Early North Wales and North West Steam Yachts

• Steam yachts, based or owned in North Wales or the North West of England [mainly up to 1899]:
Steam yachts were used for several purposes - towing sailing yachts to regattas, acting as flagships and as accommodation at regattas, and, of course, cruising. They mostly had professional crews, but some owners acquired yacht-master certificates. Smaller steam launches were often poorly documented. As well as other sources of information, Lloyd's Yacht Registers from 1879 on are useful.

Some of the oldest established yacht clubs in the area are: Royal Dee Yacht Club [Fflintshire]; Royal Welsh Yacht Club [Caernarfon]; Royal Anglesey Yacht Club [Beaumaris]; Royal Mersey Yacht Club [Tranmere].

Wooden paddle steam yacht Menai, built 1830, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1830-3
Iron steam yacht Glow-worm, built 1838, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1838-43
Wooden paddle steam yacht Fire King, built 1840, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1839-40
Iron paddle steam yacht Fire Queen, built 1844, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1844-7
Iron screw steam yacht Fire Queen, built 1845, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1845-7, 1849-50
Iron paddle steam yacht Jenny Lind, built 1847, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1848
Iron paddle steam yacht Sea Serpent, built 1851, owned Thomas Assheton Smith 1851-7
Wooden screw steam yacht Pandora, built 1867, owned George William Assheton Smith 1882-91

Iron screw steam yacht Vesta, built 1848, owned Spencer Wynn, Lord Newborough 1848-74
Wooden screw steam yacht Sunbeam (ex-Pelican), built 1883, owned F Wynn 1883-9, then Lloyd Hughes 1889-(sunk 1904).
Iron screw steam yacht Mira, built 1891, owned F Wynn 1891-6
Wooden paddle steam yacht Firefly, built 1900, owned F. Wynn 1900-
Wooden screw steam yacht Gwendoline, built 1879, owned Charles H Wynn 1879-92
Iron screw steam yacht Fedora (ex-Cushie Doo), built 1881, owned William Wynn, baron Newborough 1898-1907

Iron twin-screw steam yacht Menai (ex-Ark of Safety), built 1872, owned W H Owen, 1873-81.
Wooden screw steam yacht Greyhound, built 1878, owned W H Owen, 1887-97

Iron screw steam yacht Merlin, built 1871, owned A Wood, 1871-2
Iron twin-screw steam yacht Kelpie, built 1867, owned A Wood, 1873-4
Iron screw Steam yacht Dotterel, built 1875, owned A Wood 1878-80
Iron screw steam yacht Gelert, built 1881, owned A Wood, Conway, 1881-4
Steel screw steam yacht St Kilda, built 1887, owned A Wood, Conway, 1887-8
Iron screw steam yacht Freya (ex-Lady of the Isles; Queen of the Isles), built 1876, owned A Wood, Conway, 1890-95

Yachts, owned by the Marquis of Anglesey.
Wooden screw steam yacht Kathleen, built 1875, owned Marquis of Anglesey, 1884.
Iron screw steam yacht Queen of the Isles, built 1876, owned Marquis of Anglesey 1884-8
Steel and iron screw steam yacht Santa Cecilia, built 1881, owned Marquis of Anglesey 1885-91.
Iron screw steam yacht Star of the Sea, built 1877, owned Marquis of Anglesey 1893-95
Steel screw steam yacht Oimara, built 1886, owned Marquis of Anglesey 1895-99.
Wooden screw steam yacht Hopbloom, built 1879, owned Marquis of Anglesey 1894-1904.

Iron/steel twin-screw yacht Wyvern, built 1871, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1871
Iron screw steam yacht Carmen, built 1884, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1884-8
Wooden screw steam yacht Greyhound, built 1878, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1885-6
Wooden screw steam yacht Vixen, built 1882, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1887-92
Iron screw steam yacht Zingara, built 1875, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1887-9
Iron screw steam yacht Speranza (ex-Helen), built 1872, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1893
Composite screw steam yacht Vagus (ex-Wanderer), built 1878, owned Sir R Bulkeley 1899.

Wooden screw steam yacht Lady Bessie, built 1884, owned George Farren 1884-1900.

Iron screw steam yacht Eulima, built 1875, owned William Chadburn 1890-8
Iron screw steam yacht White Eagle, built 1884, owned William Chadburn 1897-1905

Wooden screw steam yacht Kathleen, built 1875, owned Harry Clegg 1885-1906.

MacIver family
Iron screw steam yacht Neptune, built 1853, owned Charles M'Iver 1853-55.
Iron screw steam yacht Valetta (ex-Finnart), built 1855, owned Charles M'Iver 1857-61.
Iron screw steam yacht Albion, built 1858, owned Charles M'Iver 1858-63
Iron screw steam yacht Ceres, built 1859, owned Charles M'Iver 1866-8
Iron screw steam yacht Hebe, built 1869, owned Charles M'Iver 1869-77
Iron screw steam yacht Hebe, built 1869, owned [?] Sir William Watkin Wynn 1876
Iron screw steam yacht Vanadis, built 1880, part owned Henry MacIver 1880-91
Iron screw steam yacht Columba, built 1869, owned Henry MacIver 1887-1913.
Iron screw steam yacht Deva, built 1878, owned Charles MacIver(jr) 1878-80
Wooden screw steam yacht Carlotta, built 1873, owned Charles McIver(jr) 1881.
Iron screw steam yacht Solyst, built 1867, owned Charles MacIver(jr) 1892-5
Iron screw steam yacht Marguerite, built 1884, owned Charles MacIver(jr) 1902-07

Iron screw steam yacht Star of the Sea, built 1877, owned M Cameron 1890-1

Iron screw steam yacht Aries, built 1873, owned Sir John Ramsden, 1873 -1880, when wrecked Anglesey.
Iron screw steam yacht Aries, built 1881, owned Sir John Ramsden 1881-7,
then W. C. Clarke of Liverpool, 1888-95. Wrecked 1915.
Iron screw steam yacht Aries, built 1889, owned Sir John Ramsden 1889-96

Iron screw yacht Puffin, built 1857, owned J Platt 1869-
Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built 1886, owned F Platt 1886-9
Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built 1888, owned F Platt 1888-91
Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built 1892, owned F Platt 1892-6
Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built 1898, owned F Platt 1898-9
Steel screw steam yacht Nesta (ex-Jeannette), built 1886, owned H Platt 1890
Iron screw steam yacht Jessie, built 1879, owned H Platt 1891-4
Steel screw steam yacht St Elian, built 1894, owned H Platt 1894-9
Iron screw steam yacht Lancashire Witch, built 1872, owned S R Platt 1872-5
Iron screw steam yacht Norseman, built 1875, owned S R Platt 1876-88.
Steel screw steam yacht Norseman, built 1890, owned S R Platt 1890-97.
Steel screw steam yacht Norseman, built 1898, owned S R Platt 1898-1902.
Wooden screw steam yacht Agnes, built 1882, owned Sydney Platt 1888-95

Iron screw steam yacht Nora Creina, built 1859, owned David Gamble 1864-72.
Iron screw steam yacht Helen, built 1870, owned David Gamble, 1873-75.
Iron screw steam yacht Aline, built 1880, owned David Gamble 1881-1907.

Iron screw steam yacht Glow-worm, built 1853, Owned A de Ferrieres 1853-63

Iron screw steam yacht Hawk, built 1855, Lord Hill 1855-66

Steel screw steam yacht Deerhound, built 1858, John Lancaster 1859-68

Iron steam yacht, built 1844, unknown owner.

Screw steam yacht Daedalus, built 1843, owned J McArdle 1843-5.
Iron screw steam yacht Lucifer, built 1846, owned J McArdle 1847-1851, G S Sanderson circa 1853.

Wooden screw steam yacht Elfin, built 1870, owned John Shaw, Birkenhead 1878-79, and Rev Garrett, Liverpool, by 1880, when wrecked.

Wooden screw steam yacht Miramar, built 1882, owned George McCorquodale 1882-1896.

Steel screw steam yacht Cestria, built 1886, owned J J Houghton 1886-1910.

Steel screw steam yacht Sylvia, built 1882, owned E Oldroyd 1890-2.

Iron screw steam yacht Griffin, built 1877, owned Charles Kurtz 1885-9

Iron screw steam yacht/tug Shannon, built 1885, owned Edward Gore 1885-89
Steel screw steam yacht Helga, built 1891, owned Edward Gore 1891-1899

Steel screw steam yacht Gladys, built 1880, owned Neil Mathieson 1880-1885.
Steel screw steam yacht Oimara, built 1886, owned Neil Mathieson 1886-95.

Iron screw steam yacht Juno, built 1868, owned W Johnston 1888-98.
Steel screw steam yacht Kethailes, built 1897, owned W Johnston 1897-1901

Steel screw steam yacht Cala Mara(ex-Jeanette), built 1898, owned W H Johnson 1900-4

Iron screw steam yacht North Star, built 1875, owned F Earle 1889-91

Iron screw steam yacht Adriana, built 1888, owned H Bubb 1888-1907

Wooden screw steam yacht Saxon, built 1875, owned E Crompton 1891-8

Composite screw steam yacht Lancashire Witch, built 1878, owned Sir T Hesketh 1878-81

Iron screw steam yacht Mitzpah, built 1873, owned G Barnes 1877-89

Wooden screw steam yacht Hopbloom, built 1879, owned W Cook 1882-4

Iron screw steam yacht Ethelreda, built 1878, owned F Bumsted 1888-92
Steel screw steam yacht Ethelreda, built 1892, owned F Bumsted 1892-5

Iron screw steam yacht Cygnet, built 1878, owned E Myles 1894-8

Wooden screw steam yacht Corona, built 1882, owned J Turner 1882-1885(wrecked)

Wooden screw steam yacht Shelduck, built 1885, owned J Paley 1885-9

Screw steam yacht Osprey, built 1875, owned M Maynard 1876-
Iron screw steam yacht Osprey, built 1877, owned M Maynard 1891-1903.

Iron screw steam yacht Test, built 1855, owned J Mondel 1855-63.

Iron screw steam yacht Annie, built 1857, Preston, owned Gridrod, Liverpool 1857-

Yacht designer St Clare John Byrne, based Birkenhead, working 1850s - 1915.

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Wooden paddle steam yacht Menai. built in 1830 for Thomas Assheton Smith, of Vaynol Hall, a North Wales Quarry owner, as a private yacht. Hull built by John Wood, Port Glasgow, 263grt, 136nrt, 132.2 x 20.6 x 12.8 ft, under contract from Napier who built the paddle engines of 110hp. Registered Beaumaris. In 1834, converted to a steam packet and used in services from London and in the English Channel. Owned General Steam Navigation Co. from 1836. Listed by MNL as passenger certified, registered London, 1850-3, 137 nrt, 120hp. Wrecked 9 February 1854 at Calais.
More history.

Maker's model of steam yacht Menai - from Glasgow Museums.

Some history of T. A. Smith and steam yachts:
The steamboat race at the northern regatta [Royal Northern Yacht Club Aug 1827, won by a Napier engined steam yacht] was a novelty, and it attracted the attention of a very noted yachtsman, Mr. T. Assheton Smith, of Tedworth. He was then about fifty years of age, and had been for a long time a prominent member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, during which no fewer than five sailing yachts had been built for him [one a cutter called Menai was for sale in 1836]. The idea of having a steam yacht suggested itself, and he made a suggestion to admit such vessels into the Club. His views were not favourably received, and some of the members went so far as to insinuate that he intended building a steamer for business purposes. Mr. Smith was naturally indignant, and resented the matter so much that he withdrew his name from the club. Being a man of great influence and wealth, and of inflexible purpose, he determined to brave the opinion of the Royal Yacht Squadron by ordering a steam yacht for himself. Knowing Robert Napier by reputation, he wrote him a letter stating his requirements, and requesting him to come to his house near Andover.

[from Royal Cornwall Gazette - Friday 17 September 1858]:
Death of Thomas Assheton Smith Esq., This gentleman, the proprietor of the rich and extensive slate quarries of Llanberis, expired at 10 o'clock on Thursday evening, at his Welsh residence, Vaynol, situated on the banks of the Menai, near Bangor. He had been gradually sinking under the infirmities of age for some time, but was in sufficient health to drive to Port Dinorwic, whence the slates are shipped, about a week ago. ...
He was the builder of the largest-sized and greatest number of yachts of any one private person in England; the Menai, large cutter, steamers Menai, Glow-worm, 300 tons, Fire King, 700, Fire Queen, sold to Government, Jenny Lind, Swan [sic], and Sea Serpent. On the news of his death reaching Carnarvon the flag of the Royal Welsh Yacht Club, of which he was Commodore, was hoisted half-mast high, and other tokens of respect shown to his memory.

An obituary of Robert Napier quotes the following as built/engined by him for Assheton Smith:
Date. Names of Vessels. Tons. Horse power
1830. Menai about 400 .. 120 [wood]
1838. Glow-worm 300 .. 100 [iron]
1840. Fire-King 700 .. 230 [wood]
1844. No. 1. Fire-Queen 110 .. 30
1845. No. 2. Fire Queen 230 .. 80 [most sources give only 1 paddle Fire Queen built]
1846. No. 3. Fire Queen 300 .. 120 [screw]
1849. Jenny Lind 220 .. 70
1851. Sea Serpent 250 .. 80

Thomas Assheton Smith had no children, so he was succeeded by the eldest son of his sister, George William Duff (1848-1904) who took the surname Assheton Smith in 1869. He had a steam yacht, Pandora, also.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 05 March 1831]:
On Saturday last, a large vessel was observed just outside the bar with signal flying for a pilot. From the appearance it was conjectured that she was a stranger that had met with damage and became embayed. A pilot reached her and not being able, from the state of the wind and weather, to work round Holyhead she came to an anchor. On the following day she was seen "riding very hard" with a heavy sea. The situation was considered to be critical. Happily, however, Mr Assheton Smith has left his fine steam-yacht, the Menai, in the river during the winter subject to directions of our collector, Mr Joseph Goddard, for the purpose of rendering assistance whenever it might be practicable to all vessels in distress; this being, as he has often said, the greatest pleasure that he could hope to derive from her. It was determined in the present instance that advantage should be taken of Mr Smith's humane and liberal arrangement, and on Monday morning Captain Galt proceeded to the steamer to afford such assistance as might be necessary; and much to the satisfaction of the immense crowd of spectators who had assembled on the quays, was soon seen on his return having in tow the bark John Bentley of 484 tons burden [built 1830 John Owens, Portland, NB, 120 x 29.1ft] bound from St John's, New Brunswick with timber to Liverpool. She is thought to the largest vessel that ever crossed our bar. The relief proved to be most opportune, as the bark had parted one of her chain cables on the preceding night and if the remaining cable had shared a similar fate, of which those on board were in momentary expectation, no human exertion could have prevented her from driftfng on shore and owing to the state of the weather, and the haevy sea, it is more probable that all hands would have perished. From the circumstance, it was considered certain that it would be impossible to weigh the anchors and in the event of slipping the cables there would no means of bringing the vessel up in the river. To obviate this Mr Goddard sent off anchors &c to meet her and she now lies quietly moored near the town. It was beautiful to see the Menai glide out of the harbour against a brisk gale and strong tide with a heavy gale. The bark was at distance of about nine miles from the town and steamer reached her in an hour and sixteen minutes.

[from Lloyd's List - Friday 04 March 1831]:
CAERNARVON .. arrived from St Johns, New Brunswick, 1 March, John Bentley, Robertson, lost anchors and cables, and touched twice on the Bar.

[from Chester Chronicle - Friday 20 December 1833]:
On Friday morning Mr. Assheton Smith's steam yacht, the Menai went out to the wreck [Margaret], but found nothing visible except the masts, and we understand she has since gone to pieces. The Menai towed in the Amity of Cardigan, one of the vessels stranded last week. She had left Crigill [near Rhosneigr] on Friday morning, with the intention of getting round to Holyhead; when she was perceived by the steamer and taken in tow. When she arrived in port, she had lost her topmast, her boom was broken, her bulwarks carried away, and she was very leaky. A portion of her cargo had been thrown overboard at Crigill.
We feel it our duty to state that the Menai steam-yacht, which had been left in the Straits, with directions from the proprietor, T. Smith, Esq. of Vaynol, be used in any emergency, has been during the late gales of very essential service.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTH WALES CHRONICLE]. Mr. Editor, I read your valuable Carnarvon friend's interesting information in regard to the late storm, which appeared in your paper of Dec. 3; it is certainly correct as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough. No mention is made of T. A. Smith, Esq.'s steam-yacht Menai on that occasion; nor has your Carnarvon correspondent, upon any other occasion, made mention, as Mr. Smith deserves, of the invaluable services which this powerful steam-yacht has from time to time rendered to vessels in distress. The only excuse I can make for your friend is, that were he to begin, he would it a difficult task to express, so as to convey to your distant readers any thing like a just idea of the admiration and gratitude which the sailors and inhabitants, generally of Carnarvon and its vicinity, feel towards Mr. Smith, for the very numerous benefits conferred upon them, whenever it has been in Mr. Smith's power to be of service to his country or to individuals. Their admiration will be considerably heightened if they compare Mr. Smith's orders to the commander of his steam yacht, and that of the government of Great Britain to the commanders of the government packets between Holyhead and Ireland, which, as I am informed, is not to go out of their course to render assistance to ships in distress. Should any ship or boat in distress be in their course, the only assistance they are allowed to render is to take on board the men. Nor are the packets in the harbour allowed to go out to render assistance, although there are extra packets lying there idle, and always ready for sea. Are not these monstrous orders to be given by the government of any Christian nation? On the other hand, we see Mr. Smith, a private individual, directing that his valuable yacht may render assistance, whenever it is possible, regardless of all risk; his orders are punctually fulfilled. The French brig Adelpha, mentioned in your paper of Dec. 3, was towed by the Menai to Carnarvon; she was obliged to slip both cables, seeing a fresh gale coming on; the probability is, had she remained another hour, she must have gone to pieces ere the then coming gale subsided. The weather was too thick in the morning of 29th of Nov. to see the various ships in distress in the bay, early enough in the day to get the Menai ready to render assistance, before the "pitchy darkness closed the sad day" but as the day day dawned on Saturday, the Menai was seen gliding through the troubled waters, crossed the bar, and made an extensive survey of the bay to see if she could render any assistance; but she was too late; all the unfortunate vessels were complete wrecks, with the single exception of the Hero smack, of Aberdare[sic], which the Menai got safe to Carnarvon on the 13th. This piece of service having been accomplished, the Menai next took a survey of the ship Margaret, of Ipswich, that was sunk on the north bank of Carnarvon bar the evening before; this was no sooner done than she observed a sloop, the Amity of Cardigan, in the bay, making for the bar, but too late to get over that tide without steam power; this she rendered, and towed her to safety, or most probably she would have added another to the sad list of wrecks in this bay. Since writing the above, I have seen the captain of the Margaret, who stated that on Wednesday he was off Holyhead with signals of distress exhibited. Had a steamer then come to his assistance, all would, beyond a doubt, have been saved. I remain, yours truly, Ap Bran, Dec. 14, 1833.

[from Naval & Military Gazette and Weekly Chronicle of the United Service - Saturday 04 October 1834]:
The Edinburgh Steam Packet Company have purchased Mr. T. A. Smith's steam yacht Menai, and she is to sail on the 21st inst. as a packet to Spain and Portugal.

[from Suffolk Chronicle - Saturday 18 February 1854]:
ACCIDENT TO THE MENAI STEAMER. Calais, Feb. 10. A very serious accident occurred off this port last night, about 9 clock, to the General Steam Navigation Company's steamship Menai, Captain Pashley, plying between London and Calais. It had been blowing a gale all the evening, and a very heavy sea was running near the mouth of the harbour when the Menai approached. The vessel's stem had just been pointed to enter the harbour when a tremendous sea struck her with terrific violence, causing the ship to deviate from her course, and injuring the rudder to such an extent as to render the vessel altogether unmanageable. The captain at once endeavoured to bring up, but before he could do so the ship was unfortunately driven ashore, immediately at the back of the west pier, and close to Fort Rouge, the scene of Stanfield's celebrated picture of The Wreckers. The disaster was observed by several persons who had been watching the approach of the ship from the shore, and when the vessel struck the ground, the greatest alarm prevailed for the safety of the passengers and crew, and every sea making clean breach over her as she lay embedded in the sand. Blue lights having been fired from the ship, and other signals of distress exhibited, every exertion was immediately made by the harbour authorities and others, under the superintendence of M. le Capitaine Pollet, to get the lifeboats afloat, but, owing to the violence of the gale, and the heavy surf running, this was a work of great difficulty. Among the earliest at the scene of danger were the officers and crew of Her Majesty's mail packet Vivid, Captain Smithett, with a supply of life lines and buoys. One of the lifeboats, having been at length launched, pulled towards the stranded vessel, but, owing to the heavy sea, it was found impossible to attempt to land the passengers. Fortunately, it was nearly high water when the accident occurred, and after due consideration, it was deemed more prudent to leave every one on board until the tide ebbed. About 1 o'clock this morning, the ship was left high and dry on the beach, and the passengers, 21 in number, were safely landed and conveyed into the town. At the same time, preparations were made for unshipping the cargo, and it is hoped, if the weather moderates, the vessel may be got off without much damage. At present it is blowing a strong gale from the north, with a heavy sea in shore, and as little progress has been made in lightening the ship, nothing has yet been done towards floating her. Had the accident happened at low water instead of at flood tide, there can be very little doubt the ship would have gone to pieces in the course of the night. No blame whatever is attached to Captain Pashley, who exhibited great presence of mind, and did everything in his power under the trying circumstances in which he was placed. Among the passengers on board the Menai were several young ladies returning from England to school in France. The gale blew with such violence throughout the night that the Vivid mail packet did not leave the harbour until 8 o'clock this morning, instead of at midnight.
[from Illustrated London News - Saturday 18 February 1854]:


[from South Eastern Gazette - Tuesday 14 February 1854]:
It is expected that the Menai steamer, belonging to the General Steam Navigation Company, which stranded on the shore at Calais, Thursday, will not be got off.

Iron steam yacht Glow-worm, built Lairds, Birkenhead, 1838, yard no.13, 362grt, 153.3 x 20.0 x 12.0 ft, 100 hp engines by Robert Napier, paddles. Built to the specifications of Thomas Assheton Smith, the wealthy owner of Llanberis Quarry, as a steam yacht for his personal use. In 1844 commenced a passenger service between Ardrossan and Belfast, owned Ardrossan Steam Navigation Company. Listed in MNL 1853 as Glow Worm, passenger certified, of Irvine, 161 nrt, 100hp. For sale 1855 and used on Cork - Glasgow service. In 1858 owned by Glasgow Underwriters' Salvage Association as a salvage steamer. Wrecked at Sanda Island [South of Mull of Kintyre] on 9th April 1859 when attempting to salvage vessels ashore there. Wreckage offered for sale.

[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Tuesday 29 May 1838]:
LAUNCH OF AN IRON STEAMER. On Thursday last, her Majesty's birthday, an iron steamyacht, the Glow-Worm, of nearly 400 tons measurement, was launched from Mr. John Laird's iron building-yard, North Birkenhead. She is owned by Thomas Asheton[sic] Smith, Esq., and is generally admitted to be one of the handsomest and, at the same time, strongest and best finished steamers afloat. The following are, we believe, her dimensions: Length. 160 feet; Beam, within paddles 22 feet; And her draft of water, with machinery and all stores, is not expected to exceed 5 feet 6 inches. The Glow-worm is divided, by watertight partitions or bulkheads, into seven compartments, which not only add materially to her strength, but render any serious damage, in case of getting ashore or coming into collision with other vessels, almost impossible. The security against fire in iron vessels, their great speed with small proportionate power, their strength, buoyancy, and great capacity for stowage having been so satisfactorily proved by the experience of the vessels already built, have, we understand, already drawn to them the attention of the parties interested in the companies formed and forming for transatlantic steam navigation; and, from this and other circumstances, there is every reason to suppose, that they will be universally adopted. The Glow-worm will, in a few days, proceed to Glasgow to take on board her engines, making by Robert Napier, Esq., and we hope, when complete, will equal the most sanguine expectations of her spirited proprietor.

[from Wexford Conservative - Wednesday 23 May 1838]:
The following have been enrolled members of the Royal Western Yacht Club: ... Thomas Asheton Smith Esq., London, Glow-worm, 170 tons, ...

[from Chester Chronicle - Friday 22 May 1840]:
Iron-built vessels: ... There is, also, a steam yacht built of iron, the Glow-worm, the property of Asheton Smith, Esquire. This vessel has made the passage from Bristol to Carnarvon, a distance of 210 miles, in 18 hours.

[from Glasgow Citizen - Saturday 27 July 1844]:
The Ardrossan Steam Navigation Company's First-class Fast-sailing Steam-ship GLOW-WORM, before commencing her regular days of sailing between BELFAST and ARDROSSAN (for particulars of which see separate advertisement) has been appointed to sail from ARDROSSAN for BELFAST on SATURDAY the 3rd AUGUST, immediately after the arrival of Passengers by the Ayrshire Railway Company's Train which leaves Glasgow at half-past 7 Morning, and will leave BELFAST again for ARDROSSAN on MONDAY the AUGUST, at 10 o'clock Morning, arriving in time for Passengers to proceed on the same afternoon by the Railway Trains to Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, Ayr, Irvine, &c.

[from Northern Whig - Tuesday 23 October 1855]:
TWO IRON STEAMERS FOR SALE, BY PRIVATE CONTRACT.
THE Paddle Steamer FIRE-FLY, Register 237 Tons N.M., 374 over all; built by Tod & M'Gregor, Glasgow, 1845; Two Engines, by ditto, 170 Horse Power: Length, 164 feet; Breadth, 22 feet; Depth, 12 feet; Speed, 14 to 15 miles per hour; Sleeping Berths for 40 in Cabin; has good Holds and Steerage. P.S. Has just got new Boilers, new Funnels, a thorough overhaul to Machinery, Cabins repainted and refurnished, &c, &c.. at an expense of £3,300, in fine order. Now at Glasgow.
The Paddle Steamer GLOW-WORM, Register 161 Tons N.M.; total 291 Tons; built by Laird, Birkenhead, 1838; Engines by Robert Napier, Glasgow, Length, 153 feet; Breadth, 20 feet; Depth, 12 feet; average Speed per hour, 11 miles; Cabins have 26 Sleeping Berths; has good Holds and Steerage; and is at present plying between Ardrossan and Belfast.
For further particulars, application may be made to WM. EUING, Esq.. Royal Exchange; D. J. MACK, Esq., 1. Bridge-Street; M'KEAN & LAMONT, 51, Union-Street, Glasgow; or to ROBERT HENDERSON, Agent, 19. Donegal Quay. Belfast, 20 October. 1855.

[from Scottish Guardian (Glasgow) - Friday 15 April 1859]:
Mr Woild, agent of the Glasgow Underwriters' Association, left Ardrossan on Saturday with the tug-steamer Glow-worm, and lighter Rescue to the assistance of the vessels [schooner Swift, ship Staffa and barque California, ashore at Sanda]. Rescue was left alongside the California, and the Glow-worm proceeded to the Staffa, but, while on her way, struck on a reef of rocks a little to the west of Sanda Lighthouse, between seven and eight a.m. on Sunday. She has five or six feet of water in her hold, and from her position, it is most likely that she will become a total wreck.

[from Greenock Advertiser - Thursday 21 April 1859]:
The Wrecks at Sanda. The cargo of the California is now discharged, but her hull has been condemned. The engine of the Glow-worm has been removed, but the vessel cannot be taken off the rocks. The Staffa is a total wreck. Her cargo will likely be saved.

[from Glasgow Herald - Friday 29 April 1859]:
Sale of Wrecks. And immediately thereafter, at the same place, the HULL and Part MACHINERY and BOILERS of the Steamer GLOW-WORM, 280 tons gross register, and about 110 Horse Power, as she lies stranded on the Island of Sanda. This Vessel was built in Birkenhead, of Lowmoor Iron. Further information regarding these Wrecks may be learned on application to Messrs. R. Shankland & Co., Greenock; William Watson, Jun., & Co., Lloyd's Agents, Campbeltown; or to AITKEN and BIRRELL. Salvage Agents, 77 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. Glasgow, 26th April, 1859.

Wooden steam yacht Fire King, hull built Robert Thomson, Troon, 1839, under contract from Robert Napier who built the engines. 535grt, 298nrt, 175 x 24.9 x 14.7 ft, two side lever engines of 240hp, paddles. Built for Thomas Assheton Smith as a private yacht. Claimed to be fastest steamer in Europe. Sold 1840 for passenger service Liverpool - Ardrossan and later Fleetwood - Ardrossan. Later service Belfast - Greenock, Glasgow. Sold 1847 to a Spanish steamship company, owned Heredia, based Malaga, and renamed M. A. Heredia. Traded Havre to Malaga. Offered for sale when company was bankrupt in 1849. Advertised as running Santander to Southampton for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Last newspaper mention 1852, Captain Cucullu. More history.

[from Weekly Chronicle (London) - Sunday 31 March 1839]:
THE FIRE KING STEAM-SHIP. On Saturday, the new steam-ship, Fire King, was started, and made her first trial trip down the Firth of Clyde, for the purpose of ascertaining her speed. She ran in still water, without aid of sails, from Greenock to the Cambrae Lights, a distance of 21.75 miles, in one hour and twenty-seven minutes - a feat never performed before. There cannot be a doubt but she is the fastest seagoing vessel in the kingdom. Her model is very beautiful. We understand it is an original conception of T. Asheton Smith, Esq., late M.P. for Carnarvonshire. The vessel was built at the Duke of Portland's ship-building yard, Troon; the engines are by Mr. Napier, Vulcan Foundry, Glasgow.

[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Friday 24 July 1840]:
THE FASTEST STEAM-VESSEL IN EUROPE. The Fire King, of 600 tons and upwards, builder's measurement, and 250 horses' power, left the river on Saturday morning last, on an excursion to the Menai Bridge, having on board the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Hon. the East India Company, Sir Richard Bulkeley, Bart., Sir Richard Jenkins, Gen. Clement Hill, Captain Bevis, Lieut. Tudor, of H.M. Steamer, Redwing, Mr. Ewart, surveyor of steam to the admiralty, William Fawcett, Esq., Dr. Brandreth, Dr. Jackson, Wm. Rathbone, Esq., and other gentlemen. The extraordinary performances of this splendid steamer reconciles us to the accounts of the great speed we hear of on the American rivers. The Fire King steamed from off George's Pier, through the Victoria Channel, and against a spring flood tide, to Beaumaris, a distance of 51 nautical miles, in 4 hours and 5 minutes; and 9 nautical miles for the flood, it gives 60 nautical miles through the water; this brought into statute miles gives 16.5 per hour. Her passage back from Beaumaris to the Rock Fort, against a strong ebb, was 48 nautical miles in 4 hours; add 12 miles for the ebb, gives 60 nautical miles, or 16.5 statute miles per hour. The day which (from the state of the weather) at first looked unpromising, brightened up as the Fire King cleared the banks; and to the pleasing recollection of having spent a day on board the fastest steam vessel in Europe, all who had that pleasure have to add the remembrance of the hospitable and princely entertainment of their talented, scientific and truly worthy host, Robert Napier, Esq,. engineer, of Glasgow, and the owner of the Fire King.

[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser- Tuesday 18 August 1840]:
THE FIRE KING, STEAM-SHIP, BETWEEN ARDROSSAN AND LIVERPOOL, IN CONNECTION WITH THE GLASGOW AND AYRSHIRE RAILWAY. The FIRE KING, Captain EWING, commander (late of the Admiral), [3 days a week - to connected at Liverpool with railway to London]

[from Liverpool Mail - Thursday 06 May 1841]:
RAPID STEAM COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GLASGOW and MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM. LONDON. &c. In connection with the Glasgow and Ardrossan, and the Preston & Wyre Railways. The celebrated steamship FIRE KING. Robert Ewing. Commander; Will Sail from the PORT of FLEETWOOD for ARDROSSAN, every TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, as early as possible after the arrival of the Railway Train at Nine o'clock in the Evening. The FIRE KING will leave ARDROSSAN for the PORT of FLEETWOOD every WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY Afternoon, at Five o'clock. ...

The paddle steamer Fire King leaving Liverpool[from NMM Greenwich]
Inscribed: To the Directors of the Ardrossan and Liverpool Steam Ship Company. This print of their first steam ship. The Fire King (Captain Ewing. Commander). Is respectfully Dedicated by Their Obedient Servant, Henry Lacey.

[from Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 02 February 1847]:
The Fire King, long distinguished for her feats of celerity of motion to and from Clyde, is about to be removed, having been purchased by a Spanish company. She is having her boilers, machinery, and other fittings overhauled previous to her leaving Clyde for the Mediterranean.

