Name Gerfalcon

Built as a private motor yacht in 1937 by William Osborne, Littlehampton, GERFALCON was one of several similar vessels constructed for private owners in the pre-war period - her sister ships include NAAID ERRANT and HELINDA. She was first registered in 1938 by the Registrar of Shipping at Littlehampton.

In June 1940, she was requisitioned by the Admiralty from her then-owner, Commander Valentine Searles-Wood RN, and entered service with the Royal Navy as an Auxiliary Patrol Vessel.  During the Second World War, she served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service in Ramsgate, a role shared by many Osborne-built vessels of her class.

In the early 2000s, she was restored to her original condition by her then owner. In 2012 was selected to take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant, and in 2015 she took part in the 75th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk. 

Under new ownership from July 2024, she underwent a major restoration programme led by Gary Fletcher. In just seven months, 32 hull planks and 22 beams were replaced, with a new deck, wheelhouse, and cabin constructed to restore her seaworthiness. She was repainted in her original Royal Naval Patrol Service colours and re-equipped in a way that honours both her naval and civilian heritage.

In May 2025, following successful sea trials, GERFALCON completed her maiden post-restoration voyage - covering over 200 nautical miles - to proudly participate in the 85th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk as part of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, marking her enduring legacy among Britain’s historic fleet.

GERFALCON is now available for private charter and hire. Commercial insurance can be in place via Winter & Co for e.g. film and television work.