LOCKDOWN DELAYS
solution was to sacrifice some of the sidedecks aft of the wheelhouse in favour of a wider raised deckhead that would create more space in the cabin below and provide a platform for a sociable outside helm station with a view over the wheelhouse. It works a treat – the aft cabin now has its own ensuite heads and a proper island berth with sprung mattresses while the raised aft cockpit creates a wonderful outdoor socialising space thanks to a pair of wooden locker seats and a reversible helm bench.
Lyn, meanwhile, helped specify the design of the open-plan galley and saloon, including a clever pull-out double berth in the saloon and a hidden television that emerges out of a bespoke mahogany plinth. The spacious galley is equally practical, featuring a double sink, two fridges, a chest freezer and a halogen hob that means they never need to carry gas on board. For such an old boat this whole area is remarkably light and airy thanks to two large skylights overhead (which look as good from the outside as they do on the inside) and judicious use of white painted tongue and groove bulkheads with contrasting varnished mahogany cabinets. Numerous opening brass portholes complete the picture, giving the look and feel of an authentic period 1930s boat but the comfort and amenities of a 21st-century motor cruiser.
A generator was installed in the engine bay to provide power away from shore and a hefty bank of five AGM batteries added to act as a silent power bank when needed. Bow and stern thrusters help with berthing such a long, heavy single-engine boat (she weighs over 15 tonnes), while modern nav gear ensures she will be safe and easy to cruise. The whole wheelhouse has been double glazed and a central heating system installed to keep her cosy in winter so they can use her all year round.
Needless to say, just days after being relaunched in Port Solent, the whole country was put into lockdown leading to a temporary suspension of the remaining interior works but the project is now back under way and nearing completion. At the time of our visit at the end of May there was still some work to be done on the drivetrain, preventing us from taking her out on the water for a sea trial, and most of the upholstery was awaiting delivery but there was no mistaking Dorian’s newly restored beauty nor the pride which Nigel and Lyn have in her.
Since taking on the project much of the work has been completed by Derek Abra and his team at Little Ships Project Ltd, speeding up the process started by the DLSRT volunteers under his guidance. The end result is happy collaboration of modern practicality and oldworld charm made possible by the pragmatic approach of the DLSRT, the vision of Nigel and Lyn and the craftsmanship of Derek and his motley crew of professionals and volunteers.
The initial estimate to buy and complete the rebuild has crept up from around £210,000 to almost £350,000 in total but that did involve a number of redesigns, a higher spec than originally anticipated and a completely new wheelhouse. Not that Nigel regrets getting involved, openly admitting that if he’d been quoted £350,000 in the first place he would have ‘run a mile’ even though he is now extremely proud of the end result.
“We wanted the look and feel of a classic boat but with enough accommodation for our extended family of children and grandchildren, and the amenities of a modern motorcruiser. That is exactly what we’ve got,” says Nigel, proudly.
“Her history really matters to me. She has been around for so long and served such an important role in our nation’s history that I feel a sense of duty to look after her and preserve her for generations to come. It probably wasn’t the most sensible boat to buy, a secondhand Fairline Squadron would have been a lot simpler, but then I would have been just another owner of a large plastic boat. In Dorian I have something truly unique as well as being part of an exclusive club of people from all walks of life, all of whom share one thing in common – a passion for Dunkirk Little Ships.”
Nigel and Lyn had hoped to have her ready in time to join the 80th commemorative return to Dunkirk cruise this May but the coronavirus lockdown put a halt to that. Now their plan is to finish the refit in time for the summer and a longed for reunion with family and friends cruising around the Solent. Most of all they are looking forward to the day when Nigel’s 85-year-old father will be allowed to join them on board and enjoy the fruits of the project which he helped inspire.
“There wasn’t anything we could do about the cancellation of this year’s Dunkirk commemoration cruise,” says Nigel “but my father is adamant that he is going to be on board for next year’s celebrations – come hell or high water!”
it’s my duty to preserve her