Head of company that bought her:
Manuel Augustin Heredia (1786-1846) was a self-made millionaire, he made his fortune from iron mines and foundries he built up around Marbella, such was his wealth that he owed a fleet of ships to transport his iron products around the world, at one time the richest man in Spain

[from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 21 January 1847]:
STEAM To SANTANDER, CORUNNA, CADIZ and MALAGA. The Spanish Steamer M. A. HEREDIA, Late FIRE KING, Captain D. Cucullu, will in a few days leave Glasgow, calling at Liverpool to receive whatever goods may offer previous to her departure for Southampton, where she will receive cargo, and sail on the 5th February, for the above ports.

[from Gore's Liverpool General Advertiser - Thursday 01 March 1849]:
ADVERTISEMENT. The Steam Ship Company of Malaga, Spain, having determined to Dissolve, in consequence the law of 28th January, 1848, will SELL their Two Steamers, M. A. HEREDIA, (formerly the Fire King) and the MALAGA, (formerly the Royal George). Both vessels in very good order and superior sailers; they were constructed in England, the first-named of Wood, of 413 64-100ths tons Measurement, with engines of 260 horse power; the second of Iron, of 416 tons measurement and 250 horse power. ... Malaga 7 Feb 1849 [also advertised in April 1850, with Malaga now named Martin]

Iron paddle steam yacht Fire Queen, built Robert Napier 1844 for Thomas Assheton Smith. Sold to Admiralty 1847, used as a Holyhead - Kingstown steam packet 1850. More details including image. Vessel history

Not clear which of the two Fire Queen steam yachts [from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 29 August 1846]:
Carnarvon Regatta: ... whilst Mr Smith's splendid steam yacht Fire Queen and Lord Newborough's pretty little steamer plied to and fro to witness the proceedings. ..

[from North Wales Chronicle - Tuesday 01 September 1846]:
Beaumaris Regatta: ... Mr. and Mrs. Assheton Smith with a party of fashionables came in the Fire Queen; Lord Newborough's natty little steam-boat [Firefly?], which is worthy to be called General Tom Thumb, was present, and the William Stanley steamer contributed a full freight of pleasure-seekers.

[from Evening Mail - Wednesday 28 July 1847]:
The Fire Queen, a most elegant-looking paddle-wheel steam-yacht, just purchased into Her Majesty's service from Mr. Assheton Smith (whose yacht she was), arrived this port yesterday morning from Greenock in charge of Lieutenant C. Johnson, commanding the Comet, which is receiving new boilers at Holyhead. The Fire Queen is a three-masted steamer, schooner rigged, her funnel is well placed, as are her paddles, and she is astonishingly fast. She has Napier's engines, which are of about 120 horse power apparently, but there is no indication to show her power or dimensions. She is 166 feet long, and draws but 4 feet 10 inches, and at the utmost 5 feet of water when fully loaded, at which trim her speed is very great. She goes upwards of 15 miles per hour.

Iron screw steam yacht Fire Queen, built Robert Napier, Govan, 1845, 235 grt, 149 nrt, 132.4 x 18 x 9.2 ft, 80hp engine by builder, 1 screw. First owner Thomas Assheton Smith, registered Caernarfon as a private yacht. Assheton Smith is quoted as, after trying both, preferring paddle propulsion to screw. Owned Napier, registered Glasgow 1848. 1848 passenger service Glasgow - Greenock - Ardrossan - Ayr. 1849 on Glasgow - Gareloch service. Reported to have been restored to Assheton Smith as a steam yacht, 1849-50.
Register, 1st Jan 1851, Glasgow: Fire Queen, first registered 2 Sept 1848, owned J Napier, 132.4 x 18.0 ft, 66nrt, 114grt, wood [sic].
Registered Hull 1851, sold foreign 1857. Vessel history

Described as 80 ft long when launched in 1845 as the first screw steamer on the Clyde, but reported as 132 ft long and as "new" when on Glasgow - Ayr service in 1848. So perhaps initially a trial vessel which was later lengthened by Napier.

[from Glasgow Courier - Thursday 17 July 1845]:
LAUNCH OF THE THETIS AND FIRE QUEEN. Both of these fine new steamers were launched in one day last week from the building-yard of Mr. Napier at Govan, and for beauty of mould, strength, and external finish, are not surpassed by any on the Clyde. The Thetis, which is a magnificent looking vessel, is built for the Glasgow and Belfast station, and is of considerable size, being 190 feet in length, and about 39 feet in breadth across the paddle-boxes. When furnished with her boilers and engine, the latter being about 150 horse power, we have no doubt that the Thetis will prove a clipper.
The Fire Queen is of smaller dimensions, but of a similar mould with the Thetis, and is built for Thomas Ashton [sic] Smith, Esq., a gentleman who has done much for improving the construction of steam-vessels in this country. The Fire Queen is 80 feet in length by 19 in breadth; her engines are of 80 horse power; and instead of the common paddle, she is to be furnished with a propeller, placed under the stern, and close to the rudder, which is the first attempt, on our river, to introduce the Archimedean screw, if we except a very small vessel at present fitting out by Messrs. W. & J. Napier for the canal. Considerable curiosity will doubtless be felt till the experiment has had a fair trial on the Clyde.

[excerpt from Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 21 September 1847]:
From Ardrishaig her Majesty had no convoy; but a little beyond East Tarbert Mr Napier's fine fast sailing screw yacht, the Fire Queen, which had left Glasgow at 8 in the morning, and crossed Loch Fyne at Ardlamont Point, came and accompanied the two Royal steamers to Campbelton Loch, where they arrived about 5 o'clock. .... The Fire Queen yacht accompanied them for about hour, and for half that time she kept abreast of the Victoria and Albert. She then dropped behind to allow the Fairy, so much famed for her speed, to come up. Permitting her to get a little a-head of her, the Fire Queen put on her steam, and passed her with comparative ease. The Fire Queen, which, like the Fairy, is a screw vessel, did credit to the Clyde on this occasion, having proved her superior swiftness distancing the Fairy, even with all canvass set.

[from North British Daily Mail - Wednesday 06 September 1848]:
STEAM COMMUNICATION between GLASGOW, GREENOCK, ARDROSSAN, AND AYR, The New Steamer FIRE QUEEN, Captain Campbell, has now commenced to Ply between GLASGOW and AYR, with Goods and Passengers, calling at GREENOCK and ARDROSSAN. ...

[from Morning Post - Friday 01 December 1848]:
EXTRAORDINARY SAILING. THE FIRE QUEEN. This fine screw steamer left Ayr harbour yesterday morning, and made the passage to Glasgow, a distance of 72 miles, in four hours and a half, exclusive of stoppages; the latter part of the passage stemming a heavy river fresh. We believe this sailing to be unexampled.

[from Stirling Observer - Thursday 15 February 1849]:
Accident to the Fire Queen Steamer. As the Fire Queen screw-steamer, Captain Campbell, was leaving the harbour of Ardrossan on Monday afternoon for this port[Ayr], she struck upon the anchor of vessel which had previously arrived. Fortunately, the good condition of the steamer, with her water-tight compartments, kept her from sinking; but as it is, her stem is nearly under water, and her screw entirely clear of it.

[from Glasgow Herald - Monday 26 February 1849]:
NOTICE. On and After THURSDAY the 1st MARCH, the Steamer FIRE QUEEN will sail for HELENSBURGH and GARELOCH, at a Quarter before 3 pm., instead of a Quarter before 2, as at present. Passengers by the Four o'clock Train will be in time to join the FIRE QUEEN at Greenock. Glasgow 22d February, 1849

[from Glasgow Gazette - Saturday 09 June 1849]:
The Duchess of Argyle Steamer [see Jenny Lind below]. The river boat, with this name, has latterly attracted a good deal of attention on the Clyde. She was originally built as a pleasure yacht for Mr Assheton Smith, who intends to resume his occupation of the Fire Queen, lately plying between Glasgow and Ayr. The Duchess is of a very beautiful mould - long and sharp. She was built by Mr Napier, her engines being made by Penn, are oscillators, and are, we believe, the only pair of the kind at present on the river. Doubtless, their smooth and efficient action will lead to more extended adoption of this class of engines which are certainly well fitted to supersede the irregular direct-action single-steeple engines, for which the Clyde is so notorious. The absence of all vibration in this boat is a matter for general remark, the engines giving a steady, smooth, straightforward pull, avoiding the jerking motion so disagreeable to most. The Fire Queen is now lying at Mr Napier's dock for a complete overhaul, in preparation for Mr Assheton Smith.

[from Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald and North and South Wales Independent - 25 August 1849]:
Beaumaris Regatta. ... Immediately fronting the Green were the fine screw-propelled steamer of Thomas Assheton Smith, Esq., and a great number of decorated yachts.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Tuesday 28 August 1849]:
Beaumaris Regatta. ... The Jenny Lind [sic] steam-yacht, with Mr. Assheton Smith and party, including the Hon, Colonel and Lady Douglas Pennant, Miss Bethell, &c., made several trips over the course during the day.
[one report has a screw yacht, so not Jenny Lind/Duchess of Argyll which was a paddle steamer and already trading in Scotland by May 1849, so most probably Fire Queen back in Assheton Smith's use - as reported above]

[from The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality - 7 Sept 1850]:
STEAMERS ON THE MENAI. On Saturday afternoon last, the visitors at Beaumaris were gratified with a sight rarely seen on the Menai or any other water, by witnessing a friendly trial of speed between, first the Prince of Wales, and the beautiful screw steam yacht of T. A. Smith, Esq., from Puffin Island to Beaumaris, and from thence to Garth, having been joined by the Fairy affording the beautiful sight of three as fine steamers, of their class, as ever ploughed the sea equally matched. T. A. Smith, Esq., and a large party of friends were on board his yacht.

Report naming Assheton Smith's steam yacht as Firefly - Fire Queen seems more likely [from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 07 September 1850]
THE FIREFLY AND FAIRY STEAMERS. An interesting trial of speed was made by these beautiful vessels on Wednesday. Mr. Assheton Smith was on board his yacht, off Plasnewydd, with a select party, which included the Duke of Cambridge and other noble visitors, when the Fairy passed with her freight of passengers from the Cambria, which had just arrived from Liverpool. The Firefly was put in motion, evidently daring the pride of the Menai - the little Fairy - to a trial of speed. The master, nothing loath, accepted the challenge, and both vessels glided through the water like "things of life." For some time, the result appeared uncertain, but it soon became evident that the Firefly was over-hauling her gallant competitor and soon after passing Llanfair got ahead to the evident pleasure of her spirited owner. The Firefly after passing the town, went about, and returned up to Plasnewydd. We learn the Fairy had a large quantity of coal on board. There was a large assemblage of spectators on our pier, who entered fully into the excitement of the race.
[The Fire Queen was a bit longer than the Fairy and had screw rather than paddle propulsion, so would be expected to be faster]

Iron paddle steamer Jenny Lind, built Denny, Dumbarton, 1847, 85 grt, 53 nrt, 151 x 15.1 x 6.6 ft, ON 15465, oscillating engines 70 hp by Penn, London, boilers by Napier. Intended as a steam yacht for Thomas Assheton Smith, but initially found to be stern heavy - so modified by lengthening from 133 ft to 147 ft, and lighter engines installed. Used by Assheton Smith 1848. Registered owner Robert Napier. Used on the Glasgow - Gareloch service from 1849. See details. Renamed Duchess of Argyle [also spelled Argyll] in 1849. Registered Dublin 1857, owned Great Southern & Western Railway Co., Dublin. 53nrt, 60 hp. On Shannon 1857-60, after being dismantled, transported and rebuilt at Athlone. In MNL to 1885. LNRS Article.
Some more history.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 26 August 1848]:
Beaumaris Regatta. ... In the course of afternoon the Jenny Lind, Mr Assheton Smith's beautiful steamer, arrived with a party on board to watch the proceedings.

[from Glasgow Chronicle - Wednesday 30 May 1849]:
THE STEAMER DUCHESS OF ARGYLL. This beautiful little steamer has lately been placed on the Glasgow, Helensburgh, and Gareloch station, as a consort to the Superb, so long and well known on the Clyde, and, we have no doubt, will be found an acquisition, in the steam way, to these growing and improving localities, which, along with other haunts of sea-side frequenters, are becoming year after year more clustered with villas, and, therefore, requiring greater and more frequent opportunities of transit for the accommodation of their inhabitants. The Duchess of Argyll, though built as a steam pleasure yacht for Mr. Smith of Ashton[sic], may be said to be quite a new vessel, having only been used during the course of last summer in a few short trips by that gentleman, who, in fitting her out, displayed his usual good taste and discrimination, by making every thing comfortable, and neat, and substantial on board of her. She is, of course, built of iron, and is 150 feet in length, 15 in breadth, and 7.5 or 8 in depth; which dimensions not only afford great space on deck, but ample accommodation below. The engines of the Duchess of Argyll are on the oscillating principle, and the manufacture of that far-famed house, Penn & Son, of Greenwich, who have acquired a name for that description of engine, only equalled by that of our Clyde engineers, who have brought to perfection the lever, the steeple engine, the direct-action engine, and other modifications of Watt's mighty invention, that have proved so well adapted for all descriptions of vessel, from industrious coaster, to the stately war-ship. They are of 60 horse-power, and, though only 5 feet in stroke, drive round a wheel of 14 feet diameter at the rate of 35 revolutions per minute, which, after allowing as usual for slip, make the speed of the vessel exactly fifteen miles per hour through the water. The hull of the Duchess of Argyll was built by Messrs. Denny Brothers, of Dumbarton, and we need scarcely say is a perfect model of naval architecture. We understand she has performed the distance betwixt Glasgow and Helensburgh in a space of time not exceeding two hours, including stoppages; and, under the careful charge of Captain Campbell, so well and favourably known on that passage, has therefore become a great favourite with the public. We are glad to know, however, that notwithstanding her great speed, her owners are not desirous to make her the means of carrying off the legitimate traffic belonging to the railway, by bringing the passengers by her to Greenock, some half an hour before the train starts, in order to induce them to go the whole way by water; a practice that gave great offence last season, and which we intended to have noticed in another way. We hope the Railway Company however, will appreciate the arrangements made by the owners of the Duchess of Argyll and that both will go hand in hand for the public benefit, which, of course, will lead to the ultimate behoof of both parties.

See also another report above

[from Glasgow Gazette - Saturday 23 February 1850]:
We are informed by correspondent that he crossed from Greenock to the Gareloch on Monday evening in the Duchess of Argyll steamer during the very worst of the storm.

Iron paddle steamer Sea Serpent, built Napier 1851, 126 grt, 63 nrt, 158.2 x 15.6 x 7.9 ft, 82 hp compound engines by builder, built for Thomas Assheton Smith, registered Caernarfon, not in MNL. Still owned TA Smith 1857, presumably sold when he died in 1858. Danish sources quote registered in Denmark 1859 as Horatio for use as a ferry from Helsingør. Transferred 1874 to Copenhagen - Malmo route. Registered Copenhagen 1874. Scrapped 1878.
More detail.

[from Glasgow Chronicle - Wednesday 03 September 1851]:
LAUNCH OF A STEAM YACHT. On Monday, One of the most handsome pleasure yachts we have seen, was launched from Mr Napier's building-yard at Govan. She was christened the "Sea-Serpent," by a fine-looking little fellow, whom we afterwards learned was Master Robert Assheton Napier. On inquiry, we found that this yacht is built for Thomas Assheton Smith, Esq., a gentleman who has spared neither trouble nor expense in improving our steam marine, and for whom Mr Napier has already built several yachts. The model of the Sea-Serpent, which we understand was furnished by Mr Smith himself, appears to be quite perfect; and, if we mistake not, will attract greater notice than that of any one of her predecessors. She is 160 feet in length, is to be propelled by oscillating engines of 80 horses'-power, and will have two funnels and three rakish masts, and be furnished with wire-rigging. Altogether, as a piece of marine architecture, this craft will support the national reputation of Mr Napier, and the fame of Clyde.

Image of T A Smith's steam yacht Sea Serpent:

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 30 July 1853]:
Royal Welsh Yacht Club Regatta, Caernarvon. This regatta is fixed for Thursday, the 20th August, when the lovers of the truly national sport of yachting may anticipate (wind and weather permitting) a noble treat. The sports will commence as usual on the evening of the previous day with a brilliant display of fireworks at the Castle, attended by the Regatta Band. A good entry of yachts is confidently expected and the amateurs' cup is likely this year to be hotly contended for. The following yachts are now at this station: - Sea Serpent, steam, T. A Smith, Esq.; Vesta, 240 tons, schooner, Lord Newborough; Wanderer 45, H. Owen, Esq.; Diamond, 17, Captain Iremonger: Dart, 12. J. G. Griffith, Esq.; Sibyl, 105, F. T. Rufford, Esq.; Queen Victoria, 22, T. Maddock, Esq,; Lizzy, 6, B. Smith, Esq. Mr. Davids, the late Hon. Secretary, having resigned, Mr. Kirby was unanimously elected to the vacant office, at a meeting held on Thursday last.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 06 June 1857]:
ROYAL WELSH YACHT CLUB, CARNARVON. ... The Queen Victoria, cutter, T. Maddock Esq ; schooner, D. G. M Griffith Esq; Adroit, B. Smith Esq; and Nautilus, Rev, L. Slater, are the only craft yet in commission. Last week a new 19 tonner was launched at Carnarvon, and a 9 tonner at Portmadoc, to fly the flag of the Club. The Scud, cutter, Capt. Iremonger, Circe, cutter Rear Commodore are fitting for sea. The Memie, cutter, H. Graig, Esq; Sea Serpent, steam yacht, T. A. Smith, Esq.(commodore); Vesta, schooner, Lord Newborough, and Wyvern, cutter, C. B. Roper, Esq; are lying up.

Wooden screw steam yacht Pandora, built Pembroke Dock, 1867, as a Philomel-class gunboat, as HMS Newport and sold in 1881 as Pandora [Pandora (2), owned Sir Allen W Young], registered London 1881; ON 82897, 146.5 x 25.7 x 12.9 ft, 197nrt, 290grt, 35 hp engines by Lairds, screw. As HMS Newport, she was the first vessel to sail through the Suez Canal in 1869, her commander, Nares, having "unofficially" managed to reach "pole position".
She was purchased in 1882 by George William Duff Assheton Smith, of Vaynol, [son of Thomas Assheton Smith's sister, who inherited his estate, on condition of adding Assheton Smith to his surname Duff] for use as a steam yacht. Registered London 1881.
Sold 1892 to Mr Popham, renamed Blencathra 1893 - 1899, registered London. Blencathra was ice strengthened and used in expeditions to Arctic regions.
Registered Glasgow 1899, named Pandora again, owned Andrew Coates, Paisley, and later by South Atlantic Trading Co., register closed 1912.
In 1912, she was purchased by Georgiy L'vovich Brusilov and renamed Svyataya Anna. Brusilov was mounting an attempt on the Northeast passage, from west to east, but Sv. Anna became beset in the ice of the Kara Sea and drifted north. Only two members of a group of 13, who left the ship well to the north of Franz Josef Land in the spring of 1914, ultimately survived. The final fate of the ship and those left on board is unknown.

MNL 1882 has two similar vessels named Pandora, owned Sir Allen Young: Pandora (2) is that described above;
Pandora (1), ON 72350, built Pembroke 1861 as a Philomel-class gunboat, HMS Pandora, registered Southampton 1875, 80hp engines. HMS Pandora served as a gunboat off West Africa and in Mediterranean. Lying in reserve at Portsmouth since 1872, she was bought by Allen W Young, an experienced merchant captain. He fitted her out for Arctic expeditions in 1875 and 1876, to explore the North-west passage and fate of the earlier Franklin expedition. More detail. Young sold her to James Gordon Bennett, proprietor of the New York Herald, around 1878 for further Arctic expeditions, and she was renamed USS Jeannette and eventually crushed by ice on 13 June 1881, north of the Novosibirskiye Ostrova.
As a keen yachtsman, Young then bought another similar Philomel class gunboat - Pandora (2) above, which he sold soon after purchase,
To further confuse reports, another steam yacht Pandora, ON 63615, (ex - Thistle), built Port Glasgow 1870, registered London 1880, was owned W H Smith, MP, of London.

Pandora (1) in ice during the 1875 Arctic expedition:

Pandora (2) as Blencathra on an Arctic expedition.[from here]

[from Field - Saturday 29 April 1882]:
Mr Assheton Smith who recently purchased of Sir Allen Young, C. B., his Pandora, is, we understand, about to make a trip to the Arctic regions.

[from Manchester Courier - Saturday 20 May 1882]:
Mr. Assheton Smith's steam yacht Pandora, which was recently engaged in the Arctic expedition, on Tuesday arrived in the Menai Straits. She is to be fitted up for a cruise in the north.

[from Glasgow Evening Citizen - Tuesday 27 June 1882]:
THE YACHT PANDORA. The steam yacht Pandora came into Longhope, Orkney, yesterday, and sent tender to Stromness for coal. The vessel shortly after left for Bergen, Norway.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 19 August 1882]:
Mr SMITH'S PANDORA. Intelligence has arrived in this town of the death of Mr Owen Jones, Bangor, in command of Mr Assheton Smith's steam yacht Pandora, which is now on a cruise in the Northern Seas. It stated that the ship struck against a rock. and that this so disturbed Captain Jones' mind that he was taken ill, and died after twelve hours' illness. It is reported that the Pandora is on her return journey to the Menai Straits.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 03 March 1883]:
[Rider killed riding under a tree branch at Vaynol]... A most painful fatality seems to attend Mr Assheton Smith's amusements of late, for it is only a few months since that the captain of his steam yacht Pandora died from the effects of shock to the system owing to an accident to the yacht, while on a pleasure trip on the coast of Norway. ...

[from Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 19 July 1884]:
A special telegram received from Carlscrona [sic, Karlskrona] states that the steam yacht Pandora, 290 tons, of London, belonging to Mr. Assheton-Smith, came into collision with the German brig Baltic on Tuesday, doing considerable damage to the latter, and carrying away the former's head gear, boats, and damaging side. The Baltic was subsequently towed to Carlscrona, making a considerable quantity of water. The damage is estimated at about £800.

Reported in 1887 as steam yacht, owned Assheton Smith, moored off Bangor, in Menai Straits.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Friday 26 August 1887]:
Monday last. Mr. Assheton Smith, Vaynol Park, took with him on board his splendid steam yacht "Pandora" the members of the Velinheli Habitation of the Primrose League [a Conservative political support group, named after Disraeli's favourite flower] to Beaumaris to witness the regatta there. The catering, &c., in board was of course excellent, and a most pleasant day was spent by all the company. On the motion of the secretary, Mr Thomas Michael, seconded by Mr. Jones, Cefngwyn, a most cordial vote of thanks was given to Mr. Assheton Smith for his kindness in giving such a treat in the members of the above Habitation, and also to the master of the "Pandora." Captain W. M. Preston, for the great care and interest he took in the company. On landing several rounds of hearty cheers were given to the above gentlemen.

[from Ulster Echo - Thursday 03 July 1890]:
THE STEAM YACHT PANDORA IN BELFAST LOUGH. The splendid barque-rigged screw yacht Pandora (Captain Richards) arrived in the lough today, and is now anchored at Greenisland. Nothing to equal the appearance of this vessel has been seen in the lough for a length of time. She is 496 tons register [sic], and is manned by a crew of 35 hands. She is owned by Mr. Assheton Smith, and is on a cruise round the coast, having just come from the Menai Strait in North Wales.

[excerpt from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 07 July 1891]:
Legal case: ... Mr. Griffith Richards was master of the steam yacht Pandora, belonging to Mr. Assheton Smith, the registered tonnage being 198, and nominal horse power 35. The Pandora was in Seville on the 19th April last, and the captain went on shore on business and did not return till the morning of the 20th. Soon after he again went onshore, and at 1 a.m. on the morning of the 21st came on board drunk. ...

[from Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper - Sunday 17 January 1892]:
The famous steam yacht Pandora, in which Sir Allen Young went to the Arctic seas a few years ago [sic, see above Pandora(1) and (2)], has been sold by Mr. Assheton Smith, of Vaynol, to Mr. Popham, the owner of the White Slave.

[excerpt from London Evening Standard - Friday 15 July 1892]:
I, William Francis Leybourne-Popham of Littlecote, Hungerford, ... in respect of yacht Pandora, Official Number 82897, 219.17grt, 197.32nrt, heretofore owned by George William Duff Assheton Smith of Vaynol,... change the name to Blencathra, registered London.


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Iron screw steam yacht Vesta, built Tod & M'Gregor, Glasgow, 1848, 96grt, 88nrt, 114 x 20.4 x 12.2 ft, engines 50hp, 1 screw by builder, ON 10191. Bought by Lord Newborough, registered Caernarfon. List of Clyde built iron steamers has her as 173.02 tons gross. Listed in 1851 steam ship register at Caernarfon since 1848. In MNL as owned Lord Newborough to 1874. Converted to sail 1874 - 178 grt, 169 nrt, owned John Gray Whyte, registered Liverpool. Posted missing after leaving Rio Pongo, West Africa, on 26-1-1875. More history.

Lord Newborough had owned an ocean-going sailing yacht Sapphire, 69 tons, around 1828-36 [for sale 1836] and also a small steam-launch, Firefly from 1837, for use in the Menai Straits [reported here and here in 1846]. Vesta was intended as an ocean-going vessel.

Vesta was designed by John Grantham of Liverpool - see more detail. Lord Newborough, Spencer Bulkeley Wynn, of Glynllifon [SW of Caernarfon], 1803-1888, succeeded to the title in 1832. The family developed a small port at Fort Belan - where their steam yacht could be berthed. Two of his sons, Charles Henry (1847-1911), and Frederick George (1853-1932) would also go on to own steam yachts, as would his grandson [son of his eldest son, Thomas John, who deceased 1878], and successor to the title, William Charles (1873-1916). [see below]

[from Glasgow Chronicle - Wednesday 16 August 1848]:
BOAT ACCIDENT AT GOUROCK. - On Saturday, about one o'clock, an accident occurred off Gourock Bay, which might have been attended with fatal consequences. Among the small craft enjoying the sports of the Regatta, was a little boat with a lug sail, having a number of men and a boy on board, a majority of whom were unfortunately the worse of liquor. Owing to the stupidity of the man at the helm, or possibly from a feeling of bravado, this unlucky pleasure-party made a sudden attempt to cross the bows of the steam-yacht Vesta, a beautiful vessel built by Messers. Tod and M'Gregor of Glasgow, for Lord Newburgh[sic], and which was passing at the moment on a trial trip down the Frith. The result was that the boat was struck right in the centre and sunk, and every soul on board was precipitated into the water. Fortunately, the steamer, which is built on the screw principle, was proceeding slowly at the time. The engine had also been stopped the instant the danger was observed, and indeed, so slight was the concussion, that the boat seemed to be rather swamped by the wrangling and agitation of its own crew, than run down by the steamer. Ropes were immediately flung to the drowning men, and one of the boats belonging to the steamer was lowered in an inconceivably brief space of time. Both Mr. Tod and Mr. M'Gregor were on board, and aided by Captain M'Kellar, Mr. John Croall, (son of George Croall of Arran), various other active gentlemen of the party, and a numerous crew of sailors and engineers, succeeded, by promptitude, presence of mind, and extraordinary exertions, in bringing every individual on board. No sooner did they reach the deck of the steamer than they began to abuse each other for stupidity in causing the accident, one man asserting that he would never go into a boat again with "a parcel of -- weavers." They were all immediately sent ashore in a couple of boats which were hauled alongside, while the Vesta proceeded on her way down the Frith. and returned to Glasgow in the evening, after a delightful excursion, in which this was the only untoward incident. We are assured by a gentleman who was on board, and from whom we have received these particulars, that not the slightest blame could be attached to those in charge of the steamer

[from Chester Chronicle - Friday 22 September 1848]:
Lord Newborough's new Steam-yacht Vesta. This yacht has lately been completed, and having been tried, Lord Newborough and a party of friends have set sail from Carnarvon, where his lordship resides, on a shooting excursion to Hornoway[sic Stornoway?]. This beautiful yacht, being the first of a class which we foresee will become very general, deserves particular notice. She was built by Messrs. Tod and M'Gregor, of Glasgow, from the designs of Mr Grantham, of Liverpool, who also designed the Sarah Sands and several other auxiliary screw-steamers. She is 240 tons, o.m., 105 feet at the loading, 21 feet beam, 12 feet 6 inches deep, and draws about nine feet. She is nearly flush, having only a raised forecastle, is schooner-rigged, and has ports for eight guns. Her engines are fifty horse-power, and consist of two oscillating cylinders, coupled direct to the screw, after Mr. Grantham's patent; the screw is nine feet in diameter, and on Mr. Woodcroft's principle makes about fifty revolutions when steaming head to wind, and sixty with the sails set. The machinery is very low in the vessel, the bunkers will hold about fifteen days' coals. Her mainmast is 54 feet from the deck; foremast extreme length 63 feet; main boom 56 feet. From the trials she has had, she would evidently have borne much longer spars, if intended only for sailing, Her accommodations are very simple, but at the same time everything is in good taste. She has a spacious saloon abaft the engine department; three state-rooms, ladies cabin, steward's pantry, baths, and every convenience; forward also there are additional state rooms, and rooms for servants. Her speed exceeds that anticipated by about one mile an hour, with 100 tons dead weight in coals and ballast. She steamed from Glasgow to Greenock during the night, and against the flood-tide, in 2h. 35min, a distance of about twenty-one statute miles. Her sailing qualities are not yet well ascertained, but she promises to be very fast. We are glad to see the noblemen and gentlemen encouraging plans which tend to promote improvements in either the navy or merchants' service, and we believe there is no subject of more interest to both than the screw-propeller as an auxiliary to sails.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Thursday 31 July 1851]:
Lord Newborough's splendid yacht schooner steamer, the Vesta, was anchored off the George Hotel, Bangor Ferry, on Tuesday afternoon and attracted much attention from the beauty and symmetry of her build, the elegance of her rigging, and the mode in which she sat upon the water

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 29 January 1859]:
FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE. - The steam yacht 'Vesta,' with the Right Hon. Lord Newborough and party on board, arrived at Belan, near Carnarvon, on Thursday evening, after a cruise in the Mediterranean.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 02 July 1875]:
MISSING SHIPS. The Vesta, Conroy, which is reported to have sailed from Rio Pongas, West Coast of Africa, for Liverpool, on the 26th Jan. last. ...

Wooden screw steam yacht Sunbeam (ex-Pelican), built Griffith Edwards, Menai Bridge, 1883, 14 nrt, 31 grt, 70 x 10.2 x 6.8ft, ON 80238, engine 20 hp by De Winton, Caernarfon, as Pelican. Model (in store) in Merseyside Maritime Museum. Owned Frederick Wynn, Glynllifon, Caernarvonshire [youngest son of 3rd Lord Newborough] until 1889. Sold 1889 to Lloyd Hughes, Coed-Helen, [high sheriff of Caernarfonshire] and renamed Sunbeam. Sunk by collision with steam packet Snowdon [ON 99404, steel, b Laird, Birkenhead, 1892, 338 grt, 200hp, paddles] in Menai Straits on 2nd August 1904.
  Frederick Wynn is reported as having also owned a small steam launch [built Edwards 1882, engines by De Winton] of 36 ft - possibly as a tender.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 16 April 1889]:
The NAME of the Steam Yacht "Pelican," registered at Carnarvon, has been CHANGED to that of "SUNBEAM" pursuant to a minute of the Board of Trade dated 13th Apil 1889.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 14 August 1897]:
PORTDINORWIC. On Saturday the annual regatta took place at Portdinorwic. The day was remarkably fine, with a very light breeze from the south-west. Considerable interest was taken in the various events by a large crowd of spectators. The commodore was Mr G. W. Duff Assheton Smith, the vice-commodore being Mr H. A. Duff, and the rear-commodore Mr J, H. Burton. The duties of hon. secretary were efficiently discharged bv Mr W. Ll. Roberts. Mr Lloyd W. G. Hughes (high-sheriff of Carnarvonshire) placed his steam yacht "Sunbeam" at the disposal of the committee to serve as a flagship.

