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Registration number
236
Status
National Historic Fleet
a12admin
Previous names
- 1926 - 1926 BX
Details
Function
Cargo Vessel
Subfunction
Barge
Location
Maylandsea
Vessel type
Spritsail Barge
Current use
Commercial Activity
Available to hire
Yes
Available for excursions
No
Info required
Yes
Construction
Builder
Horlock, F W, Mistley
Built in
1926
Hull material
Steel
Rig
Spritsail
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
2
Propulsion
Sail
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
18.49 feet
(5.64m)
Depth
2.98 feet
(0.91m)
Length: Overall
86.95 feet
(26.52m)
Tonnage: Gross
50.00
History
XYLONITE was launched as BX, after the British Xylonite Plastics Co. but was immediately renamed after the company objected. She carried acid for plastic manufacture from London to Brantham on the River Stour and general cargo mainly between London, Ipswich and Mistley. She came second in the 1935 Coronation Barge Match. Sold by Horlocks in 1958, she was cut down to a motor barge but re-rigged in the 1970s by Tim Eliff and she has been used for sail training since 1983. A new bottom was fitted as part of a major renovation in 1982-83.
Update, October 2023: Vessel for sale.
Although this vessel is on the National Historic Fleet, we are currently lacking information on this particular vessel. If you have any information on this vessel past or present, please contact us.
Key dates
-
1926
Built by F W Horlock, Mistley
-
1958
Cut down to a motor barge
-
1970s
Vessel re-rigged
-
1982/83
New bottom fitted, vessel used for sail training
-
2012
Vessel selected for Avenue of Sail, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012
Sources
Carr, Frank, Sailing Barges, 1971
Hugh Perks, Richard, Sprts'l: A Portrait of Sailing Barges and Sailormen, Conway Maritime Press, 1975
The Last Berth of the Sailorman, Society for Spritsail Barge Research, 1987
Wood, D G, Barges Sailing Today: Sailing Barge Information Pamplet No: 1, Society for Spritsail Barge Research, 1995
Classic Boat: Thames Barge Match, September 2005
Classic Boat: Thames barging, September 1998
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
