Theme?

[Sniper]

Does anyone know the whereabouts of a smack yacht called 'Theme'? She was built by Shuttlewoods in 1912. The last time I came across her, she was for sale in a fairly run down condition on the Thames (probably 1996/97) I believe she was brought back round to the East coast. My family owned her in the late '70s - I'd like to find out what has happened to her.

 

[paulstevens]

Greetings,
I coveted Theme in my youth and wanted to buy her when she was for sale through the east coast yacht agency in I think about 1976 but couldn't afford her.
However I caught up with her about 2 years ago when she was being offered for sale in need of major restoration. My wife and I went to see her in a little boatyard at eel pie island on the Thames. She was in a sorry old state and although the owner was practically giving her away we just didn't have the time to do the job then. I think the owner had to shift her from the yard quite quickly or she might be broken up. Unfortunately cant remember the owners name or the yard but I do remember walking onto the island over the footbridge and the yard was just to the left. Also seem to remember that someone from St. Osyth (possibly the boatyard there who restore smacks) was aslo very interested and may have bought her.
A near sister "Secret" is at Pinmill but I dont think she has been in the water for a year or two.
Happy hunitng and I hope youtrack down Theme, would be interested to know any progress.

Regards Paul Stevens.

 

[Forbsie]

Re: Could this be Theme?

...under the green and yellow covers. It has been there for at least 3 years. If so call Sandy Scott at Lion Boat House on 020 8891 1025 and speak up as he's a bit deaf!

http://images.ofoto.com/photos232/4/76/73/43/51/0/51437376403_0_ALB.jpg

Gordon

 

[Forbsie]

Re: Could this be Theme?

Sorry, try this link http://images.ofoto.com/photos232/4/76/73/43/51/0/51437376403_0_ALB.jpg

The boat under the covers is seemingly a Hilliard, so possibly is not the one you are looking for but if it was at this yard, Sandy may know where it is now.

 

[paulstevens]

Re: Could this be Theme?

my wife and I think it was Lion boathouse where we saw Theme but she was right on the edge of the dock, just out of your picture right foreground. We are sure the owner was under pressure to move the boat but she could only go in a lighter, there being no road access and that was going to be costly.

regards Paul Stevens.

 

[Forbsie]

Re: Could this be Theme?

I will ask Sandy on Saturday when I'm down working on my boat (the blue/white one).

 

[Sniper]

Re: Could this be Theme?

Thanks for these responses. If the boat is a Hilliard, then it definitely isn't Theme. I remember the previous owner needing to get her moved ASAP. What put me off was the difficulty (and expense) of moving her off the island.

I was told she had moved back to the East coast; I had a look around at Paglesham a year or so back, but she wasn't there. Hopefully, whoever had the resources to move her from Eel Pie Island has the necessary to restore her.

 

[Skipjack]

Re: Could this be Theme?

I remember Theme in Tollesbury Creek, in the early to mid seventies. I believe John Rigby had her, whilst Skylark, and then Charlotte Ellen were being rebuilt. I recall fouling her mooring one Guy Fawkes night, probably 1974.

I thought I saw her over in Mersea (in good order) in late 1997, but I might've seen a similar smack yacht. I thought it was Theme because I've retained a fondness for the old girl ever since I hauled up her ground tackle to recover my 5lb CQR!

Skipjack

 

[Guest]

Re: Could this be Theme?

How about sending us a photo for the contacts pages and see if the non-liners know?
Dan Houston
CB Editor, Focus House, Dingwall Avenue, Croydon. CR92TA