[from North Wales Times - Saturday 06 August 1904]:
SCENE IN MENAI STRAITS. REGATTA FLAGSHIP SUNK BY THE SNOWDON. THE CAPTAIN INTERVIEWED. This week, which was devoted to regattas on the North Wales coast, opened inauspiciously with a regrettable accident by which the Sunbeam, the flagship belonging to Mr. H. Lloyd Hughes, Coedhelen, Carnarvon, was sunk in the Menai Straits in collision with the Snowdon passenger steamer, on her return voyage from Carnarvon to Liverpool. Interviewed by a correspondent, Captain Ellis, of the steam yacht Sunbeam, said: We left Carnarvon on Tuesday morning for Beaumaris Regatta. We had on board our owner, Mr. Lloyd Hughes (commodore of the Royal Welsh Yacht Club), and a house party, consisting of Mrs. Bulkeley Hughes and her two daughters, Mrs. Trevor Hughes and two lady visitors from Sussex, two gentlemen friends, and the crew. On our outward voyage we met the Snowdon coming to Carnarvon at the very spot where the accident occurred in the afternoon. After the regatta we went round Puffin Island, returning to Carnarvon through the Straits. Just below the Swillies we met the Snowdon returning from Carnarvon at full speed. We were on the Anglesea side of the Straits, and the passage there being narrow, I shouted on the Snowdon captain to ease down and slacken speed. Immediately after, her bow crashed into our starboard bow, cutting right through to our forward rigging. Had the Snowdon then backed, the sea would have rushed in, and we would all have gone to the bottom. He saw the danger, and kept ramming us while the ladies were helped on board. The last of us had hardly scrambled on the deck of the Snowdon when the Sunbeam sank like a stone. The party had just finished lunch. and all on board lost everything except what they had on, the ladies being bareheaded. Our boat sank in less than two minutes after being struck. The Sunbeam will have to be raised in order to clear the channel. Otherwise, she is so seriously damaged that she is not worth raising, except for her boilers, which are exceptionally fine, having been made at Dawington's foundry, Carnarvon. Fortunately, the boilers did not burst. There would have been no time to launch our boats, which went down at the davits. The ladies showed the greatest presence of mind in the most trying circumstances, and Commodore Lloyd Hughes remained calm and self-possessed. To this self-control on their part is attributable the fact that no lives were lost.
At the Town Council, on the motion of the Mayor, a vote was unanimously passed congratulating Commodore Lloyd Hughes on his escape.
At Llandudno Pierhead a correspondent saw Captain Williams, who commands the steamer Snowdon, and asked him for an account of the collision. Captain Williams declined to make any statement, except that the little yacht got foul of him, and he did not get foul of the yacht. He could say nothing more.

Steel screw steam yacht Mira, built Dunlop, Port Glasgow, 1891, 250grt, 140nrt, 154 x 21.6 x 12.6 ft, 75 hp engines by builder, ON 92204. Owned Frederick G Wynn, of Glynllifon, registered Caernarvon.
Owned 1897, Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, Principe di Piemonte; later the king of Italy. Then used by Italian Navy 1912, owned in Greece 1915, renamed IELA, then CONSTANTINOS TOGIAS, then SIFNOS, sunk 1941 then raised by Germany for their use, and finally sunk by air attack 03/04/1944 about 30 miles north of Crete. Vessel history.

Image [from Julius Gabe. (1902). Yachting: Historical Sketches of the Sport]:

[excerpt from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 29 December 1894]:
Visit of Prince and Princess of Wales, including the eisteddfod at Caernarfon: ... The return journey from Carnarvon to Bangor was made along the Menai Straits, on board the steam yacht, "Mira," belonging to the High-sheriff of Carnarvonshire (the Hon F. G. Wynn). The next day the Royal guests paid a visit to the Penrhyn Slate Quarries, accompanied by Lord and Lady Penrhyn and about thirty-five of the house party, being escorted to Bethesda by a body of seventy-five tenant farmers on the Penrhyn Estate. After returning from the quarries, their Royal Highnesses boarded the steam yacht "Mira" at Port Penrhyn, and cruised for a short time along the Anglesey Coast.

The full report of the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to the Menai in 1894 includes a list of vessels present - one of which is described as "Roy ss, Hon F G Wynn". Since Roy is described as ss rather than sy - it was presumably a steam launch. This vessel is not in MNL.

Wooden paddle steamer Firefly, built William Roberts, Chester, 1900, 16 nrt, 33 grt, 72.4 x 11.6 x 5.4 ft, 4hp engines by Timmins, Runcorn, ON 118508. Built for Frederick G Wynn, Glynllifon, [youngest son of 3rd Lord Newborough]. Registered Caernarfon 1905 on. Converted to motor power, screw, by 1940, 118 bhp, owned Colonel Robert V Wynn of Fort Belan. Register closed 1943. Sometimes named Firefly II, possibly since the Wynn family were reported to have owned a small paddle steamer called Firefly from 1837, for use in the Menai.

Image of compound diagonal steam engines, which were removed when Firefly was converted to screw propulsion, from Mersey Maritime Museum [who also have a half model in store]. [engine now housed at Anson Engine Museum in Poynton Cheshire]:

Wooden screw steam yacht Gwendoline, built G. Edwards, Beaumaris, 1879, 16nrt, 55 x 9 x 4ft, engines 12hp by De Winton, Caernarfon. Owned Charles H Wynn (son of Lord Newborough). Aground on rocks at west pier, Kingstown, 26 July 1892. Reported wrecked, 18 tons, but also as salvaged. In Lloyd's Yacht Register, not in MNL,

[from Belfast Telegraph - Thursday 28 July 1892]:
The Honourable C. Wynne's yacht Gwendoline, R. W. Y. C., was blown on the rocks at the West Pier, Kingstown, on Tuesday evening, and got off yesterday slightly damaged.

[from Irish Independent - Friday 29 July 1892]:
THE SCREW STEAM YACHT GWENDOLINE. The remains of this ill fated little craft have been taken charge of by the receiver of wrecks. She has broken up, and will soon disappear completely. The yacht was constructed for pleasure trips about the Menai Straits, Puffin Island, Bangor, Beaumaris, and Caernarvon, N W. She was the property of the Hon C H Wynn, son of Lord Newborough, Glenllivon, Caernarvon. The magnificent steam yacht, Myra [sic], 329 tons, is owned by his brother, the Honourable W C [sic: F G] Wynn, RYS. The Gwendoline was built in 1873 by Edwards, and altered in 1882. She was a fast little steam yacht, and very well fitted up. Her yacht tonnage was 16 tons, and about 19 BM. Her loss was no doubt occasioned by want of steam being up at the time she took the rocks, the owner having intended to sail her over to the Welsh coast. She was unfortunately caught by the ebb tide, which runs very strong, and the fresh N N Easterly wind held her on the rocks, and on the tide receding she broke her back, becoming what is known as "hogged," and a total wreck.

Iron screw steam yacht Fedora (ex Cushie Doo), built D & W Henderson, Partick 1881, 249 grt, 159 nrt, 145 x 24.1 x 12.8 ft, engine by builders of 60 hp, 1 screw. ON 84266. First owner William Osmand, Melbourne, registered Glasgow. In 1891 registered Hull and named Fedora. After ownership by Marquis of Waterford and then Duke of Montrose, owned by Baron Newborough [address listed as Trefnant, Denbighshire] from 1898-1907 [from MNL listing].
William Charles Wynn, born 1873, became baron Newborough in 1888. He voyaged extensively in Fedora - round the world 1898-9, finishing in the Colne where she was to be refitted; across the Atlantic to attend the America's cup race in 1901,
Later owned Swansea, London and, in 1913, sold as a cargo vessel, to Portuguese interests, later owned Bilboa 1920.
Vessel history.

Image of steam screw yacht Fedora in 1895 from Yachting World:

[from Glasgow Herald - Monday 24 January 1881]:
LAUNCH. PARTICK - Messrs David & Wm. Henderson & Co. launched on Friday from their Meadowside Works a handsomely-modelled screw steam yacht for Mr W. H. Osmond, Melbourne. She has been built to meet Lloyd's requirements for the highest Class and her dimensions are - Length, 145 feet; a breadth, 24 feet; depth, 12 feet 9 inches; tonnage, 350 tons. On leaving the Ways the vessel was named "Cushie Doo" by Mrs Charles V. Merriman, St. Clement's Rectory, Salford, Manchester. The vessel has been supplied by the builders with machinery of the most improved description, and will leave shortly for Melbourne, via Suez Canal, under the command of Captain William Gilchrist.

[from Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 22 October 1897]:
The Duke of Montrose has sold his steam yacht Fedora (which was owned for several years by the late Lord Waterford) to Lord Newborough, and she is fitting out at Cowes for a cruise to the East Indies. The Duke has purchased Sir Donald Currie's steamer Iolanthe.

[from Hampshire Observer and Basingstoke News - Saturday 01 December 1906]:
Captain Lewis-Hill has sold his sailing yacht Ailsa, and has bought the auxiliary steam yacht Fedora, of 350 tons, which was formerly owned by Lord Newborough.


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Iron twin-screw steam yacht Menai (ex - Ark of Safety), built Thomas Seath, Rutherglen, 1872, 41 grt, 24 nrt, 81.4 x 14.3 x 6.5 ft, engines 20hp by A Campbell, Glasgow, ON 65940. Registered Liverpool, first owned Richrad Needham, Southport [pier opened 1860], and offered for sale as "only worked for a few weeks" in 1873. Bought William Humphries Owen, Plas Penrhyn, Dwyran, Anglesey and name changed to Menai, presumably as a steam yacht [Captain Owen had sailed merchant vessels from Liverpool extensively and also owned shares in a number of vessels. Plas Penrhyn is on the Anglesey bank of the Menai, with a small dock, west of Tal y Foel]. Later owned Londonderry 1882 and then Belfast 1898, broken up 1908. Vessel history.

[from Glasgow Herald - Friday 07 June 1872]:
The Ark of Safety, an iron screw steamer, built for _, Southport.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Friday 21 February 1873]:
THE handsome iron Twin Screw passenger Steamers ARK OF SAFETY and WATER WITCH, Lying in Dawes Yard, Preston. Apply to W. NEWETT and SON, 12. Canning-place. Liverpool.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 11 September 1873]:
FOR SALE. The very handsome Twin Screw Steamer ARK OF SAFETY. Suitable for yacht, tender or passenger steamer. Built on the Clyde last year of iron; 41 tons gross and 23 tons net register. Length, 60 feet; breadth, 14 feet; depth, 6.5 feet; good speed, light draught, beautifully finished with two large cabins and flush deck, Has two direct-acting inverted engines with surface condenser. Has been licensed for 151 passengers. Apply to W. Newett & Son, 12. Canning-place, Liverpool

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Thursday 09 October 1873]:
PROPOSAL TO CHANGE A SHIP'S NAME. I, WILLIAM H. OWEN, of Plasynpenrhyn, hereby give NOTICE, that in consequence of her being principally in use for cruising in the Menai Straits as a yacht, it is my intention to APPLY to the BOARD OF TRADE, under Section 6 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1871, in respect of my ship "Ark of Safety," of Liverpool, Official Number 65940, of gross tonnage 41 15-100 tons, of register tonnage 23 63-100 tons, heretofore owned by Richard Needham, Southport, for PERMISSION to CHANGE her NAME to "MENAI," to be registered under the said new name at the Port of Liverpool, as owned by me. .. Dated at Plasynpenrhyn this 7th day October, 1873. W. H. OWEN.

[from Worcester Journal - Saturday 27 September 1884]:
WRECK OF A BRITISH GUN BOAT. FIFTY LIVES LOST. A telegram was received on Tuesday afternoon at the Admiralty reporting the total loss of her Majesty's gunboat Wasp, at Tory Island, north-west coast of Ireland, on the 2nd. Only six men, it was stated, were saved out of a total complement of 58. ..... The gunboat was making for Moville when she struck on Tory Island. Owing to the absence of telegraphic communication with the island or from the nearer points on the mainland than Dunfanaghy, no details are known further than that, of the crew, 56 all told, only six bluejackets were rescued. About midday to-day Mr. Mellor, agent for Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, on whose property the evictions were to take place, chartered the steamer Menai, belonging to the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company, and proceeded to Tory Island. He was able to get within about 100 yards of the island, but approach any nearer was impossible, the island being enveloped in a storm which no boat could possibly live in.

Wooden screw steam yacht Greyhound, built Adamson, Grangemouth 1878, 23grt, 15nrt, 55.7 x 11.3 x 5.4 ft, 10hp engines by builder, screw, ON 79652, registered London 1878. First owner Sir Roger Palmer, Cambs, 1878-80; Ernest du Boulay, Wilts, 1883-4; Sir Richard Bulkeley 1885; William H Owen, Plas Penrhyn, 1887-97; Ackroyd Hyndon, Surrey 1898-1900 [name changed to Maud]; Samuel W Little, Plymouth, 1902; Daniel Ingrouille, Alderney, 1903-11. Register closed 1912. More detail.

Reported as in Menai in 1889, owned W H Owen.

Iron screw steam yacht Merlin, built Thomas Seath, Rutherglen, 1863, 75ft, re-engined at Gourock with engines by Plenty, Newbury, 1871. Not found MNL. Owned Albert Wood, Chester, 1871-2. Later details.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 21 September 1871]:
The steam yacht Merlin is about ready for leaving Messrs Steele's slip at Greenock, where she has been internally refitted. Her new engines and boilers are to be supplied by Messrs Plenty & Sons, Berkshire. With the old engines she steamed ten knots, and it is expected the new machinery will drive her fourteen knots per hour.

[from Isle of Man Times - Saturday 02 March 1872]: Steam Yacht Merlin. This yacht put in here on Tuesday morning, to coal, on her way from the Clyde to the Mersey, and remained in the harbour waiting favourable weather. The Merlin was built by Mr Thomas Seath, steam yacht builders, Glasgow, and engined by Messrs Plenty and Son, Newbury, Berkshire, and is the property of Albert Wood, Esq., Dee Bank House, Chester, a racing yachtsman well-known from the number of prizes taken by his yachts Glance, and others. The Merlin, like his other vessels, is of great speed, having run 14 miles per hour on her trial trip on the Clyde. She has been fitted out with all the latest improvements for comfort and safety, and the recommendations of Mr F. Wymer, Board of Trade Inspector at Greenock, regarding the side lights, have been carried out, viz., that of having the lights in a vertical position.

Iron screw steam yacht Kelpie, built Henderson, Coulborn, Renfrew, 1867, 60grt, 30nrt, 98.7 x 15.1 x 9.0ft, 20 hp twin-screw engines by builder, ON 58319. Owned A Wood 1873-4, registered Chester. More history.

[from Field - Saturday 02 May 1874]:
FOR SALE, the beautiful Clyde-built twin screw steam yacht KELPIE, length, 100 ft., beam, 15ft. 6in., draught of water, about 6ft; is fitted with two pairs of compound engines. and is fast upon a small consumption of fuel; cabins very nicely fitted; deck work teak. Owner only selling on account of his having bought a sailing yacht. For further particulars and orders to view apply to St Clare Byrne, Consulting Naval Architect, 49, Castle-street, Liverpool.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 07 August 1875]:
Llandudno Regatta. Subsequently Mr A Wood's steam yacht Kelpie went out and towed ...[becalmed sailing yachts]

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 19 June 1877]:
The steam yacht Kelpie, 100 tons, lately purchased by Mr James Moffat, Esq., has come down the river and is now lying in the Bay. She is under the command of Captain Donald M'Phail, and has been very nicely fitted out. About the middle of next month, she proceeds north to Loch Ealch, in Ross-shire.

Yacht Finella, owned A Wood 1876. Not found in MNL. Possibly Fenella, one newspaper report gives steam, but more likely sail only,... See below

[from Liverpool Weekly Mercury - Saturday 05 August 1876]:
The Dee Channel yacht match took place yesterday, the distance being from New Brighton to Llandudno. ... Mr Albert Wood, commodore, accompanied the yachts in his steam-yacht Finella [sic, most probably Fenella, not steam].

[from Cambrian News - Friday 11 August 1876]:
Llandudno Regatta. .. Passing the Fenella, Mr Albert Wood, RDYC, which was the flagship....

[Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 11 August 1876]:
ROYAL WELSH YACHT CLUB REGATTA
Mr. Albert Wood, commodore of the Royal Dee Yacht Club, kindly placed his fine schooner yacht, which was decked from stem to stem with bunting, at the disposal the club as flagship, and she was moored within a stone's throw of the club-house.
First Class Yachts. A piece of plate the value £30, £10 added as second prize. Open to yachts exceeding 20 tons belonging Royal or recognised yacht clubs. The entries were as follows
Name. Tons. Owner.
Spindrift (cutter) 21 J. Duncuft, R.W.Y.C.
Fenella (schooner) 85 Albert Wood, R.W.Y.C.
Chanticleer (yawl) 123 Col. Gamble, R.M.Y.C.
So Albert Wood's Fenella was a sailing vessel.
[MNL and Lloyd's Yacht register 1879, has Fenella, schooner, 54tons, 74.3 x 16.2 x 9.6ft, built Nicholson, Gosport 1864, reg Portsmouth, ON 62176, owned Albert Wood, Conway, 1876-7; renamed Star of the West 1879]
[MNL and Lloyd's Yacht register 1879, has Chantilcleer, yawl, 73nrt, 122grt, 84.4 x 18.2 x 11.1ft, built White, Cowes, 1874, reg Cowes, ON 67597, owned Col David Gamble 1876-81]

Iron screw steam yacht Dotterel[also Dotterell], built Cunliffe & Dunlop, Port Glasgow, 1875, as Arctic, 33 grt, 29 nrt, 68.5 x 10.8 x 6.0 ft, engines by builder 10hp, not in MNL. Owned Cunliffe (builder) as Arctic, then owned Albert Wood, Conway, 1878. By 1881 owned Thomas Pinkney, Sunderland. 1886 bought T Banks and deliberately scuttled off Deal. More details.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Wednesday 27 March 1878]:
Sale of a Steam Yacht. The fine steam yacht Arctic, owned Mr Cunliffe (of Messrs Cunliffe and Dunlop, shipbuilders) has, we understand, been sold to Mr Wood, of the well-known firm of chain and anchor makers, Liverpool.

[from Field - Saturday 30 March 1878]:
The Dotterel (late Arctic) - This fine little yacht has this week been sold to Mr Albert Wood; she is about 33 tons ym.

The RWYC regatta of 1878 reports yachts present: Dotterel, SS, 35 tons, Mr Albert Wood.

[from Dundee Evening Telegraph - Saturday 25 June 1881]:
ARBROATH. ... Arrival of a Steam Yacht. The steam yacht Dotterel, 33 tons, one of the Royal Steam Yacht Club, arrived here yesterday forenoon on a cruise along the east coast of Scotland. The vessel belongs to Mr Pinkney, of Sunderland, and is commanded by Captain Collins.

[from Field - Saturday 03 May 1884]:
FOR SALE, Steam Yacht DOTTEREL, 33 tons ym; good sea boat; very fast, on light consumption; three very roomy cabins and forecastle; good outfit; to be seen in Victoria Docks; now in commission and ready for immediate use; steam up in an hour or two. Apply Pinkney, Sons & Clare 4, Bishopsgate-street Within EC.

[from Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 18 September 1886]:
THE YACHT DOTTEREL. The steam yacht Dotterel, of Sunderland, which sank suddenly in the Downs off Deal Pier, and has been raised and brought into Dover Harbour, has undergone a thorough examination by experts. The only cause discovered which would account for the vessel sinking is a hole the hull on the port bow about 12ft from the stem and 2ft. 6in. from the keel. The aperture is large enough for a person's hand to go through and is cut through the planks. It is supposed to have been cut with a chisel and this theory is strengthened by the fact that a short distance from the aperture part of a chisel that had broken off in the timber was found protruding about 1.5in on the outside of the vessel. It is stated that the Board of Trade will institute an inquiry.

[from Shields Daily Gazette - Thursday 18 November 1886]:
THE ALLEGED SCUTTLING. THE DOTTERELL AFFAIR. INQUIRY TO-DAY. An inquiry was opened at Westminster, Sessions House, to-day, respecting the alleged scuttling of the steam yacht Dotterell. A representative of the Board of Trade stated that the owner had purchased the yacht for £500, and insured it for £600. The Dotterell, which was on a passage from Dover for Wivenhoe, sprung a leak and sank in the Downs on September 3. The crew of three hands, including the owner, landed at Deal in their own boat. An examination of the ship showed that it had been scuttled. Mr Danckwerts, who appeared for the Board of Trade, stated that the owner (who formed one of the crew) had disappeared, and could not be served. In July last, the owner purchased the yacht from Mr Pinkney, Sunderland, for £520. On August 4th, she was handed over to Mr Banks, and on August 10th she was insured at Lloyd's for £600 for one month. On the 2nd of September she left Dover for Wivenhoe. About ten o'clock on the same night she was found to be leaking badly, and was shortly afterwards abandoned in the Downs, and sank. It would be proved that the yacht, which had been raised by the Salvage Association, was found to have a hole in her port bow, no other hole being apparent in the hull. Proof would also given that this hole was made from the inside with a hatchet, which was found in the yacht, and that a broken chisel, which had been used from the inside to displace the copper sheeting, was also found on board. He thought the Court would be obliged to come to the conclusion that the vessel was scuttled. [Owner, master and engineer held responsible, master's certificate cancelled]

Iron screw steam yacht Gelert, built Fullerton, Paisley, 1881, 86grt, 42nrt, 105.7 x 16.0 x 9.1 ft, engines 30hp by De Winton, Caernarfon, ON 80235. Owned Albert Wood, Bodlondeb, Conway, registered Caernarfon. 1884 owned John Mackie, Kircudbright. From 1885 owned Robert Stewart, Whithorn, Co. Wigtown. Later registered Glasgow, Plymouth, Beaumaris [from 1925, owned Sir Charles MacIver, Glan y Menai, Menai Bridge]. Used by Royal Navy as an armed yacht 1939-46. Bought by her war-time commander Lt Cmdr Vernon Sewell in 1946 [offered to pre-war owner, who was Sewell's uncle, at a moderate price], and used by him in several B-movie films that he directed [such as Ghost Ship 1952, Dangerous Voyage 1954]. Later history.

Albert Wood's family owned a Cable and Anchor factory at Saltney, near Chester. He rebuilt a large mansion, Bodlondeb, at Conwy [now owned by the council]. He was a local benefactor and served as mayor of Conwy.

Image of SY Gelert circa 1900.

Image of HMS Gelert in WW2 [from The Sphere - Saturday 04 May 1946]:

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 11 June 1881]:
CONWAY. THE MAYOR'S NEW YACHT. - The 'Gelert,' a new iron steam yacht of 125 tons, building at Paisley, by Messrs. J. Fullerton and Co., for the mayor, Mr. Albert Wood, is now almost completed, and will be launched about the middle of this month. It is expected that a speed of fully eleven knots will be attained on the measured line, and from her beautiful easy lines, and the powerful machinery with which she is fitted, the 'Gelert,' it is expected, will be one of the fastest steam yachts of her size afloat. She has been built under the supervision of her designer, Mr St. Clare Byrne, of Liverpool, also under the special survey of Lloyd's, and will have their highest classification. The machinery is by Messrs. De Winton and Co., Carnarvon.

[from Royal Cornwall Gazette - Friday 30 June 1882]:
The following is a list of the visitors now staying at Padstow and neighbourhood.... Mr Wood, Conway Castle [sic], North Wales, and Mrs Wood and family. The latter are staying on board their beautiful yacht "Gelert," belonging to the Royal Welsh Club, and now in the harbour.

[from Sporting Life - Thursday 24 August 1882]:
Conway Regatta. ... Mr. Albert Wood (Vice-Commodore Royal Cheshire Yacht Club) was Commodore, his steam yacht, Gelert, being flagship.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Saturday 09 July 1887]:
GOUROCK. YACHTING. The steam yacht Gelert, 200 tons, arrived in Liverpool on Saturday, 2nd inst., after a fortnight's cruising south, among the places visited being the Scilly and Channel Isles and St Malo. They start again to-day for Kingston[sic], and on the 18th the yacht is commissioned for a lengthened cruise up the Baltic Sea. The Gelert is chartered by Mr Fred. W. Earle, of Liverpool, and commanded by Capt. John Shaw of this town.

Steel screw steam yacht St Kilda, built John Reid, Port Glasgow, 1887, 114 grt, 77 nrt, 100.4 x 18.0 x 9.8 ft, 35 hp engines by Ross & Duncan, Glasgow, ON 93931. First owner Albert Wood, registered Port Glasgow, 1887-8.

[from Lloyd's List - Wednesday 25 July 1888]:
ST. KILDA (yt). Yarmouth, I.W., July 25, 8 10 a.m. Owner of St. Kilda landed and reports that yacht tailed on the mud end of Black Rock Ledge, and the coastguard and her own crew weighing themselves on bowsprit lifted her, and wind being favourable, carried her off without damage.

Iron screw steam yacht Freya (ex - Lady of the Isles, Queen of the Isles), built John Reid, Port Glasgow 1876, 56 grt, 38 nrt, 88.4 x 12.7 x 7.9 ft, 25 hp engines by Kincaid & Donald, ON 70321. MNL list of ownership:
Owned Lord MacDonald of Armadale Castle, Skye, 1877-1879, as Lady of the Isles.
Owned Lord Aberdour, Midlothian, 1881-3 as Queen of the Isles
Owned Marquis of Anglesey, Plas Newydd, 1884-8 as Queen of the Isles, registered Caernarfon.
Owned Albert Wood, Bodlondeb, Conwy, 1890-95, as Freya, registered Caernarfon.
Owned Laurence Pullar, Bridge of Allan, 1896-99, registered Caernarfon.
Owned John Burrows, Oban 1900-1904, registered Caernarfon. He chartered Freya out to yachtsmen. In 1904, he arranged for her to sail to Southampton to be inspected there. She left on 22nd March, but one of the crew, Alexander M'Dougall, was lost overboard and drowned. After returning to Oban, she set out again on 26 March, and stopped en route for repairs and to shelter. She sank on 16 April 1904, 2.5 miles NE of Black Head, Belfast Lough after striking an object. Register closed 1904. More wreck details.

[from Lichfield Mercury - Friday 07 December 1883]:
Lord Anglesey has purchased the fine steam yacht Queen of the Isles, 70 tons, lately the property of Lord Aberdour.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 27 March 1886]:
MENAI BRIDGE. - The Marquis of Anglesey's steam yacht, "Queen of the Isles," has, this week, returned to her moorings off Plas Newydd, after having received a new deck and overhaul at the hands of Mr Griffith Edwards, ship and yacht builder, Menai Bridge. His lordship's fine yacht, "Santa Clara,"[sic: Santa Cecilia] has also received an overhaul this week, both yachts being quite ornaments at their anchorage,

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 16 March 1889]:
Mr Albert Wood, formerly owner of the steam yacht St Kilda, has purchased from the Marquis of Anglesey the 70 ton steam yacht Freya. She was built at Port Glasgow in 1876 for Lord MacDonald, and was named, when launched, Queen of the Isles.

[from Field - Saturday 08 June 1889]:
YACHT INTELLIGENCE. BEAUMARIS. Arrivals Cestria (s.s.), Mr J. Houghton; Freya (s.s.), late Queen of the Isles, Mr A. Wood; Ada (s.s.), Mr Timmings [not identified]; Aquila, Mr Bell. On the station and in the Straits: Santa Cecilia (s.s.), Marquis of Anglesey; Miramar (s.s.),..., Nesta(s.s.)

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 17 September 1892]:
PORTDINORWIC REGATTA - This regatta was held on the 3rd inst., and proved a great success. The weather was most favourable, in marked contrast to the stormy week preceding. Mr G. W. Duff Assheton Smith, acted as commodore, and [was] kindly lent the steam yacht "Freya" as flagship. The regatta was honoured by the presence, on board the flagship, of the Dowager Lady Vivian, Mrs Assheton Smith, Mr. C. J. Stanhope Jones, and Colonel Mainwaring. The vice-commodore was the Hon. W. W. Vivian. The rear-commodore, Mr H. A. Duff, kindly placed his steam launch at the disposal of the Committee.

[from Northern Whig - Friday 01 July 1904]:
The Loss of the Yacht Freya. A Board of Trade inquiry into the foundering the steam yacht Freya, ex Queen of the Isles, in Belfast Lough, on the 16th April, was opened before Sheriff Glegg, at Greenock, yesterday.
The first witness sailed was Joseph Shearlaw, who stated that was employed by the owner, Mr. John Burrows, to take the Freya from Oban to Southampton. On the way down they called at Larne, and left there at half-past eight on the night of the 16th April. About ten o'clock, when two and a half miles from Blackhead, the yacht was struck by same hard substance and began to sink. The crew got into a small boat and rowed to White-abbey, which they reached about two in the morning. Shortly after they left her, the Freya disappeared. He did not order the pumps to used, as he considered it a case of life before property.

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Another keen yachtsman, with a North Wales link, was the Marquis of Anglesey: Henry Paget (created 1st Marquis in 1815, of Plas Newydd on the Menai Straits) who had been a distinguished cavalry commander at Waterloo. He owned a very successful sailing yacht, Pearl, 68 ft, 113 tons om, built Colchester 1820, until his death in 1854. More detail, including an image. Also another image. He was succeeded by his son who held the title [2nd Marquis] from 1854 until his death in 1869. The eldest son of the 2nd Marquis became the 3rd Marquis from 1869-80, and then his second son was the 4th Marquis (1880-98). The 5th Marquis was the famous spender who was bankrupt in 1904. All were called Henry Paget.
Most of the vessels below are from the era of the 4th Marquis, who served as Vice-Admiral of the Coast, North Wales and Carmarthenshire.

Note that in 1884-8 Queen of the Isles (later Freya) was owned by the Marquis of Anglesey.

Steel and iron screw steam yacht Santa Cecilia, built John Elder, Govan, 1881, 203 grt, 96 nrt, 141.8 x 22.1 x 11.6 ft, 80 hp engine by builder, 1 screw, ON 85075. Built for Lord Alfred Paget, registered London. Sold to his nephew, the Marquis of Anglesey, in 1885, owned until 1891. Later history.

Image of Santa Cecilia - in 1913 as S S Selma, trading off British Columbia.

[from Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 19 December 1885]:
Lord Alfred Paget has sold his screw steam yacht Santa Cecilia, which was last year hired by the Empress of Austria, to his nephew, the Marquis of Anglesey.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 17 November 1891]:
YACHT SALE, Mr Thomas Stevens, of Ardlui House, Helensburgh, has just purchased from the Marquis of Anglesey his well-known steam yacht Santa Cecilia, 511 tons. The Santa Cecilia was built by the firm John Elder Co. in 1882, and since then she has been round the world, and across the Atlantic several times. In 1889, when in the Mediterranean, she was entered for the steam yacht race at Nice, winning easily.

Iron screw steam yacht Star of the Sea (ex - Black Swan, ex - Shark), built William Simonds, Renfrew 1877, 70 grt, 32 nrt, 105 x 15 x 8.7 ft, 40 hp engines by Simons-Lobnitz, Renfrew, ON 76183. First owner J Mackie, Greenock, as Shark, registered Greenock. By 1883 owned Wm C Williamson, Glasgow, as Black Swan. In 1890 owned Moses H Cameron, Manchester, as Star of the Sea, until 1891. Owned Marquis of Anglesey 1893-5; Charles Worral, Altrincham, 1896-9; Lewis P Nott, Southport, 1900-6. 1907 owned John W Boyd, Glasgow;...; registered Aberdeen 1917, register closed 1922. Some more detail.

Moses Cameron of Combrook Park, Manchester, was possibly associated with the Steam Pump Manufacture, set up by John Cameron, in Oldfield Road Iron Works, Salford, established 1852, active from 1870. In the 1891 Census, Moses Henry Cameron was in Chester Road, Stretford, Barton upon Irwell, born circa 1862, married to Charlotte L K Haslelden 1890, profession: mechanical engineer, with young daughter Nellie and 2 servants. By 1901 he was at Dartmouth.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Friday 31 May 1889]: YACHTING IN MENAI STRAITS - On Saturday last, the Royal Mersey Yacht Club had their Opening cruise, when the following yachts arrived at Beaumaris: - Aline, ss, Col. Gamble, C.B. (commodore); Hypatia, yawl, Mr. Sinclair (vice-commodore); Cestria, ss , Mr J. Johnson Houghton; Aquila, Mr. Bell; and Diona, yawl (late Alexandra), Mr. A. Wilson. The Leander, Mr. Charles H. Beloe, owing to a mishap in the Mersey, did not arrive until Monday morning, and the Elaine, Mr. Nicholls, reached here on the same day. The following yachts are on the station in the Straits:- Santa Cecilia, ss, Marquis of Anglesey; Minnie, Mr. A. T. King; Miramar, ss, Colonel McCorquodale (High-sheriff of Anglesey); Nesta, ss, Colonel Platt; Ellerin, Mr. J. Moseley; Lynnette, Mr. R. Bennett; Shamrock, Mr. W. M. Preston; Star of the Sea, ss, Mr. Cameron; Restless, Mr. P. A. Lloyd; King Fisher, Mr. Bannister; Mr. J. R. Davies's Aeolia and Mr. Burton's Odille are fitting out. We understand that Mr. J. M. Heap, of Cloughton, is having a ten-tonner yacht built at Birkenhead for the Straits, and that Mr. S. Cousins, of Carnarvon, has building at Menai Bridge (by Mr. G. Edwards) a new four-ton rater designed by himself, and from which great things are expected.

