Regal Lady (1930 Passenger Vessel - National Historic Fleet)
Location: Scarborough
Price: £250,000. Part-exchange considered.
www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/180/regal-lady
HISTORY:
Built by Fellows & Co., Great Yarmouth, and christened OULTON BELLE at her launch on 23 May 1930, she was an addition to the Yarmouth-Gorleston Steam Boat Company’s fleet of pleasure steamers. A favourite among holidaymakers and regarded as a fast boat that had the edge in the friendly races that were often arranged between the other river boats. Occasionally she would act as a tender for the Royal Navy on warship weeks at Yarmouth, as well as taking holidaymakers around the anchored fleet. In 1940, she assisted in the evacuation of Dunkirk, before being chartered and later compulsorily acquired by the Ministry of Defence for work as a fleet tender based at Greenock on the Clyde, used to disembark and transport thousands of US troops after their transatlantic voyage.
In 1945, she returned to Great Yarmouth where she underwent a refit; her bow propeller was removed, the old funnel replaced by a modern one, and an upper deck installed which would give her passengers a better view and protection against inclement weather. In 1954, she was sold to Scarborough Cruises Ltd., and renamed REGAL LADY. The old steam engine was replaced with a Glenniffer diesel engine. She operated daily sailings from Scarborough Harbour along the coast to Hayburn Wyke and back, with evening cruises to Filey Bay viewing the town's illuminations. Sold again in 1970, she operated river trips from Norwich until 1984, then was laid up for two years.
In 1987, she was brought back to Scarborough and almost totally rebuilt, with a new wheelhouse, new bridge controls, and an extended steel superstructure, giving better protection for passengers. She made her first public trip in May 1987, passing Castle Rock and sailing along the coast towards Ravenscar Cliffs. An extensive renovation took place 2019-21, when she was converted to a static museum ship. She opened to the public in February 2021 as The Dunkirk Experience floating museum, with an onboard bar, shop, and cinema for visitors.
REGAL LADY NOW:
Offered for sale as a freehold floating bar, café and tourist attraction, occupying a prime position within Scarborough’s South Bay Marina. Benefiting from excellent footfall throughout the tourist season, the vessel enjoys a commanding position at the heart of the marina and is currently the only dedicated hospitality venue operating within this sought-after waterfront setting. Regal Lady extends across three decks, providing flexible space for private functions, themed events and group bookings. In addition to onboard seating for approximately 60 customers, the business benefits from external pier-side seating for a further 60 patrons, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular views across the marina and South Bay. Whilst currently operating from Scarborough, the vessel remains fully seaworthy and could, if desired, be relocated to an alternative location.
Combining a thriving hospitality business with significant historical importance, this unique enterprise generates multiple income streams and offers considerable scope for future growth. The vessel’s rich wartime history provides a compelling attraction in its own right, creating opportunities beyond traditional food and beverage sales. The business currently trades predominantly between Easter and October, with much of its activity focused on daytime operations. Net profits exceed £80,000 per annum. A significant opportunity exists to increase turnover through expanded evening trading, private parties and celebrations, corporate events, wedding receptions, heritage and educational experiences, seasonal events and themed functions and winter trading initiatives. A full survey was completed in 2020, followed by an ultrasound survey in 2024, confirming the vessel’s continued seaworthiness and condition. All fixtures, fittings and equipment associated with the business are included within the sale, allowing for a smooth transition to new ownership.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Regal Lady is offered for sale by Ernest Wilson, Scarborough.
Contact them via e-mail at sales@ernest-wilson.co.uk or call on 0113 238 2900
The seller will consider part exchange proposals, subject to the asset offered and its valuation. Interested parties should provide full details as part of their offer.