Vertue V26, Vertuoso

Moodyjim

Moodyjim

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 Dec 2004
Messages
1,103
Location
Home - Kent, Boats - Rye, East Sussex.
Visit site
I have just become the proud owner of this 1948 or 1949 Vertue. Like most new owners of a classic boat I would like to try and get some history! She may have been exhibited at the 1948 Festival and perhaps know as Festival Vertue but she had a name carved on her as "Winston C" and there is a suspicion that she was a RN training boat. I know she has been in Rye since around 1972 owned by Jim Stoneham, until about 2 years ago and latterly by Andi Rivett (also Rye) who has done a lot of work on her. Any information greatly appreciated, thanks. Jim
 
Moodyjim said:
I have just become the proud owner of this 1948 or 1949 Vertue. Like most new owners of a classic boat I would like to try and get some history! She may have been exhibited at the 1948 Festival and perhaps know as Festival Vertue but she had a name carved on her as "Winston C" and there is a suspicion that she was a RN training boat. I know she has been in Rye since around 1972 owned by Jim Stoneham, until about 2 years ago and latterly by Andi Rivett (also Rye) who has done a lot of work on her. Any information greatly appreciated, thanks. Jim
Click to expand...

You've seen this, I presume?
 
I think the one Mike refers to is 'Vertue Fidelis'. She was around the East Coast until sold and moved to the South Coast a couple of years ago.

In the summer I spoke, briefly, to her previous owner. The boat had been in the same family for 56 years!
 
Moodyjim,

Have you read the book 'The Restless Wind' by I think A.G. Hamilton ?

I believe it's a 'must' in Vertue circles, the story of 'Salmo' in early long distance post war cruising.

My then fiancee cried reading it !

And what happened to Salmo ?

I doubt you'll regret your purchase; your bank manager might tell you to, but when offshore you won't !

Have fun, but please don't turn into a " this boat can cross oceans y'know so therefore I can " as in some people on modern 'long distance cruisers' who rarely get out of Chichester say loudly.

Nothing wrong with local sailing, it's the pretension which grates...

At any distance a great boat.

seajet.
 
Thanks seajet, no I won't. I have to spend too much time working to pay for boats to have any spare for crossing oceans!!!! I bought her because I am a traditionalist in many ways (old cars, old bikes etc.) and have always loved old boats but been frightened of wood. Too late to worry now though. I shall be sticking to the south coast (Rye) with her.
 
Lloyd's Register 1967: Virtuoso ex Winston C ex Kristianna
Reg Poole; Home Port Birdham; Owner Charles C Hanrott

Lloyds Register 1978 Same as 67
 
Moodyjim,

Thanks for replyng to my slightly tongue in cheek message; but have you got a copy of 'The Restless Wind' yet ?!

There is / was a mail requesting info' on where Vertues are, on the 'ships' forum.
 
Last edited:
Thanks sj, I got the joke! Haven't got it yet but will certainly do so, just lashed out a small fortune for a signed Mk1 issue of VertueXXX.
I have contacted the VOA from whence the message originated but they had the wrong info/wrong boat. I'm hoping to correct that with the great feedback from the chaps above - thank you all very much (and keep it coming if you see this thread please).
I love the Moody but there is something special about a bit of history, isn't there?
Jim
 
My late great aunt sailed a Vertue called Virtuoso (with an I). I only met her once before she died, so all I know are things my Dad happens to have mentioned. For instance, that he was seasick on the boat in Bembridge harbour as a small boy, which would have been the mid sixties. I can ask him for further info if this the boat you're after?

Places like Emsworth and Birdham would make sense given where the rest of the family lived, although I don't know for sure. Also, while I had assumed the boat was hers it was an "Uncle" Charles that she sailed with, so that name fits too.

I know the boat's name was definitely Virtuoso with an I, as I have her flag bag (including a number of home-made ensigns and burgees) which contains a letter signed "VIRTUOSO (who crossed the Channel with a crew of 2 22 times)"

Pete
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top