[from Field - Saturday 12 November 1892]:
The Marquis of Anglesey has purchased the steam yacht, Star of the Sea, 108 tons.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 19 August 1893]:
Royal Anglesey yacht Club. ANNUAL REGATTA AT BEAUMARIS. The annual regatta in connection with the Royal Anglesey Yacht Club, took place. at Beaumaris on Wednesday. The weather was remarkably fine with bright sunshine and a light wind blowing. The event proved a great attraction both to lovers of the aquatic sports, and to visitors in general, a large number of whom were on the pier and lining the Green to witness the various races. During the proceedings the town band played a selection of music on the pier, Among the large number of yachts in the straits: were ss "Star of the Sea" (Marquis of Anglesey); ss "Aline" (Colonel Gamble); "Juno" (Mr Johnson); "Sunbeam" (Mr Lloyd Hughes); "Druid"; "Blue Rock"; Asterope (Mr J H. Burton); "Leander; "Wonderful"; "Mona"; "Elaine"; "Stag"; "Salmon"; "Red Dragon"; "Wavelet"; "Launce"; "Millie"; "Foxhound"; &c, &c. The commodore this year was Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley, Bart., whose fine steam-yacht "Speraza" was placed at the disposal of the committee as a flagship. The Marquis of Anglesey was vice-commodore, and the Colonel T. L. Hampton Lewis acted as rear-commodore.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 11 August 1894]:
ROYAL WELSH YACHT CLUB REGATTA. The forty-eighth annual regatta of the Royal Welsh Yacht Club was held at Carnarvon on Thursday, and was the most successful of recent years. The Marquis of Anglesey is the commodore, Sir Llewelyn Turner vice-, and Captain Griffith rear- commodores. These were ably assisted by Mr Charles A. Jones, the hon. secretary, whose services will next year reach the quarter century. On Thursday his lordship's beautiful steam yacht "Star of the Sea" was again, as at Beaumaris on Tuesday, pressed into service as the flagship, and the marquis's hospitality was extended to a large company of guests

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 05 October 1895]:
The following yachts were in the bay during the week:- Elida, ss, Mr Currie; Aileo, cut, RN.Y, Club; Alcyone, cut, RC.Y. Club; Jason, ss, Mr Bilby; Ixia, ss, Mr Guthrie; Abona, ss, Mr Sheldon; Ventura, yawl, Mr W. Lansdowne Beale; Lufra, yawl, 222 tons, Lady Miles; Maria, ss, Mr Stewart; Star of the Sea, ss, Mr Worrall; Griffin, ss, Mr Munro; Dubhran, ss, Mr Smith; Marita, ss, Sir Donald Smith; Vida, ss, Mr Ness; Cressida, ss, Lord Morion; Chrysalis, ss, Mr Boulby; Marjorie, ss, Mr Akroyd; Kelpie, ss, Mr Courtauld; St Elian, ss, Col. Platt; Fujiana, ss, Mr Coats ; Bessie, ss, Mr Sopwith.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 29 July 1899]:
YACHTING NOTES, The following yachts were in Oban Bay during the week: Rhouma, ss (812) George Bullough; Dinorah, sch. (73) Robert C. Taylor; Cala-Mara, ss (229) W. H. Johnson; Aerolite, ss (42) Ross E. Marshall; Aster, ss (249) Henry Evans; Tuscarora, ss (591) Mrs E. B. Laidlaw; Syrene, ss (25) Robert Kerr; Ellida, ss (360) James Currle; Bedouin, cut. (11) James Backley; Sanspariel, ss (104) Capt John G. Sawyer; Ella, ss (35) Daniel MacPhun; Leda, ss (84) W. L. Bright; Kelpie, ss (35) M. Paul & Co.; Bessie, ss (43) John Burrows: Griffin, ss (33) Mrs Sheriff ; Calista, ss (258) W.C.S. Connell; Maretanza, ss (240) J. Denison-Pender; Clementine, ss (625) Little E. Johnston; Star of the Sea, ss (108) C.F. Worrall; Aline, ss (373) Sir David Gamble; Tiercet, sch. (114) G. H. Marvie; Nadine, ss (16) Francis C. Buchanan; Onora, ss (300) Sir Christopher Furness; Velzie, cut. (23) Colin E. Hay; Rona, ss (172)R.M. Donaldson; Undine, ss (30) Lady Welby; Vesper, ywl (22) John Oswald; Ixia, ss (122) W.M. Guthrie; Sea Belle, sch. (142) Thomas M. Lord; Tees, ss (40) Anthony Harris; Scaup, ss (31) William Blair; Halcyone, ss (23) John Hoggan; Sissie, ss (13) Alderman A. H. Cox; Cowal Lass, cut. (6) John Dobie; Oithona, ss (94) Sir W, Agnew; Monsoon, ss (232) T. Julius Hirst; Helen, sch. (33) Fred. Lobnitz; Rosabelle, aux. sch. (439) Theodore Pim; Madcap, cut. (20) C. Yelverton Pearson, M.D.; Illona, ss (55) Lord Howard of Glossop; Amalinda, ss (175) Mr Steven; Cornelia, ss (544) Thomas Clarke; Thais, ss (64) Thomas G. Hawley; Marcia, sch. (180) Lieut.-General A.W.H. Meyrick; Dione, yl. (45) Rev. C. T. Wakeham; Alcyone, cut. (40) Royal Clyde Yacht Club; Iolaire, ss (715) Sir Donald Currie; Lady Beatrice, ss (341) Right Hon. Lord Rendel; Blue Dragon, yl (7) C. C. Lynam; Charmer, ketch (49) E. Onslow Secker; Maritana, ss (36) Samuel Stevenson; Aglaia, sch. (45) James Hamilton; Hadassah, sloop (11) H. Heywood Ball; Capercailzie, ss (722) Lord Inverclyde; Amoena, sch. (22) H. K. Finch; Valetta, ss (76) Arthur Lowcock; Fan-Tan, lug. (8) Charles Henderson; Ailza, cut. (66) Royal Northern Yacht Club.

[from Highland News - Saturday 07 October 1899]:
OBAN. TWO MEN DROWNED IN THE BAY. Mr Thomas Boyd, stationer, and Mr Bowden, engineer on board the steam yacht Bessie, who was a married man belonging to Larkhill district, were drowned in Oban Bay late on Saturday night. Mr Boyd, who was residing in Kerrera, had been in the town during the evening. and after seeing his business premises closed about seven o'clock, he was returning home in company with Captain Maclean, of the Bessie, and Mr Bowden in a ship's boat. Maclean rowed, Bowden being in the stern, when off Ardentrive one man stood up and the boat was overturned, the occupants being thrown into the water. Attracted by cries for help, some of the crew of the steam yacht "Star of the Sea," which was anchored by, proceeded to the scene of the accident and succeeded in rescuing Captain Maclean, but Mr Boyd and Mr Bowden were drowned. At an early hour a number of boats commenced trawling for the bodies, but their search was not rewarded till between five and six o'clock in the afternoon, when Mr Boyd's body was recovered.

Steel screw steam yacht Oimara, built John Reid, Glasgow, 1886, 129 grt, 42 nrt, 134.2 x 13.1 x 9.1 ft, 38 hp engines by Rankin & Blackmore, Greenock, ON 89850. Initially registered Port Glasgow, owned Campbeltown, by Neil Mathieson [also described as of Lymm, Cheshire]. In 1895-1899 owned Marquis of Anglesey. Later transferred to Greek ownership, named Niki. Later history.

Image of S Y Oimara [from Yachting World 1903, off Rothesay]

Present at RMYC regatta 1888, owned Mathieson.

[from Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 05 January 1895]:
Summers and Payne have also effected another sale, the Oimara, ss, 902 tons, having been sold through them to the Marquis of Anglesey.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Wednesday 14 August 1895]:
YACHTING IN THE MENAL STRAITS. ... The Oimara, the new steam yacht built for the Marquis of Anglesey, acting as flagship

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 13 March 1899]:
PURCHASE of STEAM YACHT OIMARA. We understand that Mr Robert Ingham Clark, of Glencaladh Castle, Kyles of Bute, has just purchased the steam yacht Oimara, 205 tons register, from the executors the late Earl of Anglesey, to take the place of the steam yacht Maruja, which Mr Clark sold at the end of last year. The Oimara is fitted with triple expansion engines, was recently thoroughly overhauled, and is classed 100 A1 at Lloyd's.

Iron & Steel twin-screw yacht Wyvern, built Brassey, Birkenhead 1869 or 1871, first owner stated to be Richard Bulkeley, 60 x 9ft, 18hp, twin screw, not in MNL or Lloyd's yacht register. Advertised for sale 1878, then 1879 at Southport, then in 1881, as part owned by George Lee (deceased) of Bangor, Menai, also for sale in 1891 at Liverpool.

Lloyd's Yacht register 1879 gives two yachts - neither seems to fit:
Wyvern yawl 6tons, 31.6 x 6.9 ft, b Dickinson, Birkenhead 1871, owned Colin Napier, Liverpool.
Wyvern ON 69231, registered Barrow, b Rutherglen 1872, 14hp screw schooner. [used on Lake Windermere]

[from Field - Saturday 13 July 1878]:
ON SALE, the handsome Iron TWIN-SCREW YACHT WYVERN, length 56ft. 6in., beam 8ft. 4in., draught 3ft. 8in. aft, and 3ft. 4in. forward, rigged as a fore and aft schooner; constructed by Messrs Brassey and Co., of Birkenhead, in 1869, but recently modernised and improved, and re-fitted with new boiler of the best Low Moor iron, tested to 150lb. pressure, new modern steering apparatus and engines of 18 horse power, the entire newly painted, and in first-class condition, equal to new. For particulars and to view apply to Mr William Mitchell, Auctioneer, Manchester.

[from Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 25 July 1879]:
The "Wyvern" steam yacht, now lying in the channel of Southport, is a smart little craft, but it nearly came to grief a short time since on its voyage from Blackpool. A roughish sea was on at the time, but the "Wyvern" was bowling along gallantly, when an accident occurred to her engines and she was disabled. The "Clifton," [ON 62771, b Preston 1871, 136grt] which left Blackpool at the same time as the yacht, having lost sight of the latter, Captain Richardson came to the conclusion that something was wrong, and though he was just entering the channel with a hundred and fifty passengers on board, he gallantly turned back for a distance of six miles, and finding the "Wyvern" in distress, took her in tow and brought her safe to her anchorage ground. The owner and his friends were not unmindful of Captain Richardson's Good Samaritan act on the ocean highway, and have made him a presentation as a token of their appreciation of his kindly and timely aid.

[from Preston Pilot - Wednesday 10 September 1879]:
PRESENTATION. A few days ago a handsome ring was presented to Capt. Richardson, of the steamer Clifton, in recognition of services rendered to the steam yacht Wyvern, near the mouth of the Ribble, in June last. The following accompanied the gift: " Dear Captain, We the undersigned, desire to convey to you our grateful thanks for the prompt assistance rendered to the steam yacht Wyvern, while in a most critical position outside a sandbank, on her return passage to Southport, on Saturday, the 21st June, 1879. We beg your acceptance of the accompanying Ring, as a small token of our heartfelt gratitude, and as a memento of the eventful circumstance above-named. John Eastwood, Samuel Pickston, James Baron, W. G. Pennington, W. Seed Threlfall, W. Seed Threlfall, Junr." Southport, July, 1879.

[from Field - Saturday 23 August 1879]:
FOR SALE, the superior DOUBLE-SCREW steam Yacht WYVERN, with steel hull; 55ft long by 9ft. on the beam. with pair of 18-horsepower engines, by Brassey, Birkenhead, and boiler equal to new, having recently undergone a thorough repair, with new copper fire box and new brass tubes; replete with fishing nets, &c., and every requisite; in thorough working condition. May be seen near the pier at Southport. To view, and for price, apply JAMES BARON, Engineer, Victoria Works, Virginia-street, Southport.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 08 October 1881]:
TO BE SOLD BY TENDER (in consequence of the death of Mr George Lee, the part-owner), the handsome Iron-Built Steam Yacht "Wyvern," about 50ft. keel, 8ft. 6in. beam, and about 58 ft. over-all. The Yacht, which was built at Birkenhead, by Messrs Brassey and Co., is a beautiful model, very fast, has a very good and roomy cabin, is well found in all materials, and fitted with two pairs of Direct Acting Engines and Boiler, about 18 horse power, Twin Screw and New Donkey Engine. The Yacht having been thoroughly overhauled and refitted, is now ready for sea, and is well worthy of the attention of any gentlemen requiring a good and safe sea boat. May be viewed at Garth Ferry on application to Mr Morgan.

[from Field - Saturday 01 July 1882]:
MENAI STRAITS, North Wales. The excellent STEAM YACHT WYVERN, iron and steel built, copper bottomed, fitted with pair of 18 h.p. engines, by Brassey, and Co.. twin screw, copper fans; built expressly for speed and beauty, regardless of expense. Cost £2000, and must be sold in consequence of the death of a part owner. Any reasonable offer will be accepted. To be seen, in splendid working condition, at the Garth Ferry, Menai Straits, Bangor. For order to view or treat apply, to the Executors of the late George Lee Esq., or to Mr Richard Humphries, Proprietor of the Penbryn Arms Hotel, Bangor, Carnarvonshire.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 21 August 1891]:
VESSELS BY AUCTION. On account of a defaulter. Peremptorily and without reserve. On Thursday 27th Aug., at One o'clock at the Saleroom, Exchange-buildings, The twin-screw Steam yacht WYVERN. Length 60ft, beam 9ft, built of steel at Birkenhead in 1871 by Messrs. Brassey and Co., for Sir Richd. Bulkeley. It is an excellent pleasure boat, and well adapted for towing; speed about nine miles. Has brass tubes and copper fire box. Vessel has recently been in dry dock, and bottom approved of. Lying in George's Dock. Apply JOHN HUGHES & CO., Shipping Salesmen, Auctioneers and Valuers, 13, Tower-buildings, Old Churchyard, Liverpool.

Iron screw steam yacht Carmen, built John Reid, Port Glasgow, 1884, 142 grt, 68 nrt, 116.3 x 20.1 x 11.5 ft, 35hp engines, 1 screw, by Walker, Henderson, Glasgow, ON 90408. Owned Sir Richard Bulkeley from 1884-89. Later many owners and many different names. Later history.
Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley of Baron Hill, near Beaumaris, was a major landholder in North Wales; 12th Baronet, 1862-1942, He was a keen yachtsman and held a masters certificate. He owned many yachts, some sailing vessels for racing, but some larger steam yachts for cruising.

[from Field - Saturday 11 October 1884]:
YACHT INTELLIGENCE. Beaumaris. - On the station and the Straits: Carmen, ss. Sir R. H. Williams-Bulkeley, Bart.; Queen of the Isles, ss., Marquis of Anglesey; Pandora, ss, Mr G. W. D. Assheton Smith;

[from Western Times - Friday 24 October 1884]:
The steam yacht Carmen, Sir R Bulkeley Bart, broke down two miles off the Dart on Sunday, her steam launch was despatched to Dartmouth and Mr Simpson's steam yacht Banshee went out and towed her in. Her main shaft is broke, propellor injured and other damages sustained.

[from Chester Chronicle - Saturday 17 January 1885]:
Sir W Rivers Bulkeley Bart [sic] of Baron Hill Beaumaris who recently left Anglesey for a yachting tour in the Mediterranean has just arrived at Gibraltar in his steam yacht Carmer [sic] after an exceptionally quick voyage of four days, thirteen hours. The hon baronet will be absent from England for some months.

Wooden screw steam yacht Vixen, built White, East Cowes, 1882, 23 grt, 16 nrt, 62.2 x 11.0 x 5.0 ft, engines 12 hp, ON 84459. Owned Charles Baring, London, 1882-1885. Owned Sir Richard Bulkeley, registered Cowes, 1887-92. Abandoned on Caernarfon Bar 1887, but salvaged. 1894-99 owned Godfrey Baring, West Cowes.

[from Field - Saturday 22 January 1887]:
The schooner Kate, of Whitby, put into Holyhead on Wednesday, having on board the master and crew of four of the steam yacht Vixen, belonging to Sir R. W. Bulkeley, which been abandoned in Carnarvon Bar, having lost her rudder and sustained other damage. The Vixen, which formerly belonged to Gen. C. Baring, was built by Mr J. S. White, of East Cowes, and left Cowes for Beaumaris in December.

[from Manchester Evening News - Saturday 22 January 1887]:
The steam yacht Vixen, owned Sir R. W. Bulkeley, of Baron Hill, Beaumaris, while a voyage from Southampton homeward, was left in a sinking condition off Holyhead on Thursday. A few hours later, however, she was seen from Porthdynllyn drifting, and was boarded by a lifeboat crew and a shore boat, by which she was safely brought to anchor in Porthdynllyn Bay late in the evening.

[from Grantham Journal - Saturday 29 August 1891]:
Prince Henry of Battenberg left Holyhead Harbour, Monday, in his yacht, the Sheila, for a cruise on the Scotch and Irish coasts. Prince Henry, together with Lord Boyston, was brought to Holyhead from the Menai Straits by Sir Richard Bulkeley in his steam yacht, the Vixen.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 07 August 1899]:
Yesterday, while racing, the one-design yacht Bonita was run into by steam yacht, Vixen, and was beached to prevent foundering - she filled on tide rising. [Cowes]

Iron screw steam yacht Zingara, built Robert Steele, Greenock, 1875, 418 grt, 263 nrt, 186.3 x 25.2 x 15.1 ft, engines 80hp, 1 screw, by builder, ON 68638. Many owners, including [MNL] Sir Richard Bulkeley around 1888. In 1889 owned in India. Laid up 1946, after conversion to motor ship. Later history.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 03 September 1887]:
Sir Donald Currie has sold his large and well known steam yacht, the Zingara, to Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley.

[excerpt from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 27 August 1887]:
Beaumaris regatta. Opposite the pier-head was stationed the flagship, the fine steam yacht, Zingara, R.A.Y.C., decorated, with flags, owned by Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley, Bart., of Baron Hill, who is himself well versed in nautical matters and is the captain of the yacht, the chief officer being Mr Dimmick. The Earl of Harwicke and party were on board the flagship. Amongst the large number of boats with an attractive display of bunting were the following:- Pandora ss (Mr Assheton-Smith); Norsman ss (Colonel Platt)[sic]; Aline ss (Colonel Gamble); Gelert ss (Mr Albert Wood); Asteroid (Mr Johnson Bennet); Lady Bessie ss (Mr George Farren); Kathleen ss (Mr Clegg); Ariel ss[sic, not ss] (Mr J.H. Gartside); White Cloud (Mr Pennant Lloyd); Steila; Mora; St Seriol; Tyro; &c. Mr Richard Williams-Bulkeley officiated as commodore; the Marquis of Anglesey as vice-commodore; Col. T. L. Hampton-Lewis as rear-commodore.

[from Llandudno Register and Herald - Friday 01 March 1889]:
Sir R. Williams Bulkeley's well-known steam yacht - Zingara - is fitting out for cruise to the Mediterranean and Bombay. [delivery voyage]

[from Dover Express - Friday 15 March 1889]:
His Highness the Gaekwad of Baroda has recently become a yacht owner, having purchased the fine steam yacht Zingara. She is on her way out now, and should arrive in India this month. She is 543 tons, schooner-rigged, with two pole masts, and steams over 10 knots. She has an English captain and mate, with chief and second engineers and four English sailors, all the rest of the crew being Lascars. The Zingara will be stationed at Bombay. It is the first instance of an Indian Prince taking pleasure on the waves.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 30 March 1889]:
THE steam yacht Zingara, which was built in 1875 by Messrs R. Steele & Co, has just been purchased by the Gaekwad of Baroda. She was built to the order of Mr W. S, Dickson, ironmaster, Glasgow, at a cost of £32,000, and two years afterwards was sold to M Fielding, Ayrshire, for £15000. That gentleman afterwards sold her to Mr Donald (now Sir Donald) Currie, M. P., for £12,000, and the Rt Hon. W. E, Gladstone made two cruises on board the Zingara as the guest of Mr Currie. One of the cruises was round Scotland, the Zingara visiting the Clyde on the cruise.

[from Lloyd's List - Monday 02 December 1889]:
ZINGARA (st yt) Bombay, Nov. 15. The Gaekwad's steam yacht Zingara has got on a reef of rocks at Alibag. Every effort is being made to float her, but she remains aground in the same perilous position.

Iron screw steam yacht Speranza (ex- Helen), built Thomas Seath, Rutherglen, 1872, 245 grt, 140 nrt, 162.0 x 23.6 x 11.5 ft, 80 hp engine, 1 screw, by A Campbell, Glasgow, ON 67573. Several owners until bought by Sir Richard Bulkeley, 1894-97. Later Greek owned, broken up 1930. Later history.

Builder's model of S. Y. Helen:

[from Manchester Evening News - Thursday 17 August 1893]:
Beaumaris Regatta. The Royal Anglesey Yacht Club Regatta was held at Beaumaris yesterday. The weather was remarkably fine, and there was a light south-westerly breeze. A large number of visitors were attracted to the town to witness the events, and there were also a great many yachts in the Straits. The commodore was Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley, Bart., whose steam yacht Speranza was placed at the disposal of the committee as flagship. The Marquis of Anglesey was vice-commodore, with Colonel T. L. Hampton Lewis as rear-commodore.

[from Manchester Evening News - Tuesday 16 January 1894]:
Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley, who has been residing for several months at Baron Hill, in Anglesea, has left Beaumaris in his steam yacht, the Speranza, for Lisbon and Gibraltar, and intends to cruise about the Mediterranean for six or seven months.

[from Lloyd's List - Wednesday 17 February 1897]:
Messrs. C. W. Kellock and Co. offered for sale by auction yesterday, at the London Shipping Exchange, in Billiter-street, the steam yacht Speranza, a vessel of 410 tons, Thames measurement. She was built on the Clyde, of iron, by Messrs. Seath in 1872 to A1 class Lloyds Yacht Register, and has compound engines of 80-h.p.n. The biddings reached £2.000, at which figure the lot was withdrawn.

Composite screw steam yacht Vagus (ex - Wanderer), built Robert Steele, Greenock, 1878, 508 grt, 345 nrt, 185.4 x 29.2 x 16.1 ft, 100 hp triple expansion engine by Loftus Perkins; re-engined 1880 by Day, Summers, Southampton, 104hp. ON 80262. Several owners as Wanderer until named Vagus in 1888. Owned Sir Richard Bulkeley 1899. In 1900 named Consuelo. Later history. Eventually hulked in Sydney 1925.

Image of S Y Wanderer, from 1880 [more info]:

[from Isle of Wight County Press - Saturday 28 October 1899]:
... the steam yacht Vagus, 708 tons, to Sir Richard Bulkeley. Bart....

[from The Queen - Saturday 18 November 1899]:
SIR RICHARD AND LADY MAGDALEN WILLIAMS BULKELEY are leaving Baron Hill and are starting on a cruise to the West Indies in their steam yacht Vagus, which is fitting out at Cowes.

[from Field - Saturday 09 December 1899]:
YACHT INTELLIGENCE. BEAUMARIS. The s.y. Vagus (ex Wanderer). Sir R. Williams Bulkeley, Bart., arrived here on Dec. 2 from Cowes. The yacht has gone to Holyhead this week to take in some stores preparatory to leaving next week for a six months' cruise.

[from Sporting Life - Wednesday 11 July 1900]:
The steam yacht Vagus is also undergoing extensive alterations; she is to be renamed the Consuelo, having been sold to Lord Crawford by Sir Richard Bulkeley, Bart.

[from Bournemouth Daily Echo - Wednesday 12 April 1905]:
Sir R H Williams-Bulkeley, Bart, one of the best-known members of the Royal Yacht Squadron, has sent the 52-foot cutter Forsa, which he bought on the Clyde a short time ago, round to the Solent. It is expected that Sir Richard will have the vessel in commission at Cowes for the regatta "week" there this year, in August. In his time, Sir Richard has owned every kind of yacht, from the smallest of sailers to the 700-ton steam yacht Vagus, and as he holds a master's certificate, he is always captain of his own yacht. Lady Bulkeley, who generally accompanies him on his cruises, and is likewise very fond of the sun, was a sister of the late Earl of Hardwicke, and niece to the present peer, who resides at Hamble, near Southampton.

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Wooden screw steam yacht Lady Bessie, built Thomas, Millom, 1884, 183 grt, 79nrt, 116 x 22 x 10.5 ft, engines 35 hp by De Winton. Owned George Farren, Trefenai, Caernarfon. Registered Caernarfon. Owned 1900-11 by William Aitken, Aberdeen, registered Aberdeen.

George Farren, of Trefenai, 1836-1901, was an engineer and manager, involved in Granite Quarries - especially at Trefor. Trefenai is on North Road just N of Caernarfon, overlooking the Menai Straits. The vessel appears to have been used by him as a steam yacht.

[from Soulby's Ulverston Advertiser and General Intelligencer - Thursday 03 July 1884]:
LAUNCH OF THE SS LADY BESSIE AT MILLOM. At noon on Tuesday week a steamer was launched from the yard of Messrs. W. Thomas and Co., shipbuilders, Millom. This makes five vessels launched from the above yard which have been built by Messrs. Thomas and Co. Her length is 120 feet, breadth 22 feet, depth of hold 10 feet 6 inches; her registered tonnage is 145 tons, but she has the capacity to carry 250 tons, and is classed 12 years at Lloyd's, and will be used in the general coasting trade. Notwithstanding the threatening aspect of the weather, a large number journeyed to the pier to witness the launching ceremony, and the naming of the vessel, which was gracefully performed by Miss Edith Barlow - Massicks, of The Oaks, Millom. ... As the vessel left the ways she was named the Lady Bessie, amidst the cheering of the onlookers. No difficulty was experienced in getting her off, and she glided steadily into the water, where she was taken in tow by the tug Borwick Rails (Captain Leece), and brought alongside the pier, where she will remain about a week, when she will proceed to Carnarvon to have the engines fitted in. The work of building the vessel has been carried out under the superintendence of Mr. Thomas and Mr. Jones (foreman). We understand that there are a few shares unsold in the above vessel.

[from Echo (London) - Tuesday 07 September 1886]:
A BRITISH YACHTING PARTY ARRESTED. Mr. George Farren, J.P., of Carnarven, late Unionist candidate for the Southern division of Carnarvonshire, has been cruising in his steam yacht Lady Bessie, 300 tons, along the French coast, and on Sunday morning was off Perrosquiree [sic, Perros-Guirec], Brittany, when all on board were placed under arrest. The owner and some of his friends were taken under guard to Lannion, and Mr. Farren was subjected to a lengthened examination. Refusing to enter the prison van, the party were allowed to hire a conveyance; and, although every courtesy was shown them, the prisoners were for some time refused permission to communicate with their friends. After examination, and upon the urgent representation of Baron de Cosson, with whom Mr. Farren had been staying, the prisoners were set at liberty on parole, but are still at Lannion, and the vessel under arrest, the local authorities awaiting instructions from Paris. Suspicion was excited that Mr. Farren and his companions were German or Russian spies; and, probably, the suspicion was supported by the fact that the crew spoke Welsh, instead of English. The party consists of Mr. Farren, Dr. Taylor Morgan and two sons, Mr. Lionel Clark, and Dr. Hartlett, and the commander of the vessel is Captain Roberts.

Reported as participating in yachting events in the Menai in 1887 and 1889.

Wooden screw steam yacht Kathleen, built Poole 1875, 14grt, 5nrt, 46 x 8.2 x 5.6ft, 14 hp engines, screw, ON 80238, registered Caernarfon 1883, register closed 1906. Owned Marquis of Anglesey 1884; owned Harry Clegg, Plas Llanfair, Anglesey, 1885-1906.
Note another steam yacht Kathleen [ON 63157], owned Earl Fitzwilliam, was prominent in the newspapers.

Harry Clegg [b 1842] rented Plas Llanfair from the Marquis of Anglesey - and lived there until he died in 1909. He was elected High Sheriff of Anglesey for 1892. Plas Llanfair, on the banks of the Menai, became a home for the training ship HMS Indefatigable from 1944-1995, after which it became the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre Indefatigable.

Reported in 1889 as steam yacht, owned Clegg, moored off Bangor, in Menai Straits.

Iron screw steam yacht Eulima, built Barclay, Curle, Glasgow, 1875, 28grt, 17nrt, 62.2 x 12.0 x 7.2 ft, 10 hp engine by Matthew Paul, Dumbarton, re-engined 1879 by R Napier, Glasgow, 4hp, ON 72393. Registered Greenock. First owner (as Oliver Cromwell) John M Currie, Greenock; then 1885 Frank Coulson, Glasgow, as Eulima. Bought William Chadburn, Liverpool, 1890. For sale 1897, sold by 1899. Sold foreign. Later history.

William Chadburn was owner of a Liverpool business making marine equipment - especially barometers and ship's telegraphs. See here. He was responsible for the equipment of the Titanic, among many other ships. He lived in Clifton Villa, Wellington Road, Wallasey.

[from Dumbarton Herald and County Advertiser - Wednesday 20 June 1888]:
The steam yacht Eulima, 40 tons, has been sold by Mr Frank Coulson to a Welsh gentleman, and will leave the Holy Loch in a few days for the Menai Straits, where her moorings are to be laid down. The Eulima was built by Messrs Barclay & Curle, Glasgow, in 1875. [Eulima is a species of sea shell]

See list of vessels at Beaumaris Regatta 1889.

[from Isle of Man Times - Wednesday 24 June 1891]:
The steam-yacht Ulema [sic] (40 tons), owner Mr Chadburn, arrived at Douglas from Beaumaris on Sunday.

[from Field - Saturday 13 February 1897]:
AUX. S YACHT EULIMA, 39 tone y.m., highest class at Lloyd's; hull, gear, and machinery in perfect order; new steel boiler by Laird Bros., price low; requiring larger vessel; also 20ft. STEAM LAUNCH, by Simpson and Strickland; mahogany hull, four cylinder compound engines, seven knots. Apply "owner" 11 Waterloo Rd, Liverpool [Chadburn's address as given in MNL]

Iron screw steam yacht White Eagle, built Day, Summers, Southampton, 1884, 122grt, 83nrt, 119.7 x 17.0 x 10.3 ft, engine 37hp by builder, as Erne, ON 90402. First owner Henry Evans, registered Southampton 1884; then Colin Turner, registered Glasgow 1884. Owned William Chadburn of Liverpool, as White Eagle, 1897 - 1905. Later history

The brass cannon from White Eagle was donated by William Chadburn to West Cheshire Yacht Club.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 11 September 1897]:
ROYAL HIGHLAND YACHT CLUB REGATTA.... White Eagle, Mr W. Chadburn; ...


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MacIver family of steam yacht owners of Liverpool.

Charles McIver (1812-1885) with his brother David (1811-1845) was a pioneer steamship owner - born Scotland but based Liverpool - initially on the Liverpool Glasgow service. His brother died in 1845 and his eldest son (also David, born 1840, died 1907) joined as a partner in 1863. They became managing owners of the transatlantic steamship company - known as Cunards.
David McIver had two sons who both became qualified as yachtmasters and skippered their own steam yachts; Charles (b 1866) and Henry (b 1852). The McIvers of all three generations had a huge interest in yachting - racing under sail, acting as senior members of prestigious yacht clubs, and owning steam yachts. David established his own steam shipping business in 1874. Charles (b 1866) won a silver medal for yachting in the 1908 London Olympics.
They were all based on Merseyside - at Liverpool or on the Wirral. Charles (senior) had property on Malta. Some of the family lived after 1869 at Woodlsee, Bromborough.

Iron screw steam yacht Neptune, built James & George Thomson, Govan, 1853, 18grt, 13nrt, 69 x 9.8 x 5.9 ft, engine 10hp, 1 screw, ON 25775. First owner Charles MacIver of Liverpool, registered Liverpool 1855. Sold 1855 to W L Lindsay, London, still registered Liverpool until 1885.

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 05 June 1854]:
The handsome little screw-steamer, or yacht Neptune, belonging to Mr. C. MacIver, having been fitted up and decorated, has been cruising on the river within the last few days, where she is greatly admired. Her elegant cabin is covered with a semi-circular roof, formed of glass, appropriately ornamented, and the interior is beautifully painted and decorated. She sails well, whether under canvas or steam, abundant evidence of which has been furnished during her recent cruises on the river. The fairy-like craft has been built for the personal use of Mr. Charles MacIver, for pleasure excursions on the beautiful rivers and lochs of Scotland.

[from Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 21 August 1855]:
The screw steam yacht Neptune, has been purchased by W. L. Lindsay, M.P., from Mr MacIver of Liverpool, and is at present anchored off the residence of Mr L.'s brother-in-law, the ex-Lord Provost Glasgow, at Kilmun. Mr Lindsay and a party intend going on a cruise to the West Highlands in a few days.

Possibly Neptune or Finnart/Valetta.[from North British Daily Mail - Friday 08 February 1856]:
[Storm in Clyde: vessels broke loose from moorings at Bowling] Mr M'Iver's (of Liverpool) beautiful little screw steam yacht is a complete wreck under water, apparently crushed to splinters.

