Name Isla Rose

ISLA ROSE is a 14 tonne Gauntlet class yacht, built by Berthon of Lymington in 1949. She was constructed to Lloyd's 100A1 with teak planking on oak frames. She was commissioned by S.Bourne, a London tailor, and originally named EILA ROSE. Bourne later renamed her ISLA ROSE, retaining the name EILA ROSE for a new vessel he had built at Buckie.

ISLA ROSE moved to Scotland c.1961, when she was purchased by a new owner. She raced competitively on the Clyde and in the Irish Sea for around 20 years, her last fully crewed race being the Isle of Bute Sailing Club regatta in 1983. After this she was used for cruising on the west coast of Scotland, including a trip to St Kilda, before her cruising range became gradually more local and was eventually limited to the Clyde. In 1993, she was fitted with a Perkins M50 engine, which is still in use today.

In 2011 ISLA ROSE was inherited by her current owner. Since then, she has taken part in family racing at West Highland Week and has cruised to Northern Ireland and the west coast of Scotland.

ISLA ROSE has never undergone a major refit and retains largely her original layout, mast and rig. Her current engine is her third or fourth. She has been subtly upgraded with heating, running water and shore power, but retains her original hand pumps and Blakes Victory toilet. In 2017 new teak decks were laid, 9mm teak over 4mm plywood, over the original 3/4in teak decking, in the same plank arrangement to preserve the exterior appearance. Some of the original iron floors have been replaced with galvanised steel, and original deck fittings have all been refastened. Routine maintenance includes replacement of steel fasteners on the doubled frames.

All maintenance and improvement work has aimed to preserve ISLA ROSE's original character and appearance while keeping her a practical yacht for family cruising and racing.