Release | National Historic Ships

Registration number 2667

Status Registered

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Details

Function Leisure Craft

Subfunction Yacht

Location Millbrook

Vessel type Cutter

Current use Ongoing conservation

Available to hire No

Available for excursions No

Web address www.avon-boating.co.uk

Construction

Builder Berthon Boat Co Ltd, Lymington

Built in 1948

Hull material Wood

Rig Bermudan Cutter

Number of decks 1

Number of masts 1

Propulsion Motor

Number of engines 1

Primary engine type Inboard diesel

Boiler type None

Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Length: Overall

37.00 feet (11.28m)

Breadth: Beam

9.00 feet (2.74m)

Depth

5.00 feet (1.52m)

Tonnage: Gross

6.00

History

RELEASE is a Bermudan Cutter of mahogany carvel construction and has a Volvo Penta diesel engine. She was built in 1948/1949 by the Berthon Boat Co. of Lymington and is currently undergoing restoration in Cornwall.

On Christmas Day 1941 Duncan Campbell and Major Alan Mills were taken prisoner by the Japanese. During their captivity they designed a yacht to be built on their release which took place nearly four years later. The dream came true and the yacht was launched in time for the 1949 season, aptly christened RELEASE.

After a survey in 1989 the vessel was found to be suffering from neglect and underwent a big overhaul. Having been kept in good condition until 2002 she had two other owners who did not manage to keep the boat in a serviceable condition. In 2012 she was purchased by her present owner who has commenced her restoration.

Key dates

1948/49
Built by the Berthon Boat Co of Lymington
1972
Hull refastened by Winters Boatyard, Salcombe
1985
New Bukh inboard engine fitted
1989
Overhaul after survey found neglect
2012
Vessel bought by private owner after some years of neglect Conservation work commenced