Iron screw steam yacht Valetta (ex Finnart), built Tod & M'Gregor, Glasgow, 1855, 58grt, 32nrt, 104.3 x 12.5 x 6.8 ft, 35 hp engines by builder, ON 19583. Owned John M'Gregor (builder) as Finnart then sold 1857 to Charles M'Iver, registered Liverpool 1857. Renamed Valetta (also Valletta) in 1858. He put it up for sale from 1859, possibly since he had bought in 1858 the larger yacht Albion [see below]. He had property on Malta, which explains the choice of name. Registered Cowes 1859. In 1862 owned G Boyle, Millport, Clyde.
As well as Finnart launched 1855, a larger vessel was launched, with the same name, in 1858 by the same builders, owned John M'Gregor, until his death in September 1858. This suggests a common practice of shipbuilders using a temporary name, often not registered, until sold.
More detail of later owners. Register closed 1906.

[from Caledonian Mercury - Saturday 14 July 1855]:
NEW SCREW STEAM YACHT. - There was launched on Thursday, from Messrs Tod and M'Gregor's building yard, a screw steam yacht, built for Mr M'Gregor of that firm. She is of very beautiful proportions, and modelled to sail fast. Her internal fittings are not yet completed, but some gentlemen from London, being on a visit to the proprietor, she was launched sooner than intended, to give them a sail on our beautiful firth. Her dimensions are 110 feet long, 13 feet beam, with engines of 40 horse power. Mrs. Tod acted as priestess, and called the vessel after Mr M'G.'s estate, - Finnart.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Wednesday 16 June 1858]:
On Monday a screw yacht of 165 tons and 50 h.p., was launched from the building yard of Messrs Todd & M'Gregor for John M'Gregor, Esq., who last year sold the screw yacht Finnart (now Valetta) to D. M'Iver, Esq,. Liverpool. The new vessel has been named Finnart, and is about twice the tonnage of her predecessor.

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 12 June 1859]:
FOR SALE, the iron SCREW STEAM YACHT VALETTA 57 tons, by register 32. Has two engines of 35 horse power, average steam 11 knots per hour, with small consumption of coal. Built Tod, MacGregor, and Co, in 1855; schooner rig; has main, aft deck, and sleeping cabins; engineer's and captain's berths, pantry, fore-castle, iron cooking galley on deck, two water closets, and is thoroughly found with every necessary store. She has been just been painted, and is considered one of the handsomest steam yachts afloat, For price, &c. apply to the owner on board, Capt H. Helby, R.N., R.V.Y.C., Ryde, Isle of Wight, or Mr A. Cansh, 8, Wellington-road, Egremont. Cheshire. [also advertised June 1860 - Apply to "L T", Braintree]

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 02 March 1862]:
Yachting on the Clyde. The screw steam yacht Valetta, of 80 tons, built Messrs Tod and Macgregor, has been purchased by the Hon. G. F. Boyle, Rear-Commodore of the Royal Northern Yacht Club, and Commodore of the Clyde Model Club.

Possible confusion of Valetta with Albion by reporters[from Edinburgh Evening Courant - Wednesday 17 September 1862]:
Marquis of Bute. This young nobleman having completed his fifteenth year on Friday, flags were displayed during the day from a number of places in Rothesay, from the Hon. Moor Smyth's large screw-steam yacht Ranger, from Colonel MacIver's (of Liverpool) screw steam yacht Valetta, and others in the bay.

Present at Oban in 1899 - owned A Lowcock, Whitchurch, Salop.

Iron screw steam yacht Albion, built Tod & M'Gregor, Glasgow, 1858, 74 grt, 38 nrt, 112.1 x 17.1 x 8.0 ft, 50 hp engines by builder, ON 25076. Owned Charles MacIver, Liverpool, registered Liverpool 1858. Owned Lord Otho Fitzgerald 1863, then several owners before broken up 1899.
Seems to have been named Finnart and owned John M'Gregor when launched in June 1858. After John M'Gregor's death in September 1858, she was bought by Charles MacIver - arriving Liverpool in October 1858.

Probably the vessel later named Albion [from Greenock Advertiser - Friday 18 June 1858]:
On Monday Messrs Todd & M'Gregor, Glasgow, launched the screw yacht Finnart for John M'Gregor, Esq., of that firm. The following are her dimensions: Length over all, 110 feet; breadth of beam, 17 feet; depth of hold, 9 feet. She is 155 tons burthen, and will be propelled engines of 40 horse power, which will drive a six feet two-bladed screw. The dining saloon situated in the fore end of the yacht, and will accommodate eighteen persons. There also in this part, a private state room, steward's apartment, cabins for the captain and engineer, and berths for the crew. The saloon, which is admirably ventilated, and lighted by a large skylight, is 12 feet long, and situated at the after end of the yacht, together with three large state rooms, and other accommodation.

[from Edinburgh Evening Courant - Saturday 18 September 1858]:
Death of Mr MacGregor, the Eminent Shipbuilder. We regret to have to announce the death of John MacGregor, Esq., of the well-known shipbuilding firm of Tod & MacGregor, of Glasgow. Mr MacGregor was in his usual health and spirits on Saturday last, when he entertained a party of his friends on board his splendid screw steam yacht Finnart. On Monday night he was suddenly attacked with constipation of the bowels, from which he expired at twelve o'clock on Thursday night. Mr Macgregor was between fifty and sixty years of age, and for the last twenty years has been a well known partner in firm which has made for itself a world wide reputation as builders of ocean-going iron steamships.

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 18 October 1858]:
EXCURSION ON THE RIVER. ... The Satellite [Cunard steam tender] was, for some time, after starting, accompanied by Mr. MacIver's beautiful new steam yacht Albion which had just arrived from the Clyde about one hour previous. The Albion is an exceedingly trim and beautiful craft, and excited general attention by her speed and grace of motion. The cruise, which, in spite of occasional "Scotch mist," was very pleasant, and lasted about two hours.

[from Morning Herald (London) - Tuesday 22 March 1859]:
On Friday last, his Excellency the Governor, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, the Crown Advocate and the Collector of Land Revenue, paid an official visit to Gozo, in the fine steam yacht Albion, which was kindly placed at the disposal of his Excellency by her owner Charles MacIver, Esq.

Reports of D M'Iver and SS Finnart are confusing: one possibility is that local reporters recognised the yacht as Finnart (as launched 1858, rather than later name Albion given at Liverpool) and that Charles's son David, a keen competitive yachtsman under sail, was using it as a base for regattas.

[from Greenock Advertiser - Tuesday 26 July 1859]:
Blairmore and Strone Regatta. The beautiful screw yacht Finnart, belonging to D. M'Iver, Esq., Liverpool, was also present with a large party on board.

[from Greenock Advertiser - Thursday 11 July 1861]:
ROYAL northern yacht club regatta. .... s.s. Finnart, David MacIver, Esq.

[from Edinburgh Evening Courant - Wednesday 17 September 1862]:
Marquis of Bute. This young nobleman having completed his fifteenth year on Friday, flags were displayed during the day from a number of places in Rothesay, from the Hon. Moor Smyth's large screw-steam yacht Ranger, from Colonel MacIver's (of Liverpool) screw steam yacht Valetta [sic Albion more likely], and others in the bay.

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 13 July 1863]:
Colonel CHAS. MACIVER, of this town, owner of the screw steam yacht ALBION, 155 tons, has been elected a member of the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland.

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 20 July 1863]:
It is stated, on excellent authority, that Mr. Charles MacIver has sold his beautiful, and elegant as beautiful, steam yacht Albion to Lord Otho Fitzgerald.

Iron screw steam yacht Ceres, built Tod & M'Gregor, Glasgow, 1859, 168grt, 80nrt, 143.0 x 21.6 x 10.5 ft, engine 60hp by builder, ON 19586. Several owners until bought by Charles MacIver in 1866, registered Liverpool. Sold by him 1868. MNL reports owner as Charles Prioleau [Confederate agent] of Liverpool in 1864 - see below.

Image of SY Ceres, after painting by Samuel Walters, when owned Charles Prioleau, [from book Samuel Walters - Marine artist by A S Davidson]:

[from Field - Saturday 09 January 1864]:
STEAM YACHT for SALE. The magnificently-fitted SCREW STEAM YACHT CERES, 307 tons om. is now lying in the Southampton Docks for Immediate SALE. She has undergone a thorough overhaul during the present year, and is in the most perfect order and quite ready for sea. For particulars and price apply to George Bridges Esq., Secretary to the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Southampton.

[in 1864 owned Charles Prioleau - Confederate agent at Liverpool][from Liverpool Albion - Monday 04 July 1864]:
THE REGATTA. THE weather was so very boisterous on Thursday that the sailing matches of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club were postponed until the following day. On Friday the weather was better, but there was a somewhat rough sea in the river and on the bar in the morning. In the afternoon, however, the wind fell light - too light, and the evening being a fine one the pierhead was thronged with a multitude of people witnessing the arrival of the yachts, the boat races, and the duck hunt. The Eblana, the steamer chartered by the club to accompany the yachts, was crowded with sightseers. Mr. Prioleau's beautiful steam yacht Ceres, flying the Confederate flag, and the Hawk also accompanied the competing vessels.

[from Belfast Morning News - Monday 26 March 1866]:
LIFE AT NICE. Paris, March 23. ... Captain Blackley's fine steam yacht Ceres has just steamed out of Nice for Naples. The owner being forced to remain in London, two of our Paris swells, MM. Trafford and Roe, are first and second in command.

[from Cork Examiner - Monday 22 October 1866]: [from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Wednesday 07 November 1866]:
MALTA, Oct. 19. The English steam yacht Ceres arrived this morning from Liverpool and Gibraltar. Her Owner, Colonel MacIver, together with his family and suite, arrived the previous evening in the steamer Atlas, and will pass their quarantine on board the yacht.

[from Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 17 October 1868]:
Mr. Tyringham Hall's screw steam yacht Ceres will be refitted by Mr. White previous to her departure for the Mediterranean.

Iron screw steam yacht Hebe, built J & G Thomson, Govan, 1869, 178grt, 104nrt, 145.5 x 21.7 x 9.7 ft, 60 hp engines by builder, ON 58997, owned Charles MacIver, Liverpool, registered Liverpool 1869. Sold [or maybe chartered] to Sir William Watkin Wynn 1876 for a Mediterranean cruise. Sold 1877 to Thomas Coats, Paisley, and retained in Coats family until broken up 1924.
Note than another steam yacht Hebe (ON 63830) was built on the Clyde in 1871 - for the Marquis of Bute.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 12 June 1869]:
THE OCEAN RACE OF THE ROYAL MERSEY CLUB. The opening cruise of the season of this club assumed this year the form of an ocean race from Liverpool to Puffin Island... The screw steam yacht Hebe, of 328 tons, the property of Mr Charles MacIver, which has just arrived in the Mersey from the builder's yard on the Clyde, and the screw steamer Nora Creina, 117 tons, belonging to Colonel Gamble, of St. Helen's, were announced to accompany the yachts on the cruise and each left the moorings early in the morning, having on board select parties of friends, the visitors on the Nora Creina including several ladies. Drenching showers of rain ushered in the morning, but the sun shortly afterwards broke out, and the day proved all that the most enthusiastic yachtsman could desire. At 7 30 a.m., the commodore, Mr S. R. Graves, M.P., Mr P. B. Drinkwater, rear commodore, and a few invited of guests, embarked on the Hebe, and the commodore's burgee was run up to the main, the ensign flying at the stern. This beautiful model screw steamer, which was built by Messrs James and George Thomson, of Glasgow, and is intended for Mr Charles MacIver's use in his winter cruises in the Mediterranean and other warmer latitudes, is one of the must compact and exquisitely furnished specimens of naval architecture which the famous shipbuilders of the Clyde have yet constructed for private use. Strength, speed, and comfort are combined in all her arrangements; her engines are perfections of mechanical skill, making 126 revolutions per minute; her decks form a capacious promenade; her cabins and staterooms are fitted up in the most luxurious manner, regardless of expense; and, under the command of so able an officer as Captain Brewster, the Hebe cannot fail to be a very agreeable winter home.

[from Cork Examiner - Tuesday 18 October 1870]:
The splendid screw steam yacht Hebe, the property of Charles M'Iver, Esq., of the firm of D. & C. M'Iver and Company, which put into the harbour from Liverpool on Sunday last, came alongside Messrs. Cummins' wharf, yesterday, to receive a supply of coals preparatory to leaving the harbour for Malta as soon as the weather settles. Mr. M'Iver and family intend leaving for his seat in Malta in one of the Mediterranean boats, of which line he is principal shareholder, to join his yacht. The Hebe is 310 tons yacht measurement, and a splendid specimen of naval architecture. Should the weather hold fine she is expected to make the passage to Malta as quickly as any of the vessels. Her average rate in any kind of rough weather being about ten knots per hour.

[from Liverpool Weekly Courier - Saturday 23 October 1875]:
Sir Watkin William Wynn and party were in Liverpool on Tuesday last taking possession of the steam yacht Hebe which Sir Watkin has purchased from Mr. Charles MacIver. We understand Sir Watkin is fitting out the Hebe to winter in the Mediterranean. She is fast and one of the most complete seagoing steam yachts in existence.
[Sir William Watkin Wynn, 1820-1885, of Wynnstay Park, Ruabon, MP for Denbighshire; reports were that spending the winter in the Mediterranean would be good for his health]

[from Wrexham Advertiser - Saturday 20 May 1876]:
Sir W. W. Wynn's Cruise. The following are the distances run by the steam yacht "Hebe," during the cruise from December 9th, 1875, to April 19th, 1876: Marseilles to Nice, 110 miles; thence to Ajaccio, 130 miles; to Palermo, 320; to Malta, 215; to Corfu, 370; to Malta, 370; to Syracuse, 84; to Cephalonia, 260; to Zante, 36; to Athens, 243; to Milo, 80; to Santorin, 55; to Alexandria, 390; to Port Said, 143; to Jaffa, 132; to Port Said, 132; to Jaffa, 132; to Beirut, 120; to Larnaka, 110; to Port Vathy, 233; to Makry, 52; to Rhodes, 43; to Boudroum, 67; to Kos, 12; to Patmos, 45; to Forni Id. 17; to Smyrna, 115; to Fourges, 32; to Constantinople, 218; Bosphorus to Constantinople, 40; to Messina, 790; to Naples, 175; to Elba Island, 220; to Nice, 144; to Toulon 78 ; to Marseilles, 45; a total of 5,788. Sir Watkin left the yacht at Naples. Lady Williams Wynn, Miss Williams Wynn, Miss Mary Nesta Williams Wynn, and Mr Bennett, went on to Marseilles in her.

[from Paisley & Renfrewshire Gazette - Saturday 12 May 1877]:
The latest addition to the fleet owned by Paisley gentlemen, is the screw steam yacht Hebe, of 350 tons, which has been purchased by Thomas Coats, Esq. of Ferguslie, from Mr. M'Iver of the Cunard Line; a vessel built on the Clyde a few years ago, and requiring a crew of 15 hands,

Iron screw steam yacht Vanadis, built Ramage & Ferguson, Leith, 1880, 200grt, 191nrt, 153.5 x 21.8 x 11.1 ft, engines 60hp by Walker & Henderson, Glasgow, ON 81637. Owners described as Jameson Hankey & Henry MacIver of London and Liverpool. On some occasions Hankey was descibed as her master. Sold 1891 to O'Hagan.
Henry MacIver history, see here also, and history here.

Image of SY Vanadis.[from NMM]

[from Edinburgh Evening News - Saturday 27 March 1880]:
LAUNCH AT LEITH - There was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Ramage & Ferguson, Leith, this afternoon, a finely-modelled steam yacht of 300 tons measurement, the property of Messrs. Hankey & McIver, of London and Liverpool. She will have compound engines of 60 horse-power, a steam windlass, and also steam steering gear. The ceremony of naming the vessel the Vanadis, as she left the ways, was gracefully performed by Miss. C. Williamson, Edinburgh.

[from Shetland Times - Saturday 31 July 1880]:
Yachting. The steam yacht Vanadis, Mr H. Mclver, Liverpool, put in here on Tuesday from Bergen, and sailed again the same day for Stornoway. This is one of the handsomest yachts we have seen for some time. Mr Mclver, who has qualified himself as shipmaster, is also a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, and, many of the crew being reserve men, she had all the appearance of a vessel in Her Majesty's service.

Iron screw steam yacht Columba, built James & George Thomson, Govan, 1869, 174grt, 90nrt, 143.1 x 21.5 x 9.5 ft, engines 60hp by builder, but replaced 1884 as 63hp, ON 63586. Launched as Ada Beatrice, first owner Thomas Broadwood of London, registered London 1870 as Columba. Owned Duke of Argyle later in 1870, registered Glasgow 1877. Owned Henry MacIver 1887, still registered Glasgow, until sold foreign in 1914 as Aetos. MNL lists owner as H MacIver until 1914. Later history.
While owned MacIver, seems to have been hired most summers for a Hebridean cruise by the Duke of Argyll and party 1888-1897.

Image of S Y Columba [from NMM]

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 23 August 1888]:
ACCIDENT to the DUKE OF ARGYLL'S YACHT. Going up Loch Sunart on Tuesday evening, the steam yacht Columba, with the Duke of Argyll and a large party on board, struck the Red Rock the entrance of the loch. The steamer was backed off without difficulty, and succeeded in making her way to Tobermory, a few miles distant. The extent of damage will not be ascertained until the vessel has been beached. The Duke and party landed at once on their arrival at Tobermory, and proceeded to the Western Isles Hotel. [Columba chartered for a cruise by the Duke - owner MacIver]

[from Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 31 May 1892]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB. ... After the races were started, the commodore, Colonel Gamble, C.B., proceeded down the river in his steam yacht Aline. Other steam yachts which followed the race were the Solyst, C. MacIver; Juno, W. Johnson; Columba, H. MacIver; and Saxon, M. Crompton.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 26 July 1892]:
OIMARA steam yacht. The damage caused to the steam yacht Oimara by collision, during the gale yesterday, with the steam yacht Columba, of Glasgow, will take £50 to repair. Assistance was rendered by HMS Research. (Oban, July 20.)

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 30 August 1902 ]:
The late Duke of Argyll's steam yacht Columba has been sold to Mr Cameron Corbett, and is at present on a cruise along the West Coast.
[not as in MNL - so maybe hired rather than owned]

[from Belfast News-Letter - Saturday 21 February 1914]:
The iron-screw yacht Columba, owned Mr. Henry MacIver, Liverpool, has been sold to Greeks for £1,750. This boat (which has been laid up at Birkenhead for many years) is 299 tons gross register, and was built at Glasgow in 1869.

Iron screw steam yacht Deva, built Allsup, Preston, 1878, 104grt, 61nrt, 111.4 x 17.1 x 10.0 ft, 25hp engines by J H Wilson, Liverpool, ON 78791. Reported as designed by H MacIver. Owned Charles MacIver (jr), registered Liverpool 1878. Sold 1880 to G E Jarvis, Lincs, who applied to change her name to Bergthora, registered London - which seems not to have occurred. By 1884/5 her name was Ossian owned George E Jarvis, registered Liverpool. Her registration was changed to London 1897. By 1900, owned Edward Coates, Surrey. By 1910 owner was Sir Charles Elliot, Notts, with name Deva again. Register closed 1912.

[from Field - Saturday 16 August 1879]:
ST CLARE J BYRNE, LIVERPOOL. ... FOR SALE, on her return from Norway, about 1st of October next, the new Iron Steam Yacht DEVA (launched July, 1878), of about 150 tons. The Deva was built for cruising for Mr MacIver of Liverpool, under special conditions. She is an exceptionally fine sea boat, and in first-rate order. For full particulars, price. &c.. apply as above.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 21 September 1880]:
OFFICIAL NOTICE. OFFICIAL PROPOSAL TO CHANGE A SHIP'S NAME. I, GEORGE EDEN JARVIS, of Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire, hereby give NOTICE, that it is my intention to APPLY to the BOARD OF TRADE, under section 5 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1871, in respect of my Steam Yacht "Deva," of Liverpool, Official Number 78,791, of gross tonnage 104, of register tonnage 61 tons, heretofore owned by Charles MacIver, Jun., of Liverpool, for PERMISSION TO CHANGE her NAME to BERGTHORA to be registered under the said new name at the Port of London, as owned George Eden Jarvis. Any objections to the proposed change of name must be sent to the Assistant Secretary, Marine Department, Board of Trade, within fifteen days from the appearance of this advertisement. Dated at London this 20th day of September, 1880.
[MNL does not seem to record this name change]

Wooden screw steam yacht Carlotta, built G & J Inman, Lymington, 1873, 70grt, 38nrt, 101.3 x 15.1 x 7.7ft, engine 40hp, ON 68821. Many owners and names. MNL gives 1881 owner as Charles McIver, jr, Liverpool. She was sold by him to John Paley of Preston during early 1881. John Paley, Fishergate, Preston, was a yacht agent who ordered, chartered, bought and sold yachts.

[from Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 09 August 1873]:
LYMINGTON, Aug. 9. Yachting. ... The new steam yacht Carlotta, Captain Hill, made a successful trial trip in the Solent on Monday.

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Monday 11 October 1880]:
At the BROKERS' SALE-ROOM, WALMER-BUILDINGS, WATER-STREET LIVERPOOL. On THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1880, at Twelve o'Clock (if not disposed of by private treaty). The beautiful Screw Steam Yacht, CARLOTTA, 70 tons gross, 27 tons nett register:; built of carefully selected wood at Lymington, in 1873, at very considerable cost; and now in first-class order; her deck is of teak and she is sheathed with yellow metal; she is wire-rigged throughout, and all her ground tackle is galvanised; her saloon, cabins and fittings generally are all of the most complete and comfortable description; has direct-acting surface condensing engines of 40 horse power, and steams well on a very moderate consumption of fuel. Dimensions - Length, 101.3 feet; breadth, 15.1 feet; depth, 7.7 feet. Lying in the Huskisson Dock, Liverpool. For Inventories and further particulars apply to G. W. KELLOCK & Co., Brokers, Walmer-buildings, Water-street. Liverpool; and at 72, Cornhill, London, EC.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 13 January 1881]:
The steam yacht Carlotta, 120 tons, belonging to C. M'Iver, Esq. (of the Cunard Liners), has also been sold to Mr John Paley, yacht agent, Broomielaw, Glasgow, and is now being fitted out for a Mediterranean cruise. This yacht, which was built at Lymington in 1873, by Inman & Co., of Lymington, is of 60 h.p., has splendid accommodation, and has proved herself a good sea boat.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 24 February 1881]:
The steam yacht Carlotta, 110 tons, which left Gourock Bay at two o'clock last Sunday afternoon, arrived, after rough passage, at Loch Ellery about nine o'clock the following morning. The Carlotta, which is under the command of Captain Robertson, left on Wednesday for a cruise in the Mediterranean, via Kingston and Falmouth, having on board Mr and Mrs Fox Tarratt, Dr Haydon, &c.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 12 March 1881]:
A PRESTON YACHT DAMAGED BY THE GALE.- On Monday, the steam yacht Carlotta, 120 tons, owned by Mr. John Paley, of this town, put into St. Andreas, Spin, with her deck and cabin fittings much damaged by the gale. She left Falmouth a little more than a week ago for the Mediterranean. She will undergo the necessary repairs.

Launch of Steam Yachts. There was launched this week two very handsome steam yachts, one from Messrs Alsopp's yard at Preston and the other from Messrs Benyon & Co. at Liverpool, both having been built to the order of Mr John Paley, yacht agent, Glasgow and Preston, to meet the great demand for fast and commodious steam yachts, which is being made prior to the opening of the season. This enterprising gentleman has, at present in Gourock Bay, a large number of steam and sailing yachts, which have been placed under his care for sale or hire by their respective owners for the ensuing season.
[Alsupp built steam yacht probably Molly Bawn ON 91941, initially owned J Paley]

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 12 March 1881]:
A PRESTON YACHT DAMAGED BY THE GALE.- On Monday, the steam yacht Carlotta, 120 tons, owned by Mr. John Paley, of this town, put into St. Andreas, Spain, with her deck and cabin fittings much damaged by the gale. She left Falmouth a little more than a week ago for the Mediterranean. She will undergo the necessary repairs

Iron screw steam yacht Solyst (ex Xantha), built Palmers, Jarrow, 1867, 106grt, 72nrt, 116.0 x 18.8 x 9.0ft [later lengthened], 48 hp engines by builder, ON 56071. First owner Lord Alfred Paget, as Xantha, then several owners until 1888 when registered Shields as Solyst. Owned Charles MacIver (jr) from 1892-5, registered Liverpool. In 1896 renamed Seamaid. Later history. Wrecked 1942 as MV Struma.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Monday 18 April 1892]:
West Float [Birkenhead]: Solyst (steam yacht) 103 - C M'Iver [seems to have been based in West Float mostly until July 1894]

[from Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 31 May 1892]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB. ... After the races were started, the commodore, Colonel Gamble, C.B., proceeded down the river in his steam yacht Aline. Other steam yachts which followed the race were the Solyst, C. MacIver; Juno, W. Johnson; Columba, H. MacIver; and Saxon, M. Crompton.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 14 July 1894]:
Yachts in the Bay. ...Solyst (s.s.) Mr MacIver ...

[from Essex Standard - Saturday 02 February 1895]:
The s.y. Solyst, belonging to Mr MacIver, is likely to change hands, and will go into Messrs. Forrestt and Son's dock for survey as soon as Zeta, Mr. Menzies' steam yacht, comes out.

Iron screw steam yacht Marguerite, built Scott, Greenock, 1884, 126 grt, 56nrt, 1-screw. ON 86604. Several owners and names (Retriever, Katoomba, Rhodora, Iliona). Bought by Charles MacIver in 1902 and then sold by him in 1907. More details of history.

[from Manchester Courier - Thursday 22 December 1904]:
WELSH GIRLS SECRET. A CARNARVON BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. William McCarthy, chief engineer, residing Campbell-street, Bootle, was the defendant in amusing breach of promise case heard at Carnarvon yesterday, before Mr. H. Lloyd Carter, Under- Sheriff. The plaintiff was a young lady of 21 years, with a pretty face and sparkling eyes. Her name was Annie Davies, and she lived at Portdinorwic. She was tastefully dressed, and appeared in court wearing a smart white silk blouse and picture hat. Mr. J. T. Roberts told the jury that she met McCarthy in May last year. He was that time an engineer on the steam yacht Marguerite, cruising in the Menai Straits, and had been for some time chief engineer in one of Messrs. McIver's boat. He promised to marry Miss Davies in September, but the ceremony was put off from time to time, but was eventually fixed for January last. ....

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Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built Cochran, Birkenhead, 1886, 60grt, 33nrt, 82 x 14 x 8.8ft, 30 hp engines, screw, ON 93665. Registered Liverpool 1886. Named Rosalind when owned by one of the builders (Edward Crompton); then Jeannette while owned by Frederick Platt, Newark, 1886-9; then Nesta while owned Henry Platt, Llanfairfechan, 1890. Subsequently owned at Dumbarton, and from 1900 named Southern Cross.

Possibly an earlier Rosalind - or a trial version [from Field - Saturday 12 April 1884]:
YACHTING. THE STEAM YACHT ROSALIND. THIS YACHT was built by Messrs Cochran and Co., the well known engineers and boiler makers of Birkenhead, last winter. Messrs Cochran direct attention to the small fore-and-aft space occupied by their boiler, and to the speed attained by the yacht, that is, 12 knots an hour. This certainly seems a somewhat extraordinary speed, all things considered, especially when we recollect that torpedo boats 80ft. long, and displacing not more than 28 tons, require about 60 I.H.P. to realise 12 knots. Messrs Cochran say the I.H.P. of Rosalind is about 60 in ordinary working, but of course a yacht 60ft. on the load line and displacing 45 tons could not approach even 10 knots with 60 I.H.P. Appended will be found particulars of Rosalind:
LOA 68ft; LWL 60.5ft; breadth 11.5ft; Displ 43tons; boiler 5ft diam, 9.7ft height; working pressure 100lb; cylinders 8in & 1in [sic]; stroke 12in. ...

Plans of Rosalind from above newspaper article.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Friday 07 May 1886]:
The steam yacht Rosalind was launched from Messrs Cochran and Co.'s Bidston Wharf Yard on Wednesday, 5th inst. The yacht has graceful lines, and very spacious cabins. The tonnage (yacht measurement) is 75 tons, and her principal dimensions are: Length, 91 feet; beam, 14 feet; depth, 9.6 feet. The engines are inverted direct-acting compound surface-condensing, having cylinders 13in. and 26in, by 18in, stroke, with one of Cochran's patent horizontal furnace boilers and a good speed is anticipated.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Thursday 28 October 1886]:
OFFICIAL NOTICE. PROPOSAL TO CHANGE A SHIPS NAME. I, Edward Crompton of 3 Cavendish road, Birkenhead, hereby give Notice that, in consequence of a change of ownership, it is my intention to apply to the Board of Trade, under section 6 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1871, in respect of my Ship "ROSALIND," of Liverpool, official number 93,665, of gross tonnage 60.29 tons, of register tonnage 29.51 tons, heretofore owned by, Edward Crompton, of 3, Cavendish-road, Birkenhead, for permission to CHANGE HER NAME to "JEANNETTE," to be registered under the said New Name at the Port of Liverpool, so owned by Frederick Platt, Any Objections to the proposed Change of Name must be sent to the Assistant-Secretary, Marine Department, Board of Trade, within seven days from the appearance of this advertisement. Dated at Birkenhead, this Twenty seventh day of October, 1886.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Saturday 07 May 1887]:
The steam yacht Jeannette, 33 tons, owned by Mr F. Platt, Newark, and commanded by Captain Knight, left the bay yesterday on a cruise.

[from Glasgow Evening Post - Wednesday 10 August 1887]:
Mr. Jones has just finished a very handsome steam-launch for Mr. F. Platt's 70-ton steam-yacht Jeannette, now lying in Loch Fyne. The engine and boiler were constructed by Mr. Montgomery, engineer, Greenock, and are highly finished. On her trial trip, the launch attained a speed of nine miles per hour.

Nesta was reported as off Beaumaris in 1889.

Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built Cochran, Birkenhead 1888, 114grt, 57nrt, 113 x 17 x 10ft, engines 40hp, ON 93780. Owned Frederick Platt, Newark, registered Liverpool 1888, to 1891. Registered foreign as Leon Pauilhac [owner of that name, based Toulouse, France, who had a new vessel of that name built 1897 at Leith]. Registered Manchester 1897 as Nellie owned 1898 John Lees, Manchester; then 1899 Leonard Williamson, Southport; owned 1900 Edward Halliwell, Southport, as Marjorie. Sold foreign 1901. Registered Southampton 1906 as Sabine, then Aberdeen 1917, register closed 1924.

[from Birkenhead News - Saturday 28 April 1888]:
LAUNCH OF A STEAM YACHT. On April 26th, Messrs. Cochran and Co., steam yacht builders, launched from their Bidston yard wharf, a steam yacht of the following dimensions:- Length over all, 117 ft.; length on water 106 ft.; beam, 17ft.; depth, 10ft. 8ins. The yacht, which was gracefully christened "Jeannette" by Mrs. Platt, is built to the order of Frederick Platt, Esq., of Barnby Manor, Newark and is designed by St. Clare J. Byrne, Esq., of Liverpool, who has also superintended the construction. She is fitted with triple expansion machinery, having cylinders of 11, 17, and 28ins. diameter and 20ins. stroke.

[from Torquay Times, and South Devon Advertiser - Friday 23 October 1891]:
.. the steam yacht, Jeannette, 147 tons, by Mr. F. Platt to Madame Pauilhac,..

Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built Naval Construction & Armament, Barrow, 1892, 162grt, 57nrt, 141 x 18.6 x 10.7ft, engines 57hp, ON 93429. Owned Frederick Platt, Barnby Manor, Newark, Notts, until 1896, registered Barrow as Jeannette. 1897 named The Ladye; 1898-1900 owned A Browne, Northumb., named Sirius, registered Barrow. Later registered Southampton 1900 as Kempion and Greenock 1926 as Scarba, register closed 1938.

[from Field - Saturday 18 May 1895]:
COWES. ... The Cestria, Mr J. J. Houghton, was at anchor in the roads on the 10th inst..... Yachts about the station.... Aline, Col. Gamble;
SOUTHAMPTON. ... The Jeannette, ss., Mr Platt, has returned to the yard with her starting-rod damaged, and the necessary repairs are now being executed. She has been let to Mr Samuelson, and is fitting out for a cruise to Holland.

[from Field - Saturday 24 April 1897]:
The Jeannette, sy., Mr F. Platt , hauled up on the patent slip for recoating. and is to be ready to leave for the westward by May 1.

