Rosa & Ada (1908 Oyster Smack)
Location: Troon, South Ayrshire
Guide Price: £40,000
www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/1977/rosa-ada
HISTORY:
The last and biggest smack built by Collar Bros, Whitstable, ROSA & ADA (F105) was launched in 1908 for the Seasalter and Ham Oyster Company, with whom she worked until 1963.
During WWII, she was requisitioned as a supply tender in the Thames, where she serviced vessels searching for magnetic mines. In 1958 ROSA & ADA was run down on her mooring by a coaster in thick fog. She sank, but was then refloated and repaired, and continued to work until 1963, when she was laid up. A few years later she was bought privately and restored. She was used for racing and kept at Hollowshore, Kent, until 1981, when purchased by the current owner and sailed to west Scotland.
ROSA & ADA has continued to sail, with restoration projects carried out during the winter. Based at Troon, she cruised the west coast of Scotland, the Irish Sea, and around Ireland as a charter vessel until recently, taking passengers for cruises, diving, publicity tours or film and TV work. The vessel is afloat and in commission as of May 2025.
CONDITION/ SPEC:
Extensive work has been undertaken at Troon Marina by Peter Jenson, a Danish shipwright, with a replacement deck of 2” larch, covering boards in iroko, new elm beams, a rebuilt stern (in elm and iroko), and larch top strakes. Refitted and redecked in 1990-91. Present engine, Ford Mermaid installed 2000. A new mast was made by Corpach Boatbuilders from Scottish Douglas fir and the old mast was reworked into a new bowsprit. An old windlass was restored and converted to hydraulic power. This is powered by a 240v/120v 5hp Honda generator housed in a deck locker. It lifts the main anchor which is stowed on the port gunwale secured by a shackle and chain. The kedge anchor is secured on deck.
The sails were all made by James Lawrence, Brightlingsea. They comprise of mainsail, topsail, foresail, tow foresail, and two jibs. The mainsail boom is set up with twin topping lifts and lazy jacks.
INTERIOR:
Accommodation comprises of main saloon with table and galley area and one berth. An electric cool box is fitted under table. There is a gas cooker with two rings, grill and oven.
Forecabin with 5 berths and a solid fuel stove on starboard side. She sleeps eight in total.
Heads with toilet and washbasin and anchor locker with 100 metres of chain.
Aft cabin with boxed engine and and two crew berths. Satnav Depth sounder, VHF radio, Sighting compass, Chart table and chart drawer, 2 x 12V batteries under the aft starboard crew bunk, Instrument panel.
Also included: 8 man life raft certified until 2026, Lifejackets, Survival suits, Gas bottle locker with two15kg butane gas bottles, Deck locker with 4.5 hp petrol driven generator which operates anchor winch and boat derrick.
There is the option to purchase the ship’s clinker tender which is carried on the starboard deck and comes with anchor and chain, rowlocks, and oars, dagger board, tiller, rudder and boat cover. In addition, it has a mast, gunter sail and 4 stroke Mariner outboard engine.
If you are interested in becoming the new owner of ROSA & ADA, please click the vessel record link at the top of the page to see more images.
Enquiries to Duncan Baillie:
07989 610928
duncan910@btinternet.com
