroll of Carrickfergus then Downpatrick. Restored to present condition. Shaft through stern.

2000         Owner Isabel Hood of Strangford. Made new boom, fantail. Replaced engine with slightly younger BMC1.5
By 2023, Beta 43, PRM 2.5:1 gearbox, all standing and running rigging, 3 sails, roller furlers, top-loading fridge, AIS, radar, all within last 10 years.