[from Shields Daily Gazette - Thursday 16 June 1898]:
STEAM YACHT IN THE TYNE. The splendid steam yacht Sirius will probably leave Shields Harbour today and proceed to the Farn Islands where she will embark a pleasure party previous to a cruise. The Sirius came from Southampton, having, we understand, been recently purchased. There is crew of 15 hands all told on board. [owner Mr Browne]

Steel screw steam yacht Jeannette, built Vickers & Maxim, Barrow, 1898, 217grt, 83nrt, 152.5 x 21.1 x 11.1ft, engine 65hp, ON 99942. Built For F Platt, Newark, owned until 1899, registered Barrow. In 1900 named Seanymph and then Cala Mara, owned William H Johnson, Woodleigh, Atrincham, from 1900-4. Barrow register closed 1937. Reported broken up in Greece 1961.

[from Maryport Advertiser - Saturday 06 November 1897]:
Vickers and Co., Limited, Barrow-in-Furness, have booked an order for the construction of a steam yacht for Mr. F. Platte, of Newark, for whom the Naval Construction and Armaments Company built a steam yacht in 1882[sic 1892]. The dimensions of the new yacht will be: Length, 168 ft. 3 in. over all; breadth, 21 ft.; depth, 12 ft. She will be 310 tons register, and with engines of 500 i.h.p., is expected to steam at a speed of 12.5 knots.

[from Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 17 August 1898]:
The Duchess of Sutherland has arrived at Stornoway on board Colonel Platt's steam yacht Jeanette. Her Grace visits Lewis and Harris in connection with the operations of the Scottish Home Industries Association, and will personally proceed to the several districts in which tweeds are being manufactured.

[from Daily Record - Saturday 10 September 1898]:
The new steam yacht Jeannette, 291 tons. which was built this year by Messrs. Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Limited, Barrow, to the orders of Mr. Frederick Platt, of Barby Manor, Notts., arrived in Gourock Bay yesterday from Loch Fyne. The Jeannette, which has been cruising among the West Highlands for some time past, is a smart looking vessel. After coaling to-day, she continues her cruise.

[from Shetland Times - Saturday 25 August 1900]:
The Cala-Mara, with Mr Johnston of Messrs Johnston, Clapham, Co., Manchester, [manufacturers of ironmongery] and family on board, arrived at Lerwick. She remained till Monday, when she left and cruised round the islands till the following evening, when she returned. She left again on Wednesday morning.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 26 January 1901]:
.. among the steam yachts which have left or are preparing for a Mediterranean cruise are Cala Mara, chartered by Lady Portarlington; ..

Iron screw steam yacht Jessie, built Barclay, Curle, Glasgow 1879, 152 grt, 102 nrt, 136.3 x 17.0 x 10.1 ft, 40 hp engines by builder, ON 80460. Registered Glasgow, owned Lochgilphead, then Ardrishaig; owned James Curie, Leith, 1882-90; lengthened 1883 from 124 ft.; registered Liverpool 1890, owned Henry Platt, Llanfairfechan, 1891-1894; owned Christopher Leyland, Northumberland 1895-1897; registered Cowes 1897, owned Major Spilsbury, London, renamed Tourmaline, who was involved in running arms to a tribal area of Morocco, and was reprimanded.
After 1898, Greek owned, named Vassiliki and sunk April 1941. More details.

Henry Platt, eldest son of John Platt of Oldham, inherited Gorddinog near Llanfairfechan in 1868. His younger brothers Frederick, Samuel and Sydney were also steam yacht owners. They planned to create a dock at Llanfairfechan for their steam yachts - but did not proceed.

Steel screw steam yacht St Elian, built Ramage & Ferguson, Leith, 1894, 203grt, 85nrt, 152 x 20.1 x 11.3 ft, 62 hp engine by builders, ON 102159. First owner Col. Henry Platt, Llanfairfechan, until 1899, registered Liverpool. Later ownership.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 21 April 1894]:
COLONEL PLATT'S NEW STEAM YACHT, - We hear from a Leith correspondent that a new yacht, which is being built by the well-known firm of Messrs Ramage and Ferguson, Limited, Leith, for Colonel Platt, was launched on Thursday last. The ceremony was witnessed by several of Colonel Platt's Scotch friends and by friends of the builders. The christening, as the new vessel dived into her natural element, was performed by Miss Joan Cotterill, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs Cotterill, of Edinburgh. Mrs Cotterill is a daughter of the late Archdeacon Wynne Jones of Treiorwerth. As the usual bottle of champagne needed on such occasions was dashed against the vessel's bow, Miss Cotterill in a few graceful words wished her luck, and named her "St. Elian." The new vessel has been designed by Mr St. Clare Byrne, of Liverpool, being built to Lloyd's highest requirements, while she is to be finished in the best possible style. Her dimensions are: length, 148ft. 6in.; beam, 20ft. 1.5in.; depth moulded, 12ft.: tonnage, 278 y.m. The engines are modern triple expansion with cylinders 13-21-34in. diam x 22in, and steam is supplied from a large boiler working at 165lbs. pressure. She is expected to be a speedy vessel, and is due in the Menai Straits in the early part of June, where we feel no doubt she will be much admired and welcomed as a valuable addition to the local yacht clubs.

Reported as lying at Oban in 1895, owned Col Platt.

Iron screw steam yacht Lancashire Witch, built Lairds, Birkenhead, 1872, 103grt, 66nrt, 110.5 x 17.9 x 8.9ft, engine 40 hp, ON65944. First owner S R Platt of Oldham (1844-1902), registered Liverpool 1875, not in MNL. Registered Greenock 1875, as Fingal, owned Alexander Finlay, Castle Toward [in MNL from 1876]. Later owners.

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 December 1872]:
At Messrs. Laird Brothers' Works, Birkenhead, ... the Lancashire Witch (steam yacht), of 165 tons and 40 horsepower; ..

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Saturday 17 August 1872]:
BEAUMARIS: The commodore of the regatta was Captain R. M. W. Bulkeley; the vice-commodore, P. A. Lloyd Esq., Lime Grove, Bangor; the secretary, Mr. E R. Thomas; and the treasurer, Mr. T. Pritchard. Mr. Samuel Platt (son of the late respected member for Oldham) kindly placed his steam yacht, the Lancashire Witch, at the disposal of the committee for the purposes of a flagship, and during the day she was visited by Lord Clarence Paget, Sir Richard Bulkeley, Bart., Sir Llewelyn Turner, &c.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 28 September 1872]:
Yachting. On Saturday afternoon the steam yacht, Lancashire Witch, R. W. Y. C., Mr Platt, arrived in the bay from the south. On Monday, she coaled at the quay, and lay at anchor in Ardentrive Bay until Thursday, when she left for Ullapool.

[from Field - Saturday 03 October 1874]:
Fort William. Sept. 28, Lancashire Witch, Mr S. R. Platt, from Inverness, for Liverpool.

[from Helensburgh News - Thursday 11 January 1877]:
The steam yacht Fingal, belong to Mr Finlay, is getting ready to proceed to Greenock to fit out for a cruise in the Mediterrean, where she proceeds at the end of this month with her owner and a party.

Iron screw steam yacht Norseman, built Laird, Birkenhead, 1875, 189 grt, 129 nrt, 124 x 20 x 11.9 ft, engines 40hp, registered Liverpool 1875, ON 70980. Owned Samuel Radcliffe Platt, Oldham, 1876-1888. Then from 1889-90 John Player, Swansea.
Samuel R Platt was proprietor of a machine making firm in Oldham. He owned three steam yachts called Norseman, two built by Lairds.. He was born 1845 and died in September 1902 aboard his yacht Norseman in the Menai Straits.

[from Hampshire Telegraph - Saturday 06 November 1875]:
The steam yacht Norseman, Mr. S. R. Platt, owner, built by Messrs. Laird, Birkenhead, arrived here from Liverpool on Tuesday, and will lay up for the winter.

[from Hamilton Daily Times - Thursday 13 July 1876]:
Newport, R. I., July 11, There arrived here this afternoon the steam yacht Norseman, Samuel R. Platt, owner, of Liverpool, England. She is from New York bound to Boston. Her owner is a prominent manufacturer of cotton machinery in Oldham, Lancashire, and he was landed at Fall River this afternoon while the yacht came here. He will inspect the cotton mills in Fall River and will meet his vessel at Boston, from which port he will sail for Europe about July 16.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 27 July 1878]:
ROYAL WELSH YACHT CLUB REGATTA. ... The start was at the club house slip and the course was round the gunboats Cromer and Goshawk, and the steam yacht Norseman to a point a short distance round the club house stairs. ...

[from Manchester Courier - Monday 26 June 1882]:
The steam yacht Norseman, with the owner, Mr. Platt, of Oldham, and some other gentlemen on board, arrived at Kirkwall on Saturday from Copenhagen, they having been up the Baltic on a three months' cruise, and have visited all the ports of any interest in the Baltic. They will have a day or two deep sea fishing, after which they will sail for Liverpool.

[from Hampshire Independent - Wednesday 28 September 1887]:
A GRACEFUL RECOGNITION. Mr. S. R. Platt, the owner of the steam yacht Norseman, a vessel very well known in Solent waters, writes as follows: The passengers on board the ill-fated P. and O. steamer Tasmania, wrecked off the coast of Corsica on the 17th April last, have, through the medium of General Goodfellow (who was one of the number), presented to Mrs. Platt and myself a very beautiful salver, in commemoration of their rescue from the wreck by the timely arrival of my yacht Norseman, which brought all away safely. As I have not the pleasure of knowing their addresses, it is not possible for me to write to each one of the passengers individually. I therefore take the opportunity of acknowledging through your columns the gratification it has been to Mrs. Platt and myself to receive the testimonial, with its kind inscription, and, above all, to have had the privilege of rendering aid and succour to so many of our creatures in an hour of great peril.
[Info about wreck of Tasmania]

Reported in 1887 as steam yacht, owned Platt, moored off Bangor, in Menai Straits.

[from Lloyd's List - Tuesday 13 August 1889]:
NORSEMAN (yacht) Bristol, Aug. 11, 8 18 p.m Nigel (s), of and for Bristol, via Plymouth, with general cargo, collided on 9th inst., off Drake's Island, about half a mile from Mill Bay Pier, bearing NW, with yacht Norseman, of Swansea, lying at anchor, damaging one plate and channel on starboard side amidships. Nigel uninjured. NORSEMAN (steam yacht) Cowes, Aug. 11. The steam yacht Norseman has put back here with considerable damage, having been run into by a steamer while lying at anchor in Plymouth Sound.

Steel screw steam yacht Norseman, built Laird, Birkenhead 1890, 231grt, 157nrt, 138.6 x 23.0 x 13.3 ft, 80 hp engines, ON 97762, owned Samuel R Platt, Oldham, 1890-1897. Registered Liverpool. Named Lady Godiva from 1898, owned Richard Thorold, London, then Cyril Potter, London. Later owned in New York, renamed Mohican, by Tracy Dows, then J Bordan Harriman, then Robert Perkins. Commissioned as USS Mohican in 1917-9. Later details.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Monday 10 March 1890]:
The second launch was that of the steam yacht Norseman, built for Mr. Platt from the designs of Mr. St. Clare Byrne, N. A., of Liverpool, a well-known designer of yachts. The Norseman is built of steel, flush plated. She has been designed to combine good speed under steam with first-rate sailing power when cruising under sail alone, and with that object has been fully rigged as a square-rigged schooner, spreading a large area of canvas and fitted with a Bevis patent feathering propeller. She is built entirely of Siemens-Martin steel up to the gunwale, with bulwarks, deckhouse, companions, and, indeed, all deck fittings of teak, and is supplied with a steam windlass, fire engine pump, screw steering gear, &c., of the most modern and approved kind. The boats are by Mr. J. S. White, of Cowes, and the sails by Messrs. Lapthorn and Ratsey. Her dimensions are: Length over all 152 ft 6in, beam 23 ft, depth amidships 13ft 6in, with a tonnage of 327 O.M. She is fitted with bilge keels. Her machinery, which has been put on board on the stocks and has been tested under steam, consists of a set of vertical triple-expansion engines, having cylinders 13, 19.5, and 33 inches diameter, with 2 feet stroke, working at 150 lbs. pressure, and capable of developing 350 indicated horse power. The boiler is cylindrical, of steel, with two corrugated furnaces; crank shaft, piston, and other parts of machinery of steel. She was named the Norseman by Miss Platt, daughter of the owner, in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Platt, Mr. and Mrs. Byrne, Colonel and Mrs. Platt, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Clark, and the Misses Clark, &c.

Images of Norseman at the official opening of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894, and sailing on the Canal.
 

[from Echo (London) - Saturday 11 July 1891]:
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL. Yesterday marked another step in the progress of the Manchester Ship Canal. The steam yacht Norseman, owned by the chairman of the Works Committee of the ship Canal, Mr. S. R. Platt, safely steamed from the Mersey into Eastham Lock, this being the first vessel, other than dredgers employed, to enter the lock.

[from Railway News - Saturday 06 January 1894]:
THE MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL: THE OPENING. This great work, of which we have given full descriptions and a coloured map, was opened on January 1, when the directors and others interested travelled the waterway from end to end amidst the greatest enthusiasm. The first vessel to get under way from Latchford to Manchester, starting about 10 a.m., was the steam yacht Norseman, belonging to Mr. S. R. Platt, one of the canal directors, which conveyed him and his colleagues and Lord Egerton, the chairman. The vessels which followed included the Snowdrop, conveying the Manchester Corporation, the Great Britain with the Salford Corporation, another with the Warrington Corporation, several traffic steamers, including one from Glasgow with 500 boiler-plates for a Manchester workshop, and a considerable number of the excursion boats.

Later image of Norseman (built 1890), possibly when owned in USA as Mohican.

Steel screw steam yacht Norseman, built D & W Henderson, Glasgow, 1898, 42grt, 168 nrt, 160 x 27.1 x 15.6 ft, engines 87hp by builder, first owner S R Platt, Oldham, registered Manchester, ON 108831. Owned J F Lacock, Notts, 1903. Many names and owners later on. Destroyed by fire 1941. Later history.

Image of R Y S Norseman (b 1898) off Naples from painting by Antonio de Simone (from Clyde built ships)

[from Lloyd's List - Saturday 23 April 1898]:
NORSEMAN, The auxiliary steam yacht Norseman, just completed by Messrs. David and William Henderson and Co., Partick, for Mr. S. R. Platt, of Oldham, has had her trials on the Firth of Clyde. The vessel has been designed by Mr. St. Clare Byrne, naval architect. Liverpool. under whose supervision she has also been constructed. The vessel has been fitted by the builders with a set of compound engines, and at the trial the machinery worked with great satisfaction to all concerned. A mean speed of 11.5 knots was obtained, this being above the speed anticipated.

[from Formby Times - Saturday 13 September 1902]:
DEATH OF MR SAMUEL PLATT. Mr. S. R. Platt, of the firm of Messrs. Platt Bros. of Oldham, and an ex-high Sheriff of Lancashire, died on Saturday on his yacht, the Norseman, in the Menai Straits, off Bangor, after an operation. Mr. Platt's yacht, the Norseman, was the ship that led the procession up the Ship Canal on the occasion of its formal opening. ...

Wooden screw steam yacht/launch Agnes, owned Sydney Platt [b 1861, brother of Henry b 1842, Samuel b 1845 and Frederick b 1849]. Built G Edwards, Menai Bridge, 1882, 9tons, 40.3 x 7.0 x 6.0ft, 2 cyl engines by De Winton, lugger rig, registered Beaumaris. Mentioned in newspapers 1888-95, owned Sydney Platt, Bryn y Neuadd, near Llanfairfechan. In Lloyd's yacht register 1900; not in MNL 1888-95.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Friday 03 August 1888]:
LLANFAIRFECHAN NOTES....
On the 24th, Col. Platt gave a garden party at Gorddinog.
The steam yacht "Agnes" (S. Platt. Esq.), was out in the full of the storm on the 27th, wind E.S.E., very strong. She ran up to Bangor under a heavy sea.

[from Caernarvon & Denbigh Herald - Friday 31 August 1888]:
CARNARVON REGATTA: ... Mr Sydney Platt's steam yacht Agnes (capt Parry) accompanied the yachts around the course.

[from North Wales Chronicle - Saturday 31 August 1895]:
ROYAL ANGLESEY YACHT CLUB REGATTA. ... Mr Sydney Platt's steam launch Agnes was kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee.


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Iron screw steam yacht Nora Creina, built Westwood, Baillie, Campbell, Poplar, 1859, 69 grt, 38 nrt, 89 x 16 x 8.3 ft, engines 16 hp, 1 screw, by builder, ON 28099. Owned Mr Bartholomew Hartley, London, but sank at Guernsey 1860. Raised and repaired - for sale at Cowes. Bought by David Gamble, St Helens, in 1864, registered Cowes until 1872. Briefly owned Captain Michael Nolan [see below: 1873 in Mersey]. French registered from 1874. Later history. [the name Nora Creina comes from a girl's name in an Irish poem by Thomas Moore]

David Gamble developed a chemical (alkali) manufacturing business at St Helens. He was born in 1823, and died 1907. He served as Mayor of St Helens on many occasions. He was lieutenant-colonel in a volunteer regiment which he had founded. He donated funds to build a library and technical institute at St Helens in 1896. Created Baronet in 1897.
He was commodore of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club from 1881 until his death. He owned the auxiliary schooner Nora Creina, the s.y. Helen, and the yawl Chanticleer [more detail]. In 1881 he bought the s.y. Aline, 373 tons, the boat being then one year old, and she was his property at his death.

Image of steam yacht Nora Creina, [from print by Josiah Taylor dedicated to B H Hartley; so 1859-1860; NMM Greenwich]

[from Isle of Wight Observer - Saturday 19 May 1860]:
The Nora Creina, steam yacht, belonging to Mr. Hartley, of the R.T.Y.C., sailed from Cowes on Friday last, and struck a rock off St. Martin's, Guernsey, in fog, and went down; crew saved.

[from Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph - Monday 21 May 1860]:
The wrecked Yacht. Preparations are being made by Messrs. G. Carrington, Stonelake and Brache, for raising the yacht, Nora Creina, which foundered by striking on a rock [named as Les Grunes in another report], off St. Martin's Point, Saturday evening last. We understand that the vessel is insured for £4000. She lies in about fourteen fathoms of water.

[from Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph - Thursday 05 July 1860]:
Operations have been resumed at the wreck of the steam-yacht Nora Creina lying in deep water, off St. Martin's Point, Guernsey, by a submarinist in the employ of the Trinity House.

[from Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 08 August 1860]:
Guernsey. Sale of the Nora Creina. The iron steam-yacht Nora Creina was sold on Friday by public auction, for the benefit of the underwriters. The first lot comprised the vessel, with her masts and spars, standing and running rigging, two chain cables, three anchors, and suit of sails. It was put up for £1,000 British, and, there being no biddings, was knocked down to Mr. Gustavus Carrington. The gear and materials were afterwards sold in various lots. The salvors will receive half the produce of the sale.

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 06 September 1863]:
Yachts for sale at Cowes - Screw Steamer Nora Creina, 102 tons.

[from Hampshire Independent - Saturday 23 July 1864]:
Mr J. B. MAY is instructed to sell by auction, at the Gloucester Hotel, West Cowes, on Monday, August 1st, 1864 at three for four o'clock in the afternoon, The fast and commodious iron screw steam yacht, "NORA CREINA," 102 tons, om., built by Westwood Co., of London, in 1859; engines by same firm, 16 horse-power nominal, 68 effective; has tubular boilers, with new tubes; and been fitted at a great expense with Maudsley's patent feathering screw, of gun metal. The accommodation is ample, well arranged and tastefully furnished. There are 10 bed berths, besides the captain's, two water-closets, store-room, and excellent cooking apparatus. The "Nora Creina" is fully rigged as a fore and aft schooner, and with screw feathered, and funnel lowered, becomes a complete sailing vessel.

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Saturday 12 November 1864]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB. At the usual monthly meeting of this club, held at the Tower, Liverpool, on Nov 7, the ballot took place, and three gentlemen and yacht owners were admitted members. The Rear-Commodore presided. The question of two yachts belonging to one member being allowed to compete in the same match was discussed, and the subject referred to the sailing committee for their consideration, and to be reported at the next meeting. The Nora Creina, screw schooner yacht, has been purchased by Lieut.-Col. Gamble, and was in the river a day or two since.

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Saturday 03 June 1865]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB. Opening Cruise to Beaumaris and Anglesea. The yachts of this club about the station assembled on Saturday last, noon, off New Brighton, under the flag of Commodore Graves, on board his schooner, the Ierna, 60 tons. Also the Speranza, yawl, 100 tons, Vice-Commodore Jones; Ariadne, schooner, 90 tons, Mr G. Petty; the Rear-Commodore hoisted his flag on board the Nora Creina, screw steamer, 117 tons, Lieut-Colonel Gamble, ...

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Saturday 21 October 1865]:
Nora Creina, steam yacht, 117 tons, Lieut-Col. Gamble, has sailed from Cowes for Cherbourg.

About the escape of Marshal Bazaine from Ile St Marguerite prison off Cannes in 1874. [from Pilot, 26 Sept 1874 ]:
...a handsome steam yacht called the Nora Creina and belonging to the late estimable Captain Nolan. This yacht he sold, before his death (about last Christmas we believe) and it was known that it was purchased by Madame Bazaine, the wife of the Marshal. In all probability this was the steamer in which the Marshal's escape was effected.
[Mme Bazaine later reported that she had hired a steam yacht from Genoa for the escape - but she would have tried to avoid implicating anyone involved]

Iron screw steam yacht Helen, built William Cowley Miller, Liverpool, 1870, 205 grt, 87 nrt, 162.6 x 20.5 x 12.1 ft, engines 60hp by Forrester, Liverpool, ON 63566. First owner James Wyllie, London. Owned David Gamble, St Helens, 1873-1875. Later history

[from Belfast Weekly News - Saturday 01 July 1871]:
YACHTING INTELLIGENCE. The magnificent screw steam yacht Helen, 342 tons, the property of J. Wylie, Esq., H. Dawson, commander, built by Miller in 1870, arrived in Kingstown Harbour. The Helen is 190 feet over all, 20 feet beam, and is 11 feet in depth; she steams 12.5 knots, and is a famous sea boat.

[from Field - Saturday 31 May 1873]:
Liverpool. Royal Mersey yacht Club. Yachts about the station: Helen, s.s., Lieut. Col. Gamble; Nora Creina, s.s., Capt. Nolan; ... The opening cruise of the Royal Mersey takes place on Saturday, the 31st inst., the yachts starting at daylight for Holyhead, where they will meet the Kingstown boats. The new commodore, the Hon. Capt. Stanley, M.P., will hoist his flag on the occasion on board Col. Gamble's screw steam yacht Helen, 357 tons.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 25 July 1874]:
YACHTING: The following yachts visited the harbour this week: ... Steam Yachts - Helen, Colonel Gamble;

After selling Helen, Col Gamble owned a sailing vessel, yawl Chanticleer, b Cowes 1874, ON 67597, for a while. More detail.

Iron screw steam yacht Aline, built Ramage & Ferguson, Leith, 1880, 229 grt, 156 nrt, 165.7 x 22.1 x 11.5 ft, 65 hp engines by Walker, Henderson, Glasgow, ON 81644. Owned William Walker, Brighton, then sold 1881 to David Gamble of St Helens, registered London. After Gamble's death in 1907, owned Hugh Andrews, Glos., named Taurus. Later history.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 23 May 1881 ]:
Yachting Notes. ... Steam yacht Aline, 373 tons; late owner, Mr W. B. Walker; new owner, Lieut. Col. David Gamble.

Reported in 1887 as steam yacht, owned Gamble, moored off Bangor, in Menai Straits.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Saturday 23 May 1891]: Royal Mersey Yacht Club. ... The fleet will be under the command of Commodore Colonel Gamble, C.B., who will accompany the yachts in his steam yacht Aline, and will be followed by all the other steam yachts now in the Mersey.

[from Framlingham Weekly News - Saturday 02 July 1892]:
THE PRESTON DOCK. OPENING BY THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. The Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday opened the new "Albert Edward" Dock, at Preston, which covers an area of 40 acres and has cost nearly a million sterling. ... The duke then pulled the lever to open the southern gate, and declared the dock open. On the invitation of Colonel Gamble, C.B., Commodore the Royal Mersey Yacht Club, the duke and party embarked at the entrance of the tidal basin on board the former's steam yacht, Aline, and were conveyed through the basin, and into the dock, the Aline cutting the ribbon on entering.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Monday 27 May 1895]:
The steam yacht Aline, Commodore D. Gamble, has returned to the Mersey after a long absence. The Aline has been altered in rig, her number of masts having been reduced from three to two, the alteration having considerably improved the appearance of the always beautiful vessel.

Image of steam yacht Aline.

[from Field - Saturday 10 April 1897]:
STEAM YACHT ALINE. FOR SALE, this STEAM YACHT, 373 tons Thames measurement, has new decks, new deckhouses, and has been redecorated below: has large accommodation: can be prepared for a Mediterranean cruise at short notice. Price very moderate. Apply to Dixon Kemp, Queen Anne's Mansions, James's Park, SW. [apparently not sold]

[from Daily Record - Friday 12 August 1898]:
COLLISION ON THE CLYDE. THE DUCHESS OF ROTHESAY DAMAGED. Yesterday morning a collision took place in Gourock Bay between the Duchess of Rothesay and the steam yacht Aline, 373 tons, belonging to Colonel Gamble, commodore of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club. The Duchess of Rothesay at the time was coming into the pier, while the yacht had just left her moorings, and was steaming out of the bay stern first, and into the path of the steamer, damaging a number of the windows on the port side of the fore saloon. The Aline, which had her stern slightly smashed and her flagstaff carried away, afterwards left for Oban. The Duchess of Rothesay having been detained by the accident was unable to proceed on her regular run to Arran, but did the Galatea's trips. Last night the Duchess of Rothesay proceeded to Greenock, where she will have the damage repaired.


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Steel screw yacht Deerhound, built Laird, Birkenhead, 1858, yard no.231, 69grt, 58nrt, 103.5 x 16.6 x 8.6 ft, engines 56hp by Watt, ON 28625. First owned Duke of Leeds. For sale 1859, owned, until 1868, by John Lancaster, owner of coal mines around Wigan. He was a member of the Royal Mersey YC, residing Hindley Hall, Wigan. Her most memorable service was in saving lives when the confederate naval vessel Alabama (itself built by Lairds) was sunk by USS Keersage of Cherbourg in June 1864.
More history.

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 19 July 1858]:
STEEL YACHT. A beautiful little steel steam-yacht was launched from the building-yard of Mr. John Laird, on Wednesday. She is named the Deerhound, is 96 feet long, 16 feet 6 inches broad, is 131 tons burthen, and is supplied with a high-pressure engine, of 25 horse-power. The material employed in her construction was Mr. Clay's puddled steel plates, of precisely the same make as those used in the Niger expeditionary steamer Rainbow, described in The Albion a few weeks ago. The yacht has been built for his Grace the Duke of Leeds, who has been the first to have this new material applied to the construction of pleasure yachts, for which it seems peculiarly adapted. The Deerhound is divided by watertight bulkheads into several compartments, rendering her very secure in case of accident.

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 10 December 1860]:
Royal Mersey Yacht Club. ... Mr J Lancaster, of the fine screw steam yacht Deerhound,..

Image of Deerhound saving lives as CS Alabama sank [from Illustrated London News - Saturday 02 July 1864]:

[from Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette - Saturday 18 July 1868]:
Sale: The well known, fast and handsome SCREW STEAM YACHT DEERHOUND, built by Laird Bros., of Birkenhead, of the best Steel Plate. Length 120 ft., 16.5ft beam, and draws 10 ft water; rigged as a three-masted schooner; is very fast under steam and canvass, and a good sea boat; gross tonnage 125, register 99 tons; compound engine of 56 horse-power (by Watt) high and low pressure combined, with a surface condenser, super heater, smoke consumer, and every modern improvement; steel boiler; stores 30 tons coal - the consumption being only 4.5 tons in the twenty-four hours. Is fully found and ready for sea, having recently been fitted out for a voyage to the Mediterranean, and is now to be sold solely in consequence of the death of the owner. The Auctioneers can strongly recommend this celebrated steamer to the notice of noblemen and gentlemen requiring such a yacht. Should a sale be effected by private contract, due notice will be given of the same. Further particulars may be obtained of the Auctioneers, or of the Engineer on board, Mr. Ronald Campbell.


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Steel screw steam yacht Cestria, built Lairds, Birkenhead 1886, 174 grt, 102nrt, 136.6 x 20.0 x 12.4 ft, 70hp engines by builder, screw, schooner rig, ON 93666. First owner, registered Liverpool 1886, John Johnson Houghton of Neston, until 1910. Then owned Albert E Marin of Cowes, register closed 1917.

John Johnson Houghton of Westwood, Neston [now the Red Fox gastro-pub] was vice commodore of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club in 1900. He was also commodore of Royal Dee Yacht Club. He is said to have been from Crosby, b 1849, and to have been a farmer. He died in 1910.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 20 April 1886]:
LAUNCH OF A STEAM YACHT AT BIRKENHEAD. A fine steam yacht, built for Mr. J. Johnson Houghton, of Neston, by Messrs. Laird Brothers, was launched from the Birkenhead Ironworks on Saturday morning, in presence of the owner and a small party of friends. She was named the "Cestria", the christening ceremony gracefully performed by Mrs. Clunie Dale. The Cestria is built of steel and is beautifully modelled, has a length of 130 feet, with 20 feet and 12 feet depth of hold, and measures 250 tons, old measurement. She will be schooner rigged and fitted with triple expansion engines of 350 indicated horse-power. She is expected to be ready for trial in about a month, and will, when completed, be a fast and extremely graceful vessel, and a very important addition to the local yachting fleet.

[from Holyhead Mail and Anglesey Herald - Thursday 05 September 1889]:
Royal Anglesey Yacht Club. Beaumaris. ... Santa Cecilia belonging to the Marquis of Anglesey (the Lord High Admiral of Wales) was the flagship, it had very kindly been placed at the disposal of the commodore [Sir Richard H Williams Bulkeley] by his Lordship. ... The yachts on station included the Vixen (Sir R Bulkeley); Kathleen (Mr H Clegg); Freya ss (Mr Albert Wood); Dream ss (Mr W H Owen)[sic, he owned ss Greyhound at this date]; Miramar ss (Col M'Corquodale); Sunbeam ss (Hon F Wynn); Aries ss (Mr Clarke); Sylvia ss (Mr Olroyd[sic]); Lady Bessie ss (Mr Farren); Cestria ss (Mr Johnson Houghton); Ariel (Mr John H Gartside); Enuma ss [sic Eulima?].
RWYC Regatta. ... The yachts in the station included Sylvia (Oldroyd RWYC); Taminaori (Richardson, Aberbraint); the Santa Cecilia (flagship); Queen of the Isles (Mr Albert Wood); Sunbeam (Mr Frederick Wynne); Katherine [sic, Kathleen](Mr Clegg, Plas Llanfair); Greyhound (Mr Owen, Plas Penrhyn); Ariel (Mr J H Gartside); Wavelet (Mr Charles Rees); Eira (Mr W Roberts); Madge (Mr John Jones, mayor); Helen (Mr R W Thomas).
  [Report of purchase of S Y Aries by W C Clarke - from Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 30 April 1887]:
Aries. This steam yacht has been sold to Mr. W. C. Clarke, and is fitting out at Cowes. [W C Clarke of Orleans House, Sefton Paek, Liverpool]
  [from Sporting Gazette - Saturday 30 June 1888]:
YACHTING. YACHTING NOTES. The steam yacht Aries (Mr. W. C. Clark) has sailed from Cowes for Norway.
  [from Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 28 June 1893 ]:
The steam-yacht Aries, belonging to Mr W. C. Clark, Orleans House,. Sefton Park, Liverpool, arrived at Scapa on Friday, and sailed on Monday for Norway.

[from Cork Constitution - Thursday 16 June 1892]:
Yachting. The screw steam yacht Cestria, 102 tons, Royal Mersey Yacht Club, belonging to Mr J J Houghton, Liverpool, arrived in the harbour from Waterford cruising

Steel screw steam yacht Sylvia, built Alexander Stephen, Govan, 1882, 174grt, 102nrt, 136.6 x 20.0 x 12.4 ft, engines 70 hp screw by builder. Registered Glasgow, owned builder then sold to William Marling, Cambridge, 1884-9. Owned Edward Oldroyd, Horbury, Yorks, from 1889-92, registered Weymouth. From 1894 managing owner D M'Corkindale, Bute. Register closed 1894. Arrived New York 1895, owned by Commodore of New York Yacht Club, Edward Brown. Acquired by US Navy 1898. Later renamed H. C. Townsend as a freighter from 1921. Later history.

Edward Oldroyd was reported in 1892 to be in ill-heath and died at Portishead in 1895, he was described as a woollen manufacturer, with a family-owned steam-powered mill at Spinkwell, Dewsbury.

