Name Sir Claude Inglis

In the late 1950s a versatile replacement craft was being considered for PODSNAP, a survey vessel operated by the Hydraulics Research Station (HRS) in Wallingford. Along with the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) at Teddington, HRS was part of what was then the Scientific Civil Service, These two establishments often collaborated on projects; on this occasion HRS required a new survey launch, and NPL needed practical generic data for some studies of water craft efficiency they were undertaking. A collaboration was set up where NPL would design the lines and general arrangement of a craft, and HRS would fund the building and decide on her detailed layout. Once launched, NPL would carry out specialised trials to collect all the data they needed.

NPL appointed naval architect David Freeman to do the design work. Freeman spent a few days on PODSNAP to see what features should be incorporated into the new vessel. He was a member of the Cheverton Workboats team, which was well known for the very successful Champ design. At this time he was also involved with Freeward Marine, and was part of the team behind the Fairway Fisher family of motor sailors. The general design of the new launch progressed, with enhancements to suit survey operations. She had reduced accommodation compared to PODSNAP under the foredeck, a large wheelhouse/chart room with large windows, a raised bridge deck over a large storage hold, a tall mast to get navigation/signal lights at a sensible height over the sea, a derrick with electric hoist, and a large clear working area on after deck with transom stern. The power/speed and fuel capacity were all arranged to suit a work pattern similar to that operated by PODSNAP.

The building of SIR CLAUDE INGLIS started at Groves and Gutteridge, Clarence Yard, East Cowes in 1968, as vessel number 629. She was a ‘one off’. When she was at the stage of a bare open hull, consisting of carvel Mahogany on Oak with Cascover Sheathing, and with deck beams only, she was transported to and tested at the Research facility in Teddington. The timber formwork was in the fabrication shop, ready for construction of the aluminium superstructure. The construction was supervised and inspected by a surveyor from the Air Ministry. At this time the Air Ministry were the standards authority for the many RAF marine craft still being built, and HRS was a government establishment.

SIR CLAUDE INGLIS was put into service in 1969. HRS Wallingford Civil Engineering & Environmental Hydraulics continued to use her until around 2006. She was sold to a small surveying firm based in Queenborough, who shortened her mast and moved the radar to the coachroof.

 A few years later she was sold to a commercial workboat operator at Benfleet Creek until purchased by her current owner in August 2013. She is still Category 2 workboat coded and remains original in most respects, performing her tasks with grace and determination. 

Bought by new owner in 2023.