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Registration number
292
Status
Registered
a12admin
Details
Function
Passenger Vessel
Subfunction
Launch
Location
Weymouth
Vessel type
Saloon Launch
Current use
Commercial Activity
Available to hire
Yes
Available for excursions
Yes
Construction
Builder
Mitchell Brothers, Mevagissey
Built in
1931
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
11.60 feet
(3.54m)
Depth
2.90 feet
(0.88m)
Length: Overall
43.00 feet
(13.12m)
Tonnage: Gross
5.00
History
MY GIRL was built in Mevagissey Cornwall in 1931 as a pleasure boat; She was named after the musical ‘Me and My Girl’.
My Girls history started in 1938 when she was acquired by the Hill family to offer day trips to holiday makers in Plymouth.
She was requisitioned by the Army for war service in 1939. She faithfully served Weymouth and Portland during the war years carrying troops, ammunition and supplies to Breakwater forts in Portland Harbour. She carried 250,000 men and covered some 20,000 sea miles.
After the war she returned to her original roll of carrying holidaymakers on trips around the bay but this time in Weymouth which she continues to do, daily at the ripe old age of 86.
In 1994 MY GIRL was presented with the Royal Artillery Pennant to honour her war service, and was represented with the Pennant in 2016. She is the only boat in the country to carry this Flag.
Since her return to carrying passengers My Girl has featured in Many TV programmes and nostalgia articles. The book ‘Weymouth at War’ tells her story.
After an extensive restoration period between 2013-2015 MY GIRL has returned to her former glory and still carries passengers around Weymouth and Portland.
Grants
-
January 2013
A Sustainability Award of £1000 towards the costs of installing a new engine was made from the Strategic Development Fund of National Historic Ships UK
Sources
Hamer, Geoffrey, Trip Out 1995/6 - A Guide to the Passenger Boat Services of the British Isles, G P Hamer, 1995
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