Image of Sylvia while owned by commodore of NYYC [by Gh Burkert]:

[from Field - Saturday 09 March 1889]:
The STEAM YACHT SYLVIA 195 tons ym, 136.06 tons gross register. This beautiful vessel is to be sold, solely on account of her owner having purchased a larger vessel. She was built, under Lloyd's special survey, in 1883 by Messrs Stephens and son, of Govan, for Mr A. Stephens's own use. The yacht maintains ten knots under ordinary circumstances, and would probably cover the measured mile at the rate of eleven knots; she is most luxuriously fitted up, has a large roomy deck house, with cooking galley and pantry; has a very full inventory; is an unusually large and good one; has steam windlass and three first rate boats, bunkers hold about 40 tons coal, and she has large water tanks, fully sufficient for foreign cruising.

Reported in 1889 as steam yacht, owned Oldroyd, moored off Bangor, in Menai Straits.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Saturday 14 April 1894]:
GREENOCK GRAVING DOCK ITEMS. The fine steam yacht Sylvia has entered the East India Graving Dock for hull-cleaning. This vessel is likely to change hands shortly.
[later reported arriving New York on 16 January 1895 - owned by Commodore Edward M. Brown of the New York Yacht Club].

Iron screw steam yacht Griffin, built John & Robert Scott, Greenock, 1877, as Greta, 46grt, 31nrt, 89.5 x 12.4 x 7.8 ft, engine 25hp by Greenock Foundry, ON 76155.
MNL record of ownership: First owner John Scott, Largs, as Greta. Owned 1879-1883 Charles Dashwood, Suffolk; Henry Lamont, Glasgow 1884. Owned Charles G Kurtz, Sandhills, Liverpool, from 1885-89 as Griffin, still registered Greenock. Then owned C F Jocelyne, London as La Violette. More ship history.

Note possible confusion with steam yacht Greta, ON 76175, built by Scott in 1878, owned John Scott, Largs.
Furthermore there was another steam yacht Griffin, ON 52606, owned Baird in 1878, which was central to the opening of the New Dock at Ayr in 1878. She was wrecked 1882.

Charles Kurtz died in January 1878, aged 66, and he was developing a property, Coed y Celyn, on the banks of the River Conwy, near Llanrwst, which was put up for sale. He was a benefactor to that area. He is described as a manufacturing chemist and tar distiller, factory based Sandhills, Liverpool, living Sea Point House, Blundellsands. Ownership of the steam yacht appears to be in the name of his sons Charles George (b circa 1837) and William (b circa 1839), both described as tar distillers, living Great Crosby.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 18 August 1881]:
Sale of a Steam Yacht. The fine steam yacht Griffin, built by Messrs Scott & Co., and owned by Colonel Dashwood, was, we understand, sold yesterday to a gentleman residing in the West Highlands. The yacht, which has been lying in Gourook Bay for some time back, was to leave for Oban to-day.

[from Field - Saturday 05 September 1885]:
Yachts returning for winter: ... Birkenhead: Griffin SS, Messrs Kurtz

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Saturday 16 March 1889]:
NOTICE Proposal to change a ships NAME. I, C. F. JOSOLYNE, London, HEREBY GIVE NOTICE, That, in consequence of having an objection to the Name Griffin, it is my intention to apply to the Board of Trade, under Section 6 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1871, in respect my Steam yacht GRIFFIN, Greenock, Official Number 76,155, of Gross Tonnage 46-23 tons, of Register Tonnage 31-44 tons, heretofore owned by Charles Edmund Dashwood, Whersted Park, Suffolk; Henry Lamont, 12 Athole Gardens, Glasgow; Charles George Kurtz, William Kurtz, Liverpool, for permission to CHANGE her NAME to LA VIOLETTE, to be Registered under the said New Name at the Port of London, Owned by me.

Iron screw steam yacht/tug Shannon, built J W Richardson, Low Walker, 1885, 139grt, 25nrt, 100.7 x 19.2 x 11.1ft, 70hp engines by Shank, Arbroath, ON 86653. First owner Colonel Edward A Gore, Limerick, registered Limerick. Seems to have been based often in Mersey. 1890 owned Benjamin Nicholson, Gosport, then several later owners and names.

Edward Arthur Gore of Derrymore, O'Callaghans Mills, county Clare. Died 16th June 1912. He owned 8561 acres of land in Co Clare. He was a Justice of the Peace and Major, Inniskilling Dragoons

[excerpt from Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 20 June 1887]:
Yacht race on the Mersey: [New Yacht Thistle and cutter Irex for choice as America's Cup contender.] ...
Besides a number of sailing yachts which had turned out to witness the start, four handsome steam yachts were also on hand and accompanied the race throughout, being Mr. Neil Mathieson's Oimara, Mr. Johnson Houghton's Cestria, Mr. Earle's Gelert [charterer], and Colonel Gamble's splendid Aline. The steamer Shannon, belonging to Colonel Gore, an odd-looking craft to the view, but said to be comfortable to the point of luxury within, was also cruising about; while the energy of the proprietors of the tugboat Storm King had secured a number of spectators at a more popular charge than ruled for accommodation on the Bickerstaffe. [Blackpool excursion steamer]

[from London Evening Standard - Friday 18 May 1888]:
The Duke of Cambridge, accompanied by General Sir Redvers Buller, General Clarke, General Lyon-Fremantle, and Colonel Stephens, arrived at Liverpool yesterday afternoon on his visit to inspect the defences of the port. A large crowd had assembled both inside and outside the station, and amongst the civil and military representatives on the platform to receive his Royal Highness were the Mayor of Liverpool (Mr. T. W. Oakshott), General Daniell, Commanding the Northern District; Colonel Kenny, Assistant Adjutant General Northern District: Colonel Stockley, Commanding the Royal Engineers at York : Captain Farrer, ADC York, and a number of local military and volunteer officers. His Royal Highness, on leaving the train, was greeted with cheers. In Lime-street the Mayor's carriages were in waiting, and the distinguished party entered them and drove to the Town Hall, escorted by a detachment of the Liverpool mounted police. After a brief stay at the Town Hall, his Royal Highness and suite drove to the landing stage, where they embarked on board Colonel Gore's steam yacht The Shannon, and proceeded down the river as far as Seaforth and New Brighton. The Duke made an inspection of the defences at the entrance to the Mersey, including the new North Battery, and after spending some time on the river, the party returned to the landing stage.

[from Morning Post - Saturday 15 June 1889]:
FOR SALE, the practically new Powerful STEAM YACHT Shannon, 139 tons, 70 h.p. nominal. This useful vessel, fitted as a yacht, deep-sea trawler (all gear complete and worked by steam), and sea-going tug, has recently been thoroughly overhauled by Messrs. Laird Brothers, Birkenhead and classed 100 A 1, April, 1889. Her accommodation consists of saloon, four separate cabins, two baths, two w.c.'s, and she is amply found in all necessary stores, bedding, boats &c. She is now in commission, in charge of an experienced and certificated captain, and a crew chiefly composed of Shetlanders, all of whom, if desired, would probably ship with new owner. Vessel is now cruising on Irish coast, but will be in the Mersey towards the end of the month. Only parted with, owner being unable to use. Further particulars from Colonel Gore, Rupert-lane, Liverpool

[from Evening Herald (Dublin) - Friday 15 April 1892]:
Colonel Gore, R St G Y C. has sold his steam yacht, Shannon, to the Fishery Commissioners, having recently built a splendid steam yacht, the Helga, and which will visit Kingstown shortly.

Steel screw steam yacht Helga, built Samuel Knight, Ayr, 1891, 283grt, 75 nrt, 145.5 x 23.0 x 10.7 ft, twin screw engines 80hp by Muir & Houston, Glasgow, ON 94425. First owner Colonel Edward Gore, Derrymore, registered Ayr. Sold 1900. Later history. Finally sunk 1944 as German vessel UJ-2106 (ex-Tenedos).

Helga as Greek naval auxiliary Tenedos:

[from Glasgow Evening Post - Saturday 29 August 1891]:
Messrs M'Knight & Co., Ayr, the steel twin screw steam yacht Helga, 145 feet in length, for Colonel Gore, Derrymore, Co. Clare.

[from Larne Reporter and Northern Counties Advertiser - Saturday 01 October 1892]:
DERELICT BARQUE DONALD FERGUSON PICKED UP. SALVAGE BY COLONEL GORE'S STEAM YACHT. A barque, named the Donald Ferguson. was picked up by Colonel Gore's steam yacht Helga, Royal St. George's Yacht Club, about thirty miles to the west of Blacckrock Lighthouse, County Mayo, on the morning of the 20th inst. After considerable difficulty, owing to the heavy sea and strong breeze, a salvage crew was put on board, and the Helga took the barque in tow and brought her safely into Killybegs Harbour, County Donegal, a tow of about eighty miles. The vessel has a valuable cargo of timber from North America, and from her appearance would seem to have been only lately abandoned by her crew, of whom no trace could be found. Had the Donald Ferguson not been picked up she would have formed a dangerous obstacle to the navigation of the West Coast of Ireland, being right in the fair way of vessels proceeding up and down the coast. As already announced, the Donald Ferguson was abandoned, waterlogged, off Eagle Island, on the 19th instant. The barque was owned by Messrs. Robb Brothers, Great George's Street, Belfast, and was on her way to this port with a cargo of timber when she was abandoned. The master, Captain Wolfe, and the crew reached Belfast on Wednesday evening.

[from London Evening Standard - Friday 26 April 1895]: FOR CHARTER, with or without Option of Purchase, for a period of about six months or longer. Twin Screw Steam Yacht HELGA, 345 tons. This vessel can be ready for sea at short notice, and will be in charge of an experienced certificated Sailing Master. For particulars, apply to Major General Gore, Windham Club, St. James's-square, London. S.W.

Steel screw steam yacht Gladys, built John Reid, port Glasgow, 1880, 91grt, 62nrt, 119.2 x 16.4 x 8.8 ft, engines 24 hp by Walker, Henderson, Glasgow, ON 82048. First owner Neil Mathieson of Lymm, Cheshire [also had residence at Campbeltown]. Subsequently sold to Mrs Stewart of Hythe, Hants in 1885.
More detail.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Monday 31 May 1880]:
Messrs John Reid & Co., Port-Glasgow, launched the steam yacht Gladys, 200 tons for Mr Mathieson, of Lymm;

[from Shipping and Mercantile Gazette - Tuesday 11 September 1883]:
GLADYS (st yt) Oban, Sept. 11, 11 25 a.m. The steam yacht Gladys, belonging to Mr. Neil Mathieson, Liverpool, is on shore at Kerrera. It is believed she will be got off without damage.

[from Sporting Gazette - Saturday 04 July 1885]:
Mrs. Stewart (widow of the late Rev. W. Stewart, owner of the schooner Alfreda, and a brother of the late Sir Herbert Stewart, killed in the Soudan), has purchased the steam yacht Gladys.

Iron screw steam yacht Juno, built Palmer, Jarrow, 1868, 212grt, 132nrt, 164.5 x 20.9 x 12.1ft, engine by builder 50hp, re-engined 1884 Day, Summer, Southampton, ON 58138. Built as Cornelia, owned Earl Vane, London, registered Sunderland. 1881-3 owned Harry Edwards, South Shields as Lanx. Owned F Willan, Hants, registered Portsmouth 1883, as Juno. Owned W Johnston, Poulton Hall, Bromborough, 1888-98, registered Liverpool 1889. William Johnston, ship-owner, widower, b circa 1841, is a candidate, by 1901 he was living at Woodslee, Bromborough. Register closed 1898, sold foreign to Greece as Aster. More detail

[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 27 May 1889]:
The yachting season. ... Besides the sailing yachts, there are a number of fine steamers, the largest of which is the Juno, belonging to Mr. W. Johnston. The Aline, owned by Colonel D. Gamble, C.B., commodore of the club, is well known in the Mersey, as also are the North Star, Star of the Sea, Zingaria[sic Zingara before she left for India], and Adriana.

[from Birkenhead News - Saturday 23 May 1896]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB OPENING CRUISE.... The commodore, Colonel D Gamble, C. 8., acted as officer of the day in his fine steam yacht Aline, and he was supported by the rear-commodore, J. Johnston Houghton, in the steam yacht Cestria, and W. Johnston in the steam yacht Juno.

[from Field - Saturday 20 November 1897]:
Announcement of important Sale by Auction of a valuable Yachts. The Screw Steam YACHT JUNO, 331 tons, YM.; particularly well and strongly built by Palmer's Shipbuilding Co., of Iron, at Newcastle, in 1868; thoroughly overhauled by Day, Summers, and Co., Southampton, in 1884, when she was given new engine, boiler, decks, &c, and found perfect in every way; classed at Lloyds, whose survey she passed in 1896; has exceptionally large accommodation and is now in first class condition. Has been constantly used by present owner for many years (including present season) whose sole reason for selling is the necessity of a larger yacht, which he has just completed building. A fine steamboat, and steams well on light consumption.

Possibly delivery to Greece?[from Daily Malta Chronicle and Garrison Gazette - Wednesday 06 July 1898]:
The British steam yacht Juno, Captain H. M. Harris, arrived here [Malta] yesterday from Gibraltar having on board Mr. A.C. Francia and Mr. D. Wilson. The Juno proceeded to Naples in the evening with Mr. Wilson on board. Mr. Francia remained in Malta for a short stay, the guest of his brother, Major Francia, R. Malta Regiment.

Steel screw steam yacht Kethailes, built Ramage & Ferguson, Leith, 1897, 362grt, 185nrt, 178.4 x 24.1 x 13.8ft, engines 85hp by builder, ON 106877. Owned William Johnston, ship-owner, Liverpool, registered Liverpool. Sold 1901 to USA, named Wanderer - see here
Johnston invented her name by combining letters from the names of his four daughters: Kathleen, ETHel, AILeen and EStele.

USS Wanderer in 1917 - previously SY Kethailes.

[from Lloyd's List - Thursday 03 June 1897]:
KETHAILES. On May 29 Messrs. Ramage and Ferguson (Limited) launched at Leith the large steam yacht Kethailes (460 tons yacht measurement), built to the order of Mr. Wm. Johnston, shipowner, Liverpool, from the design of Mr. St. Clare J. Byrne, Liverpool. She will be fitted with engines, boiler, &c., by the builders.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 18 April 1899]:
A Baltimore despatch of April 8th states: Mr. George F. Patterson, of Patterson, Ramsay, & Co., has left for Norfolk to meet his brother-in-law, Mr. William Johnston, of Messrs. William Johnston and Co., of Liverpool, who is due at Norfolk from Savannah in his steam yacht Kethailes, upon which, with his three daughters, he has been making a cruise in southern waters.

Iron screw steam yacht North Star, built J S White, Cowes, 1875, 114grt, 78nrt, 105 x 18.1 x 9.7 ft, 30 hp engines by G E Belliss, Birmingham, ON 71886. Many owners, initially registered Cowes; then 1890-1 owned Frederick W Earle, Huyton, Lancs, [Earle was an old established name in the area, Lt Col Frederick William Earle lived at Edenhurst, near Huyton] registered Glasgow 1882. Missing from MNL 1895-1904. Later registered Portsmouth 1904, Aberdeen 1917, register closed 1923.

Note: F Earle had chartered the SY Gelert in 1887.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 27 May 1889]:
The yachting season. ... Besides the sailing yachts, there are a number of fine steamers, the largest of which is the Juno, belonging to Mr. W. Johnston. The Aline, owned by Colonel D. Gamble, C.B., commodore of the club, is well known in the Mersey, as also are the North Star, Star of the Sea, Zingaria, and Adriana.

[from Shetland Times - Saturday 27 July 1889]:
Yachting. The steam yacht, North Star, arrived at Lerwick on Wednesday from Liverpool with Mr Earl[sic] and party on board, then proceeded to Norway on Thursday forenoon. This is the eleventh yacht which has called at Lerwick this season.

[from Southampton Observer and Hampshire News - Saturday 10 January 1891]:
Col. F. Earl's steam yacht North Star, which collided with a buoy when going to her winter quarters and damaged her rail and cat-head, has been hauled up at Summers and Payne's for repairs,

[from Field - Saturday 23 May 1891]:
NORTH STAR, 152 tons. Owing to the death of late owner, F W Earle, Esq., this well known Steam Yacht is for SALE. She was built (of iron) by J. H. White of Cowes, in a superior manner, and of greet strength: is in splendid order, both in hull and machinery, and fully equipped in all respects, including plate, china, and linen: has excellent accommodation, and is a grand sea boat. Sole Agent, St. Clare J. Byrne, Castle-street, Liverpool, from whom plans, full particulars, price, &c can be obtained.

Iron screw steam yacht Adriana, built Inglis, Glasgow, 1888, 227grt, 98nrt, 157.5 x 21 x 11.5ft, engines 60hp by builder, ON 96037. First owner Henry Bubb, Pendyffryn, nr Conwy [at Dwygyfylchi, Pendyffryn Hall became a TB isolation hospital and is now the administrative centre of a caravan site], registered Glasgow, until 1907. Then sold foreign - more detail. Wrecked 1940 off Crete as Georgios Karavias.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 27 May 1889]:
The yachting season. ... Besides the sailing yachts, there are a number of fine steamers, the largest of which is the Juno, belonging to Mr. W. Johnston. The Aline, owned by Colonel D. Gamble, C.B., commodore of the club, is well known in the Mersey, as also are the North Star, Star of the Sea, Zingaria, and Adriana.

[from Shetland Times - Saturday 22 June 1895]:
Yachting. The handsome steam yacht Adriana, with Mr Bubb and party from Scapa, arrived at Lerwick on Thursday evening. The Adriana is on a cruise to Norway.

Wooden screw steam yacht Saxon, built Fife, Fairlie, 1875, 71grt, 49nrt, as a cutter, 86 x 18 x 11.1ft, ON 72390. Bought Edward Crompton, Birkenhead, in 1890 and fitted with engine of 15hp by Cochran, Birkenhead, owned to 1898. Registered Greenock 1891-1898. 1902 owned Copenhagen (as Maja), 1910 Reykjavik as Kooe. Fuller history.

Edward Crompton was a mechanical engineer, with expertise in boiler manufacture. He joined with James Cochran to form Cochran & Co., Birkenhead, in 1878, who built boilers and shallow draught vessels.

S Y Saxon in 1895 [from Book, Ice-bound on Kolguev, about the excursion]:

Reported as following Royal Mersey Yacht Club event in 1892,

[from Birkenhead News - Saturday 02 June 1894]:
MR. EDWARD CROMPTON'S YACHT. Mr. Edward Crompton's steam yacht "Saxon," which left the Birkenhead Docks last week, has been specially engaged by Mr. Trevor-Battye and Mr. Powys, two well-known ornithologists, who intend to use her in surveying and exploring scientifically the Island of Kolguef[sic now Kolguyev], off the Northern Coast of European Russia. The island is almost unknown, and has never been visited by an Englishman. Ships in passing give it a wide berth in consequence of the very shallow coast and the prevalence of fogs. The main object of the expedition will be to ascertain whether there is any place that would serve for a harbour, in which place a depot or coaling station might be established there in connection with the opening up of the Kara sea route to Northern Siberia, and the navigation of the River Yenisei. The steam yacht "Saxon" is splendidly adapted for the purpose.

[from South Wales Echo - Saturday 01 September 1894]:
AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE. The steam yacht Saxon, returned from a series of adventures in the Arctic regions, is arousing a considerable amount of interest in the Mersey. The Saxon, it will be remembered, is owned by Mr Crompton, of the Mersey Yacht Club, and was chartered by Mr Powys (a nephew of Lord Lilford) and Mr Battye, of London, for the purpose of exploring the island of Kolguev, off the north coast of Russia. One of the objects of the cruise was to ascertain whether coal could be found on the island, while it was further intended to prepare a proper chart, and to replenish, if possible, the ornithological collection of Mr Battye. On June 2nd, while Mr Battye and a London taxidermist were investigating the island, the ice drove in so much that the yacht was forced to beat a retreat, leaving the explorers ashore. As the propeller of the Saxon also broke down, the yacht proceeded to Archangel for repairs. Subsequent efforts were made to reach the island and rescue Mr Battye and the taxidermist, but the floating ice rendering this step impossible, the Saxon has returned to England without them. The island is little known and scantily populated, if at all. It is, however, hoped that the explorers will be shortly brought away by one of the Russian gunboats which occasionally call at the island.

[from Northern Whig - Tuesday 20 August 1895]:
ARCTIC EXPLORATION. RETURN OF THE SAXON. The steam yacht Saxon (48 tons register), which left the Mersey on May last on a sporting and scientific expedition to Nova Zembla, again reached the Mersey on Sunday night. The party consisted of Mr. Henry Pearson, of Nottingham, Colonel Fielden, and Mr. Slater. Captain Pedersen was in command, and had a crew of nine men. The party landed on Kolgerw[sic, Kolguyev] Island, and remained there whilst the Saxon went to Vardo [NW Norway] for more coal. On her return another attempt was made, and the 18th of July success attended their efforts, and a landing was effected in Kostiu Straits, and after this, the ice breaking up in the straits, they were able extend their investigations. At one spot they discovered the skulls and bones of apparently a large party of shipwrecked persons. Their scientific investigations also met with considerable success. After ten days' stay, the Saxon headed for home, and encountered no further difficulties. The Saxon is now in the hands of Messrs. Cochrane[sic], of Birkenhead, fitting out for trip round Scotland.

Further info from a book, Ice-bound on Kolguev: The explorers were therefore marooned on the island. Friendly contact with Samoyed (Nenets) reindeer herders enabled them to leave in September. They then had a 1000 mile journey across northern Russia to Archangel in the season of rasputnya [sic. rasputitsa, season of muddy roads], when travel was normally deemed impossible. Their arduous and sometimes dangerous journey took them almost five weeks.

Composite screw steam yacht Lancashire Witch, built R Steele, Greenock, 1878, 306grt, 211nrt, 160.2 x 25.9 x 14.0 ft, engines 75hp by builder, ON 78813. [Composite means wooden planks on iron frames]. Owned Sir Thomas Hesketh, Rufford Hall, nr Ormskirk, registered Liverpool, until 1881. Sir Thomas voyaged widely in her. Then owned William Houldsworth, Ayr. From 1887 owned Frank L James, Mayfair, [born Liverpool 1815] until his death in 1890, when owned by William James. Frank James also voyaged extensively and died from an elephant charge in West Africa in 1890. In 1893 bought by the Admiralty for use as a survey vessel - HMS Waterwitch. Later history. Sinking after collsion 1912.

Sketch of Lancashire Witch [from Illustrated London News - Saturday 14 June 1890]:

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 30 August 1878]:
TRIAL TRIP-TO DAY. The splendid steam yacht Lancashire Witch, belonging to Sir Thomas Hesketh, Bart., and launched yesterday from the shipyard of Messrs Robert Steele, & Co., left the Tail-of-the-Bank this forenoon (after coaling in the Victoria Harbour) on her trial trip. Mr Lee, pilot, was in charge.

[from Liverpool Weekly Courier - Saturday 05 July 1879]:
THE STEAM YACHT LANCASHIRE WITCH. This fine new auxiliary steam yacht has made the fastest run on record from the Falkland Islands to the Cape, having made the passage in 17.5 days. She left Cowes about the middle of January of the present year for Madeira, and encountered the full fury of the prevailing gales; still she reached Funchall in about eight days without mishap, having been almost the entire time under trysails or reefed canvas. The wind was against her until the last two days, when it became favourable, and then she did under canvas alone 276 knots[sic nautical miles] on the last but one, nine tons of coal representing her total consumption on the trip. From Madeira she made the passage to Monte Video in twenty-three days in very variable weather, about five of which were done under steam, at an average of 130 knots per day, while under canvas alone her best day was 270 knots, and 140 her lowest. From Monte Video the "Witch" went to the Straits of Magellan, calling in at several places. While in the Straits, Sir Thos. Hesketh, her owner, heard of the serious turn of events at the Cape, and determined to alter his plans and proceed there. Accordingly on the 24th March the yacht left Sandy Point, reaching Stanley Harbour, Falkland Islands, on the 30th; leaving again for Port Natal on 1st April (sighting the Cape on the 17th), and anchoring there at 6 am. on the 24th, after a splendid run of 23.5 days, about five of which were done under steam and the remainder under canvas, principally in heavy weather. Her best performances on this run were on the 16th and 17th April, when she covered, under canvas 295 and 300 knots respectively, with fresh W. to S. W. gales, her worst day out of the twenty three was 154 knots. All on board speak in the very highest praise of the Witch as a seaboat, either under steam or canvas, for although a perfect steamer when required, she is also as handy as a schooner under canvas only. On the whole round so far she had only consumed about 80 tons of coal, which seems a mere trifle for such a long and quick voyage. Sir Thomas and a friend left the yacht at Natal, intending to go to the front, but finding the difficulties of obtaining food and fodder so great, they had to give it up, and returned on board. The yacht is now on her way to Japanese waters, The Lancashire Witch is a new vessel of 500 tons and is a sister ship to Mr. Brassey's Sunbeam. She is built on the composite principle to the highest classification, and has compound engines of 75 horse power, with a gunmetal propeller, and was built last year by Messrs. R Steele & Co of Greenock, under the superintendence of her designer Mr St Clare Byrne.

[from Greenock Advertiser - Monday 08 August 1881]:
SALE OF A GREENOCK YACHT. The steam yacht Lancashire Witch, 600 tons, which was built two years since by Messrs R. Steele & Co, for Sir Thomas Hesketh, has just been purchased by Mr Houldsworth of Mount Charles, Ayrshire. The Lancashire Witch will not be fitted out till early in spring, but meantime her internal arrangements will be considerably altered to suit her new owner. The yacht, which was built at great expense, has had her class A 1 altered by Lloyd's committee from sixteen to eighteen years.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 19 December 1884]:
SALE OF THE STEAM YACHT LANCASHIRE WITCH. The fine 600-ton steam yacht Lancashire Witch, built Messrs Robert Steele & Co. 1878 for Mr Houldsworth [sic], has just been sold to Messrs Camper & Nicholson, Gosport. She will leave Row Bay for the South in the course of a few days.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 14 October 1886]:
PURCHASE OF A STEAM YACHT. The composite built steam yacht Lancashire Witch, 310 tons, built by Messrs R. Steele A Co., Greenock, in 1878, for Sir Thomas Hesketh, Bart., and with which vessel he made a tour round the world, has just been purchased by Mr James, of Menzies Castle, Aberfeldy, who will, accompanied by several friends, leave shortly with the vessel for the East Indies.

[from Dundee Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 28 August 1888]:
THE GORE-BOOTH ARCTIC EXPEDITION. .. I have just received the following telegram from my friend the Arctic explorer, Sir Henry Gore-Booth, on board Mr James's steam yacht Lancashire Witch. It evident they were endeavouring to pass to the North of Spitzbergen from West to East. ...

[from Western Morning News - Thursday 23 March 1893]:
The steam yacht Lancashire Witch has been purchased by the Admiralty for £12,000, exclusive of some of the internal fittings which are to be handed back to her owner, Mr. James. The yacht is charmingly fitted up with sofas, sideboards, and ornamental woodwork, but most of these embellishments are being removed. Even the lamps are to be taken away, and also a piano, which would no doubt have been appreciated by the vessel's future crew. There can be no question that the Lancashire Witch is worth the purchase money, although built as long ago as 1878, but whether she is suitable for the surveying service is another matter. She still steams over nine knots, but her bunkers are of small capacity, and sail power will have to be largely relied upon. The masts are very lofty, and the yacht carries a great deal of canvas, so much, in fact, that it is proposed to shorten the masts by eight feet, the recommendation of the late sailing master. As already stated, the Lancashire Witch will require alteration before she can used for surveying, and the work is estimated to cost £2,000. It is certain that the Admiralty could have built a new surveying ship for the same money as that to be expended on the Lancashire Witch.

Iron screw steam yacht Mitzpah, built Hansen, Cowes, 1873, 53grt, 31nrt, 69.3 x 14.0 x 6.4 ft, engine 18hp by Vosper, Portsmouth, ON 67585, registered Cowes. Owned Gower, Brighton, then Hartley, London. From 1877-89 owned George H Barnes of Burnley [cotton mill owner, who died 1888]. From 1891 registered Greenock, owned Earl of Glasgow 1891-2. Sold foreign 1894.
[Mizpah is a Hebrew word for watchtower, and was popular in Victorian times as meaning - may God watch over you]

[from Field - Saturday 10 January 1874]:
For Sale. MIZPAH. Steam Yacht, 65 tons BM.; handsome, large accommodation, well found, fitted with a pair of 18 horse power high pressure engines, speed about 8 knots, easy draft of water, and sails well under canvas. C Hansen & Sons, Cowes.

[from Field - Saturday 29 September 1877]:
BANFF. Arrived: Sept. 25, Mispah [sic], ss, Mr G. H. Barnes, from Aberdeen, for Liverpool.

[from Field - Saturday 16 June 1883]:
BIRKENHEAD. On the 9th the schooner Aglaia, Mr Thos. Harrison, and the Feronia, Mr W. King, arrived from a cruise. On Monday the Aquila, Mr J. A. Bell, arrived and on Wednesday, the Olivia, schooner, Mr J. Johnston Houghton, boomed up the river with all flying kites set. Wednesday night's tide saw the departure of the Katie, cutter, 10 tons, Mr. Coddington, for Kingstown to take part in the Royal Alfred Regatta on Saturday. Of yachts on the station there are: steamers, Aline, Mispah[sic], Fairy Queen, and Hopbloom; schooners, those mentioned above; cutters, Lily, Zazel, Tyro, Elaine, Brenda, Nautilus, Samphire, Venus, Engadine, Coquette, and Beatrice; yawls, Lutra, Sheila, and Curlew.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 21 July 1883]:
The following yachts were in the Bay during the week: .. Mizpah (ss), G. H. Barnes, Esq. ..

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 23 June 1887]:
YACHTING NOTES. The fine steam yacht Mispah, belonging Mr Barnes, an English gentleman, came over to Gourock yesterday from the Gareloch. She left to-day for Greenock, where her shaft will be repaired by Messrs Kincaid & Co., engineers.

[from Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Thursday 09 May 1889]:
The screw-yacht Mizpah, 58 tons, built at Cowes in 1873. Dimensions 69.3 by 14 by 6, sold for about £400.

[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 12 August 1889]:
STEAM YACHT "Mizpah," 60 tons (about) for Sale or Charter, a modern vessel with good accommodation, and in the best possible order throughout; now cruising on the West Coast of Scotland. Available in Liverpool about August 2. - Apply to J. Ryan, Beaconsfield-road, Tranmere.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Wednesday 14 February 1894]:
THE STEAM YACHT MIZPAH. The steam yacht Mizpah, a craft of 58 tons yacht measurement, left Gourock yesterday for Constantinople, having been purchased by eastern owners for traffic on the Bosphorus. She was built in 1873 by Messrs Hansen & Son, Cowes, and in recent years was owned by the Earl of Glasgow.

Wooden screw steam yacht Hopbloom, built W Dickinson, Birkenhead 1879, 12grt, 5nrt, 51 x 8 x 4.5ft, 12 hp engines by Plenty & Sons, Newbury, ON 118224. Owned W Cook and kept at Birkenhead 1882-4. In 1888 owned W H Wilkinson and participating in RMYC regatta. Owned by Marquis of Anglesey from 1894 to sale in 1904. Registered Rochester 1906, register closed 1915. In MNL from 1907 only.

[from Field - Saturday 27 May 1882]:
BIRKENHEAD. Yachts on the station: Hopbloom, ss, 15 tons, Messrs W. and E. Cook;

Hopbloom ss reported at Birkenhead 1883.

[from Field - Saturday 30 August 1884]:
BIRKENHEAD. On the 23rd Hopbloom ss, Mr W Cook, went cruising.

[from Birkenhead News - Saturday 02 June 1888]:
RMYC Regatta. The yachts were accompanied by the steam yachts; Aline, Com. Colonel Gamble, C. B., which acted as the flag ship; Cestria, Mr. J. Johnston Houghton; Orinara, Mr. Neil Mattheison [sic, Oimara, Mathieson]; and Hopbloom, Mr. W. H. Wilkinson. On the conclusion of the race the steam yachts towed several of the sailing ones into Beaumaris, which was reached about 7 30.

[Sporting Gazette - Saturday 21 July 1894]:
Royal Anglesey Yacht Club: [Present when Prince and Princess of Wales visited on the Hon Fred Wynn's sy Mira]: Speranza sy, Sir R H Williams Bulkeley, Bart, Commodore; Hopbloom, sy, The Marquis of Anglesey, vice-commodore; Roy ss, Hon F G Wynn; ... Cygnet sy, Mr E Myres; ... Ethelreda sy, Mr F D Bumstead; ...

