Steamboats

The Steamboat Association of Great Britain was set up to foster and encourage steam boating and the building, development, preservation and restoration of steamboats and steam machinery.  In 2011 it celebrated its 40th birthday with a celebratory cruise on the Beaulieu River.

I have been a member of the above association since 2001 and have gained much knowledge and met many interesting personalities with one abiding interest, the love of steam propelled launches.The Royal Motor Yacht Club has hosted four annual rallies in Poole Harbour in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012, so far.  We will continue to do so on the even year. The sight of approximately a dozen or so steam craft all lined up in the Marina, stoking their fires, ready to take to the beautiful waters of Poole Harbour, is a very nostalgic sign indeed.

The sound of their steam whistles takes members back to a bygone age.  A few RM members get the chance to have a trip around the islands in one of these fine vessels - to see the smile on their faces as they disembark is a sight to behold!

I am a lucky enough to own two of these beautiful vessels. The first is a copy of a 1914, 26-foot Edwardian gentleman's launch which has subsequently been sold into a private museum in Cheshire.

The replacement is 'Annabelle' a 30-foot replica of a similar Edwardian launch except that she is much beamier at 6 foot 10 inches, constructed from solid wood, weighing in at 3 tons and powered by a two cylinder 8hp Roger Mallinson steam engine. Fuelled by coal it has a locomotive style boiler. She is capable of a top speed of 8 knots.  She is kitted out with cooker, fridge and ceramic toilet with holding tank for longer term cruising.

If you would like further information on joining the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain, then please contact me, Richard Knott, and I will pass on the details of membership, or
better still come to the rally in July 2014 and see the craft 'in the flesh'.

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