Trying to trace two yachts (of three)

[lenseman]

Whilst I was in the Royal Navy in the early 1960's, based at Portsmouth (HMS Collingwood) I regularly coxswained and sailed in a three yachts, competing in various events; RTI, Cherbourg, Fastnet, plus cruising and work-ups etc.

The first was "Sea Scamp", which belonged to the RN which we had taken from the Germans as war booty. I know the whereabouts and current history of this beautiful yacht.

The second yacht is "Iolanthi" and the third was "Meon Maid II".

One of the later two was a ketch and the other was Burmuda-rigged if I remember correctly. Also the ketch belonged to Sir Heathcote Amery if my memory serves me correctly?

Over the years, I have spent many a long evening hour searching Google, yacht lists, classic lists and racing schedules looking for these two superb yachts. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Can anyone enlighten me as to their whereabouts (or demise)?

I also know that Meon Maid II grounds very nicely on Gilkicker point on an ebb-tide!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[KenMcCulloch]

Derick Heathcote Amory (they don't make names like that nowadays do they) was involved with the early activities of what became the London Sailing Project. There's a little history here .

 

[lenseman]

Thanks for that Ken, sadly Derick H-A died in 1981 and I can't seem to find any more info.

We were aware he was the Chancellor of the Exchequer about 1960 and that we, the RN, had access to his yacht.


Thank you again, perhaps others can flesh out the history on either or both of these fine yachts?
Wonderful days indeed /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kds]

David,
I have a feeling that Meon Maid was written up in one of Uffa Fox's books.
I will try and have a look - but don't hold your breath.
Ken