[from Sporting Gazette - Saturday 04 August 1894]:
Beaumaris. Among the yachts on the station and in the straits are Hopbloom, s.y., Marquis of Anglesey; Miramar ss, Colonel G. McCorquodale; Aeolia, Mr. J. R. Davies; Nesta, Mr. George R. Cox (High Sheriff); Florence, Mr. S Taylor Chadwick; Wonderful, Mr. F. C. Baines; Apteryx, Mr E Bennett; Dysilio, Mr. J. Moseley; Lassie, Mr. E Thui; Pearl, Mr J L Hampton Lewis; Psyche, Mr. P. A. Lloyd; Kathleen, Mr. Harry Clegg; Hoopoo, Mr. Gamble.

Henry Cyril Paget, 5th Marquis of Anglesley, inherited Plas Newydd in 1898, renamed it Anglesey Castle, was declared bankrupt - with all the contents being sold in 1904 [from Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald - 22nd July 1904]:
Steam launch Hopbloom. At the Dock, Anglesey Castle, the well known 15 ton steam launch Hopbloom with her fittings, clear moorings, and dinghy.

[from The North Wales Express - 12th August 1904]:
The 50ft. 10 horse-power steam launch "Hopbloom," which was originally worth £1500, realised £200, the buyer, Mr Malley, of Liverpool, immediately disposing of her at a satisfactory profit.

Iron screw steam yacht Ethelreda, built 1878, Inglis, Pointhouse, Glasgow, 32grt, 13nrt, 65 x 12.5 x .3 ft, 15 hp engine by Muir & Caldwell, ON 78610, registered Glasgow, was owned by Francis D Bumstead, Cannock, from 1888-92, in 1892 renamed Mandolin. More detail.

[from Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser - Saturday 12 September 1891]:
Yachts in the bay: Ethelreda (ss) F D Bumsted,...

Steel screw steam yacht Ethelreda, built Lobnitz, Renfrew, 1892, 49grt, 23nrt, 80.2 x 14.0 x 7.7 ft, engine 20 hp by Bumsted & Chandler, Hednesford, ON 99826, registered Glasgow. Owned Thomas[as reported MNL, other sources give Francis] D Bumstead, Cannock, Staffs, to 1907. From 1907 owned Lady Margaret Chrichton Stewart, in MNL from 1909 as Faoileag [seagull or white wave crest]. More detail.
Bumsted & Chandler were makers of stationary steam engines etc.

Reported 1894 as present, owned F D Bumsted, in Menai when the Prince & Princess of Wales visited.

Iron screw steam yacht Cygnet, built Day, Northam, 1878, 18grt, 7nrt, 55 x 10 x 5.9 ft, engines 14hp by builder, registered Southampton, ON 76842. Several owners, then owned Edward Myles, Preston, 1894-98. Register closed 1917.

[from Field - Saturday 17 April 1886]:
MESSRS COX and KING are favoured with instructions to SELL by AUCTION, at their offices as above, on Wednesday, May 12, at 2.30 precisely (unless previously sold by private contract), the very desirable iron screw Steam Yacht CYGNET, of 24 tons, yacht measurement, built and engined by the well-known firm of Day and Summers, of Southampton, in 1878, together with her very complete outfit. She is in the best possible order throughout, and can be inspected at Brightlingsea, Essex, at any time.

Reported 1894 as present, owned E Myles, in Menai when the Prince & Princess of Wales visited.

Wooden screw steam yacht Corona, built Liverpool 1882, 13grt, 7 nrt, 46.7 x 8.2 x 15.7 ft, engine 50 hp [sic, in MNL], owned John Turner, Liverpool, ON 86195, registered Liverpool 1882. Lloyd's Yacht register 1884/5 gives 46.7 x 8.2ft, 10hp engine by John Paley, Preston, built J Paley, Preston, 1882. [so some typos somewhere - possibly hull built Beynon, Liverpool and engine fitted by Paley at Preston]. For sale September 1883 - August 1884 in Clyde. Voyage Gourock to Liverpool, wrecked 17 April 1885 at Point of Ayre (Isle of Man). Captain Thomas Marshall and crew of 5 saved in own boat. Vessel broke up and sold in situ.

An explanation of how John Paley might be named as the builder [from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 24 February 1881]:
Launch of Steam Yachts. There was launched this week two very handsome steam yachts, one from Messrs Alsopp's [sic Alsupp; Molly Bawn, ON 91941, most probably] yard at Preston and the other from Messrs Benyon & Co. at Liverpool [Corona?], both having been built to the order of Mr John Paley, yacht agent, Glasgow and Preston, to meet the great demand for fast and commodious steam yachts, which is being made prior to the opening of the season. This enterprising gentleman has, at present in Gourock Bay, a large number of steam and sailing yachts, which have been placed under his care for sale or hire by their respective owners for the ensuing season.

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 14 August 1883]: CONWAY REGATTA. ... Mr. Albert Wood was commodore. ... Mr. John Turner's steam yacht Corona, R.M.Y.C., was the committee steamer.

[from Field - Saturday 12 July 1884]:
Clyde Steam Yacht Agency. Proprietor John Paley, steam yacht designer and yacht engineer. Manager in Glasgow: Capt Flashman.
Mr Paley has just had put in his hands the very beautiful 20-ton Steam Yacht CORONA, built for the owner regardless of expense, with every modern improvement; compound engines; 6ft. head room in main and ladies cabins; fitted up with polished satin wood and teak, and upholstered in real morocco; she is a splendid sea boat, and the most perfect yacht afloat; barely two years old, Cost over £2000; price only £300; now in commission at Gourock Bay.
[Similar adverts. Earliest: 1 Sept 1883; and latest: Glasgow Herald - Monday 02 February 1885]

[from Shields Daily Gazette - Tuesday 21 April 1885]:
Wreck of a steam yacht. Intelligence was received at Ramsey (IoM) on Saturday evening that the screw steam yacht Corona, about 20 tons, had gone ashore on the west side of this island, near Point of Ayr. The yacht, which, is owned by Mr J. Turner, Liverpool, was off the Point when her machinery broke down, and the yacht was driven ashore in strong east-north-east breeze and heavy sea. The crew got ashore in their own boat; but the yacht is under water at high tide.

[from IOM heritage]:
The Corona, Captain Thomas Marshall, master, with a crew of five men, departed from Gourock at 3.00 a.m. on Wednesday 15th April 1885 at high water, bound for Liverpool. They sighted Lamlash the following morning and passed it about 5.00 a.m. on Thursday 16th April 1885. They rounded the Mull of Galloway at 7.00 a.m. in a fresh breeze from the northeast.
Early on Friday morning 17th April 1885 at 1.00 a.m., the Corona was about one mile southeast of the Point of Ayre when she was driven ashore by a strong east-northeast breeze on to the west side of the Point of Ayre near to the Lighthouse after the machinery had broken down. The anchor was let go, but it did not hold. The crew were able to get ashore in the ship's boat and landed at Rue Point about 4.00 a.m. They then walked back to the vessel and found her high and dry on the shingle beach. They examined the Corona and found her to have received considerable damage.
On Monday 27th April 1885, the remains of the Corona were sold by public auction where they lay on the beach. The weather for the two or three days preceding had been so unfavourable that the hull was so damaged that it was in several pieces and so sold. The competition for the boiler and engine, which were only two years old, was very keen, Captain Bragg of Ramsey being the buyer for £27. Captain Bragg also bought most of the other lots which were sold for £27 in total.

Wooden screw steam yacht Shelduck, built by J Paley, Preston, 1885, from a hull built by Singleton of Fleetwood and engines by Rogers & Co, of Stockton, to a design, using lifting propellor, by J Paley. In Lloyd's Yacht Register: 18 tons, 42 x 10.2 x 6.2 ft, 10 hp engine, yawl. Not in MNL. First owner John Paley, Preston [latterly Lytham] - advertised for sale 1885, 1887, 1889. Owned Charles D Stewart, Leith from 1889.

[from Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 21 August 1885]:
LAUNCH OF A STEAM YACHT. On Tuesday Messrs. Singleton Bros. of Fleetwood launched a fine steam yacht from their yard in Adelaide-st., for Mr. Paley, of Preston. The steamer is intended for accommodating yachting, fishing, and pleasure parties, and her dimensions are: length over all, 45 ft.; length of keel, 40 ft.; beam, 10 ft,; and depth, 5ft. She has been taken to Preston to have the engines fixed, which work will be done under the superintendence of the owner, (Mr. Paley). The steamer has been built so that the screw can be raised out of the water when she is required for sailing under canvas, and vice versa. Her engines will be of a total strength of 20 horse power.

[from Field - Saturday 03 October 1885]:
AUXILIARY STEAM YACHT SHELDUCK, 20 TONS (new); a combination of both a steam and sailing yacht; will go at the rate of nine miles an hour under steam alone, or will sail without steam as well as any ordinary cruiser, being fitted with Paley's patent lifting propellor; she is fitted with high class compound engines, no noise and no dirt; she has good cabin accommodation, sleeping for three gentlemen and two of a crew; has pantry and separate w.c., lavatory, and good forecastle.
Log, Sept. 23. 1885. - Left Preston Quay 10.45 am. (a narrow river for ten miles) under steam alone, wind ahead, arrived off Blackpool (23 miles) 1.15; hoisted propeller and set sail, arrived at Fleetwood at 3.20, total distance 37.5 miles.
Sept. 25. Left Fleetwood with another yacht in tow against a strong head wind and heavy sea at 12 pm; arrived at Preston under steam alone at 10 am, but had to wait outside bar six hours for water. For photos and further particulars apply to JOHN PALEY, Ashton-on-Ribble.

[from Glasgow Herald - Thursday 12 September 1889]:
Amongst the yacht arrivals at Gourock is a strange yawl of somewhat unique characteristics. It is the Shelduck, 20-tons combination yawl, purchased through the NBY Agency [successor to John Paley's Clyde Steam Yacht Agency, with his manager, Capt Flashman, in charge] by Mr Chas. Durant Stewart, of Dalguise, Perthshire. She left Lytham at three o'clock P.M on Friday, and arrived in Gourock Bay early on Sunday morning, having anchored off the Mull of Galloway for 12 hours. As a new departure from the ordinary auxiliary, it is likely to become popular, because its auxiliary steam power, if not utilised, leaves the yacht as true a sailing vessel as possibly can be. In the ordinary auxiliary, it does not do so, and when the propeller is lifted, the aperture left becomes an escapement for the water which otherwise should impinge in unbroken volume on the immersed rudder surface. This hitherto insurmountable difficulty, in the instance of the yawl Shelduck, is removed by having the propeller outside the rudder in a metal quadrant. The Shelduck left on Tuesday for Oban with owner and party on board, and doubtless she will attract much attention from the numerous yachtsmen making Oban their rendezvous during the coming week.

Screw steam yacht Osprey, built Inglis, Pointhouse, 1875, first owner W J Normand, Edinburgh, [also had summer residence on Loch Fyne] until 1876. Owned Moses S Maynard, Lauderdale, Fishergate Hill, Preston from 1876. Not found in MNL or LYR - info from newspapers.

A puzzle: a steam yacht Osprey built Inglis 1875 for Mr Normand of Edinburgh was reported to have been sold to M S Maynard of Preston in July 1876. This date of build precedes the 1877 built vessel described below - so maybe there were several such steam yachts. Indeed another Inglis built steam yacht called Osprey was launched in 1877 [possibly yard number 135, not in MNL], owned by Mr R Brooman-White of Arddarroch, and eventually wrecked in 1889. The date of sale by Mr Normand is consistent with his purchase of a new Osprey in 1877 [see below].

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Friday 14 July 1876]:
Yacht sales. The handsome steam yacht Osprey built by Messrs Inglis of Pointhouse last year for Mr Normand of Edinburgh, sold by that gentleman to Mr M S Maynard of Preston.

[from Field - Saturday 15 June 1878]:
DROGHEDA. Sailed June 13 Osprey for Preston

[from Lancaster Gazette - Saturday 06 July 1878]:
Inspection of the Ribble Navigation. The directors of the Ribble Navigation Company had a trip down the river on Friday last, for the purpose of inspecting the buoys, retaining walls, and works of the company generally. Alderman Maynard (ex- Mayor of Preston) kindly placed his yacht at the service of the directors for the purpose. The party proceeded down the main Channel and round the Nelson buoy, and owing to the state of the tide, which prevented a landing at Lytham, went on to St. Anne's and returned by rail to Lytham, where they dined at the Clifton Arms Hotel. All the works were found to be in excellent condition.

[from Manchester Times - Saturday 11 November 1882]:
Ribble Navigation. ... inspected the river Ribble, accompanied by the members of the Ribble Committee of the Preston Corporation. The party were conveyed from the new quay to the estuary of the river in Mr. Alderman Maynard's steam yacht.

Iron screw steam yacht Osprey, built Inglis, Pointhouse, 1877, 20grt, 8nrt, 66.3 x 10.1 x 5.6 ft, 12 hp engines by builder, ON 76757, registered Glasgow, 1877. First owner W J Normand, Dysart, [registered Glasgow], until 1882. Owned Moses S Maynard, Lauderdale, Fishergate Hill, Preston from 1891-1903 [known as Alderman Maynard, proprietor of mill at Bold-st, Preston]. Registered Liverpool 1903, owned Joseph Heap, Claughton, Birkenhead. List of owners.

[from Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette - Thursday 31 May 1877]:
GOUROCK. YACHTING. The new steam-yacht Osprey, 60 tons, built by Messrs A. & J. Inglis, and engined by Messrs Muir & Caldwell, came down the river yesterday, and her compasses were adjusted here. She has been built to the order of Mr W. J. Norman, Edinburgh, but her moorings will be laid down in Loch Fyne at Otterferry, where Mr Norman resides in the summer months. The Osprey is a fine model, and is not hampered on deck with houses, but the "bell mouth" to her funnel destroys her appearance very considerably.

[from Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 07 July 1891]:
Accident to Alderman M. S. Maynard's Yacht. Yesterday afternoon two accidents of small but annoying character look place to the steam yacht Osprey, belonging to Alderman M. S. Maynard, of Preston. The yacht, having on board the owner and a party of lady and gentlemen friends, left the moorings in the Ribble with the high tide, and arrived at Lytham about one o'clock. Through some defect in the engine, the screw ceased to propel. The defect was remedied, and steam being got up, the yacht was again headed to Lytham, when, through some mismanagement, she ran on to the training wall and remained fast. It was also discovered that through the overheating of the engines a slight fire had broken out between the engines and the deck. This was, however, quickly subdued. The party were put on shore in the yacht's boat, and this morning, the vessel itself was got off and brought to her moorings at Preston.

[from Preston Herald - Saturday 14 May 1892]:
Lytham Yacht Club. cruise... the Osprey, a fine 50-ton screw steam yacht, owned by Alderman Maynard, Preston, sailed by the owner, Mr. John Paley being on board with him; the Ethel, screw steam yacht, [wooden screw yawl, 10 tons, 33 x 9 x 5ft, 6hp, built R Smith, Preston, 1886, owned George Anderson, Preston] owned by Mr. Anderton [sic], and sailed by the owner.

[from Preston Herald - Wednesday 29 June 1892]:
[opening of Preston Dock]... Several private yachts, too, built upon the prettiest lines, were manoeuvring round, among them being Alderman Maynard's pretty steam yacht, the Osprey; Mr. Sidney Hermon's little sailing boat; Mr. Crook's launch, the Busy Bee; Mr. Monk's May Queen; and Mr. T. Cooton's Nelson, and others.

[from Belfast News-Letter - Thursday 26 July 1906]:
The steam yacht Osprey, lying at Liverpool, has recently been sold to Messrs. Smith & Co., Preston, for £300. She is 31 tons yacht measurement, was built at Glasgow in 1877, and fitted with compound engines 20-h.p.n.; speed, 9 knots. Dimensions: 74ft. x 10.1 ft. x 5.9 ft.

Iron screw steam yacht The Test, built Cato, Miller, Liverpool, 1855, designed by Joseph Burch, Crag Hall, nr Macclesfield, 112 tons (om); 108 x 14 x 9 ft, 40 hp engines, patent screw, ON 16868. Trials 1855, owned Joseph Mondel, ex sea-captain, of Liverpool, member of RMYC (died November 1862). For sale 1859-1863 at Liverpool. MNL: until 1864 registered Liverpool; 1865-6 owned Henry Crawford, Glasgow, as Flying Fish, 60nrt, 40hp. Sold foreign 1866.

Sketch of propeller arrangement [from Details of Burch's patent 1854].

 

[from Liverpool Albion - Monday 12 May 1856]:
THE STEAM-YACHT TEST. SOME time ago the shipowners of Liverpool, and especially those interested in steam navigation, were no little surprised to see a new model for an ocean steamer, exhibited in the Exchange Newsroom. It was unique in every particular. The expanding bows and overhanging stern, which are now the fashion, gave way to semi-circular-shaped stem and stern, and the sides of the vessel, falling in over the water-line, gave her a tubular appearance. The model was much criticised, and was, by more than one accredited judge, pronounced impracticable. Mr. Burch, the patentee, however, had confidence in his invention, and determined to have it thoroughly tested. An order for a steam-yacht was given to Messrs. Cato, Miller, and Co., of this port, and a few months ago witnessed the launch of the greatest novelty in iron-shipbuilding we have ever recorded. The vessel, appropriately named The Test, soon excited attention; but, while the number of those who believed she would prove successful increased, there were some who still insisted upon the inadvisability of applying the principle to vessels of large size. In the meantime, while discussion was proceeding, and predictions of failure were freely made, a series of experiments were being made by several leading shipowners of the town and the inventor, for the purpose of ascertaining, not only the merits of the steam-yacht, but of an entirely new mode of propulsion, the screw being placed in the run of the vessel instead of aft. In the ordinary screw-propeller, a certain distance along the blades from their axis towards their extremities is not only ineffective, but absorbs and wastes a considerable percentage of the power of the engine, because the roots of the blades possess no propelling surface which can act upon the water at a suitable angle. In the true helix this correct propelling angle can only commence at a certain radial distance from the axis, and therefore all the area within that distance I call the non-effective or dead circle. The object of Mr. Burch's arrangement is to lead the water on to the propeller blade beyond this dead circle, and this is accomplished by forming and terminating the hold of the vessel in a circle of corresponding size, through the centre of which the propeller shaft works. The propeller case works in the dead circle, the blades being attached to its periphery and commencing therefrom at a suitable propelling angle; beyond the propeller space or dead circle the lines of the vessel gradually converging and terminating the stern post. By this alteration in the locality of the screw, the current of water is thrown direct upon the helm, which greatly improves the steering the vessel, and gives to the helm a perfect command of the ship. After a series of these experiments, a trial-trip was made last week to the Isle of Man, which has removed all doubt as to the efficiency and superiority of Mr. Burch's patent screw-propeller, while it has established his theory of form for ocean steaming. During the experiments - made by the owners in testing different pitches of screw and forms of blade, various opinions as regards the ultimate result have been freely expressed by those who are allowed to know something of naval architecture, and, as is too generally the case of new inventions, by no means in favour of the vessel, which in reality quite reverses all the ordinary and preconceived notions of perfection in shipbuilding. The Test is 112 feet long, and has an extreme breadth of fourteen feet at the float-line, but her deck is only eleven feet wide, with a low bulwark and railing all round. As previously described, the sides fall in above the water-line, which gives her a tubular appearance, as she lies upon the water. Her stern is crescent-shaped, the outline terminating backwards in a light, graceful scroll where the deck commences. A person with ordinary nautical experience, when gazing upon the bows and stem of the Test, would pronounce her to be a very wet vessel; and that anyone upon her deck would be exposed to the breaking of every sea. Such, however, is not the case, for we are informed by a gentleman who accompanied the owners, that, although she encountered a head sea, she never, during her trip, had a wash upon her deck, or even felt a concussion as she struck the wave. Her entrance is very fine, and as she cut the wave with her sharp round stem, formed like a cheese-knife, it spread on either side and fell, and fairly opened out for her a passage through. The Test is propelled by high-pressure engines of thirty horse-power. Her speed, with steam and canvas, running upon the wind, varied from ten to thirteen knots; under steam alone ten knots. She was steaming altogether about thirty hours, during which time she consumed seven tons of coal, or four and a-half cwt. per hour. She draws nine feet of water aft, and her displacement amidships is about seven feet. One peculiarity of her screw is that the fins can be taken out and re-shipped at pleasure. There is but slight vibration from the action of the screw, which, although so near the surface, does not race with six fins, and but slightly with four. The steering of the vessel is perfect. She will run a mile without deviation in her course, a fact which speaks more in favour of the screw than anything besides. The success of this little vessel will probably attract the notice of some of our eminent shipbuilders, who will begin to modify their expanding bows and overhanging sterns, now the usual and favourite mode of construction, but clearly proved by the performance of the Test to be entirely wrong in principle, and, in fact, a great obstruction, particularly against head winds, to the progress of a ship. The Test came out of dock early on Tuesday morning, and left the Landing-stage on her trip at ten o'clock, steamed down the river at a moderate speed, and got fairly under way, with 50 lbs. of steam, off the Crosby Lightship. She steered a direct course for the Island; and, although she met with a head sea, and strong spring tide, she was at anchor in Douglas Bay, at six, p.m. The following morning she weighed anchor, and stood out for Ramsey, where the owners had determined upon landing; but, finding a heavy sea with east wind off Maughold Head, which was likely to interfere with the landing at Ramsey, they altered the course of the vessel, and ran back along the shore past Douglas to Castletown, where the company on board landed and spent a couple of hours in that interesting place. The Test was under weigh again soon after twelve, and took a direct course against the strong spring tide for Liverpool, where she landed her passengers by nine o'clock, after encountering a stiff gale during the last twenty miles of her passage. She is pronounced to be a remarkably easy sea-boat; the propeller has realised the expectations of the inventor; and the performance of the vessel has surprised everyone. All new inventions have to encounter difficulties in their progress, and the Test has not escaped that ordeal. Her form, so unusual, but proved to be so perfect, was severely criticised in the model; and one very eminent builder even refused to tender for the construction of the vessel, stating that they could not approve of the model, and that the vessel would only bring discredit upon their firm if they had anything to do with her. The Test is fore and aft schooner rigged, will make up sixteen berths, and although when launched was thought to be a strange-looking craft, now that the eye has became accustomed to her appearance, is very generally admired. We hear that this propeller is successfully at work upon some of the neighbouring canals, and that a narrower boat is being built, which will be taken through the principal canals in the country. Since writing the above we have seen the model of a first-Class ocean steamer, of 3,000 tons, at the office of Mr. James Mondel, 29, Tower-buildings West. It is fitted with Mr. Burch 's patent screw, and has his new form of bows; and, although we are not practically acquainted with shipbuilding, we have never seen a model for which strength, speed, and capacity were so truly exhibited. This model is also fitted with Mr. Burch's safety vessel, which invention we think ought to be noticed by the Government. It is believed by those acquainted with the construction of Mr. Burch's safety vessel that, if the Arctic had been fitted with one of them, all on board would have been saved, the mystery which hangs over the fate of the Pacific would, in all probability, have been cleared up by the appearance at some port of her ill-fated passengers. We are surprised that Mr. Burch does not make this invention more public. Surely, in this island, there is sufficient number of kindhearted, liberal people, who for humanity's sake alone, would unite to test the capabilities of this escape vessel.

[from Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 07 September 1856]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB. ... The names of Mr Joseph Mondel and Mr Joseph Burch, of Crag Hall, near Macclesfield, joint owners, with Mr James Smith, a member of the club, of the steam yacht Test, built by these three gentlemen, to exhibit some ingenious improvements in steam ships invented by Mr Burch, were then announced for election at the next meeting of the club. ...

[from Field - Saturday 11 June 1859]:
FOR SALE, at Liverpool, the iron screw steam yacht, TEST, well adapted for a despatch boat. Length 108 feet; beam, 14 feet; depth, 9 feet; 112 tons O.M., built at Liverpool in 1855; schooner rigged. Has a pair of superior direct acting engines, 40 horse power, and steams 10.5 knots an hour. Good cabin accommodation and bunkers for fuel. Is propelled by one of Burch's patent Disconnected screw Propellers, the fins of which may be removed at pleasure. Sails fast under canvas, has proved herself an excellent sea-boat, and the hull, engines, and boiler are in the best possible condition. Donkey engine, &c. Has patent hoisting apparatus. She is quite ready for immediate employment. For terms, &c, apply to Joseph Mondel, 29, Tower-buildings West, Liverpool; or to Alexander Cansh, 8 Wellington-road, Egremont, Cheshire.
[for sale again up to June 1863]

[from Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 12 July 1862]:
STEAM YACHT ON SHORE. - BEAUMARIS JULY 10. - Between ten and eleven o'clock last night, the screw steam-yacht Test, belonging to Joseph Mondel, Esq., of Liverpool, got on the rocks under Penrhyn, when she bilged and filled. She was expected to be dry at low water and floated. No accident to any of the party on board.

Iron screw steam yacht Annie, built Ogle, Preston, 1857, 75 tons burthen, 40grt, 25nrt, 95 x 12 x 8 ft, 25 hp engines, ON 19183, owned Gridrod, vice-commodore of RMYC, registered Liverpool. Owned Astley, Arisaig -1866; W F Lawton Glos, 1867, James Whitehead, Saddleworth, 1868. By 1869 owned John Platt, Oldham, as Puffin, until 1870. John Platt (1817-72) was a successful textile manufacturer, based Oldham. He served as mayor and MP. His son S R Platt, later took over as head of the firm, and also had a succession of steam yachts. In MNL to 1887. More history.

[from Preston Chronicle - Saturday 02 May 1857]:
LAUNCHES OF IRON VESSELS AT PRESTON. On Saturday last, Messrs, Andrew Ogle and Co.. of the Hope Foundry, Lancaster-road, in this town, launched from their shipbuilding yard, at the Marsh End, a very beautiful iron ship [Bogota], and a remarkably elegant yacht built of the same material.
The first part of the day's proceedings being thus successfully concluded, the yacht next engaged the attention of the company. She was launched broadside into the dock of the yard, and was christened in the same manner as the larger vessel by Mrs. Jonathan Grindrod, the Anne (her own name). This beautiful specimen of naval architecture is a screw pleasure yacht, and is the property of Mr. Jonathan Grindrod, vice-commodore of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club. She has been built exactly upon the same lines and model as the famous yacht America, which was brought to this country from the United States a few years ago, and beat all before her. The Anne is expected to be a very swift sailer; her length over all 95 feet, breadth of beam 12 feet, and depth 8 feet. She is registered of 75 tons burthen, will be Bermuda rigged, and fitted up with a pair of high-pressure horizontal engines equal together to 25-horse power, with ladies' and gentlemen's cabins, and with every other requisite of an elegant yacht. These two vessels are very creditable to the builders, and excited the admiration and elicited the encomiums of several competent judges who were present on the occasion.
The owners of the Bogota were so well pleased with her that they at once gave Messrs. Ogle and Co. an order for another ship to be built exactly upon the same model; but with respect to this very gratifying feature of the proceedings - gratifying not only to the builders and to others immediately concerned, but to the inhabitants of Preston generally, that so much has already been done in this newly-established branch of industry here - we refer our readers to the subjoined report of the speeches delivered after a Lunch....

[from Liverpool Mercury - Monday 22 June 1857]:
ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB. - GRAND REGATTA. The grand annual regatta of this club commenced on Friday under very auspicious circumstances, The weather was exeedingly propitious - a stiff easterly breeze, a clear sky, and a glorious sunshine. More than usual interest was attached to the prooeedings in consequence of her Majesty having graciously presented the club with a piece of plate, valued at £100, to run for by all royal yachts above eight tons. ... Her Majesty's yacht, the Victoria and Albert, arrived in the Mersey on Thursday evening, her presence among us taking many of the inhabitants by surprise. ... Shortly before eleven o'clock, the steam-tug Sea King, having on board Mr. T. Littledale, commodiore of the club, Mr. Grindrod, vice-cormmodore, Mr. H. Melling, the honorary secretary, several members of the club, and a large numoar of ladies and gentlemen, left the landing stage to proceed to the flag-ship (a new iron screw steamer [Annie] belonging to Mr. Grindrod), which was anchored off Rock Ferry. ...

[from Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 16 October 1867]:
Without reserve. By order of the Mortgagees. To-morrow (Thursday), the 17th instant, at Half-past Two o'clock, at Cunard, Wilson, and Co.'s Saleroom, Exchange ,Liverpool, The fine Iron Screw Steam Yacht ANNIE, 27 tons nett, 40 tons gross register, and about 70 tons b.m. Length, 86 feet; breadth 13 feet; depth, 6 feet 5-10. Built at Preston in 1857, and now in fine order; has engines of 25 horsepower, cylinders 12 inches diameter, with tubular boiler, which was recently overhauled, and made nearly equal to new; has good cabin accommodation, steams fast, and is well worth the attention of buyers. Lying in the Great Float, Birkenhead. Apply CUNARD, WILSON, and CO., Brokers.

[from Liverpool Shipping Telegraph and Daily Commercial Advertiser - Friday 06 August 1869]:
THE COLLISION BETWEEN THE RICHMOND AND WOODSIDE. .... Richard Langley, chief engineer of the yacht Puffin, belonging to Mr. Platt, M.P., deposed to having a similar conversation with Mr. Jones, the second engineer on board the Woodside. ...

Development of Royal Mersey yacht Club; 1844. [Initially formed 26 July 1844]

[from Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser - Tuesday 15 October 1844]:
THE "ROYAL" MERSEY YACHT CLUB. The monthly meeting of this rapidly increasing club was held on Tuesday evening week, at the Club-room, Mersey Hotel. The attendance was more numerous than on any former occasion, and included several yachtmen, far and near, of long experience and skill, who had become members. The secretary, Mr. H. Melling, after reading the gratifying minutes of the previous meeting, read a letter from Sir Robert Peel, who had been applied to to become an honorary member, in which the right honourable gentleman expressed his pride to become a member, and his every wish for the success of the Club. Another letter was read from the Most Noble the Marquis of Anglesey, a nobleman alike distinguished for his prowess in the field, and his encouragement of daring and skilful feats on the ocean. The Noble Marquis is owner, and frequently sailer, of a fine yacht called "The Pearl," and wrote, amongst other complimentary expressions, that he was "proud of the honour."
Lord Sandon, M.P.; Sir Howard Douglas, M.P.; John Gray, Esq., owner of a new cutter of 50 tons, building at Cowes, William Jackson, Esq., Birkenhead, and a number of our most respectable merchants, shipowners, and tradesmen - in all thirty-one - and who had previously been proposed, were then unanimously elected members.
The nomination of new members to be ballotted for at the next meeting (according to a rule of the Club, which makes no distinction of persons in this respect,) was then proceeded and amongst them were the following: The Earl of Wilton, who has a seat at Heaton Park, in this county, is owner of a splendid schooner called the "Xarifa," of 173 tons, and who wrote that he should be "most happy to become a member" ; the Honourable Colonel Pennant, of Penrhyn Castle, North Wales, owner of a beautiful little yacht called "The Diamond," which we expect in the Mersey in the spring; Sir Richard Bulkeley, of Baron Hill, Beaumaris, also owner of a fine yacht; Joseph Weld, Esq., of Lulworth Castle, Dorset-shire, the oldest yachtman in England, and owner of the largest cutter-yacht in the world, "The Alarm," of 193 tons, a most superb vessel. The Alarm has visited the waters of the Mersey, and was much admired by all who saw her. The venerable gentleman, who, we need scarcely say, is strongly attached to yachting, not only as a personal pleasure, but as in its pursuit a means of introducing finer models of vessels, and their more adroit management, at the close of his letter writes as follows: "I only fear that my feeble endeavours, at this great distance, will fall short of my wishes, in giving that support to an amusement which I have been so long engaged in." These communications were received by the Club with great pride and gratification. The whole of the parties nominated, twenty-six in all, will be ballotted for at the next monthly meeting, on the 5th proximo.
The Secretary next read official communications addressed to himself; one to the effect that her Majesty had been graciously pleased to grant the title of "Royal," to be adopted and used by the Club; and another from the Secretary to the Admiralty, stating that he was directed by their Lordships to grant their permission to the vessels of the Club to wear the blue ensign of her Majesty's Fleet, with the distinguishing mark of the Club. The application was, we understand, transmitted through Lord Sandon, and his lordship, with his usual alacrity in every good cause, gave it his immediate and anxious attention. Not only was the permission of their Lordships freely given to the Club, but (and this we consider an additional honour) they intimated that they would also grant a separate warrant to each yacht. The general warrant, which bears the usual expressive and remarkable seal of the Admiralty, is dated "September 24th, 1844." The following is a "copy" of Sir James Graham's polite communication to the Secretary, announcing her Majesty's gracious reply to the request that the Club might be called "Royal",...
The "picture" of the ensign (with the burgee, &c.,) sent to the Lords of the Admiralty for their approval, was painted by Mr. Melling, the secretary, who is an artist as well as a sailor. It is very chaste and beautiful, the distinctive mark, or insignia, being the Crown over the Liver. [Image]
A singular model of a vessel of a new construction, for sailing, or for steam-propulsion, especially by the screw, the invention of Mr. J. Scott Walker, one of the originators of the club, was then submitted and excited much curiosity, and considerable discussion.


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