Registration number 680
Status Registered
a12admin
Thordis out the water - port side view
THORDIS - deck view, 2006
THORDIS - starboard side
THORDIS - port bow
THORDIS - starboard bow
Thordis - deck view
Thordis out the water - starboard side view
Thordis - port quarter looking forwards
Thordis on deck
Thordis in need of restoration, 2006
Thordis - wheelhouse

Details

Function Leisure Craft
Subfunction Yacht
Location Portsmouth
Current use Ongoing conservation
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Web address http://www.steamyachtthordis.co.uk

Construction

Builder Camper & Nicholsons Ltd, Gosport
Built in 1909
Hull material Wood
Rig None
Number of decks 3
Number of masts 2
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Petrol
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
10.98 feet (3.35m)
Depth
7.84 feet (2.39m)
Length: Overall
61.97 feet (18.90m)
Tonnage: Gross
26.00

History

THORDIS was built in 1909 by Camper & Nicholson at Gosport as a steam yacht. Her hull is wooden, with a carvel construction of oak, pitch pine and teak and her original engine was a 2 cylinder steam engine by Plenty & Son. Her original owner was Walter Leney of Portsmouth. Her engine was replaced by a six cylinder petrol/paraffin Parsons engine in 1932 by her owner at that time, Colonel Cecil Pierce. During World War II she was requisitioned for the Auxiliary Patrol Service and taken to Worcester under Naval command. Following the war, she remained in the Bristol Channel/River Severn area as a private yacht. She was later sold and her new owner has plans to restore her.

Key dates

  • 1909

    Steam yacht built by Camper & Nicholson at Gosport for Walter Leney of Portsmouth
  • 1932

    Engine replaced by six cylinder petrol/paraffin Parsons engine by her new owner, Colonel Cecil Pierce
  • 1939-1945

    During Second World War requisitioned for Auxiliary Patrol Service and taken to Worcester under Naval command
  • 1960

    Vessel bought by Mr V.E.G. Ellis
  • 1950s

    Following the war she remained in Bristol Channel/River Severn area as private yacht
  • 1988

    Acquired by current owner from his father and restoration programme commenced
  • 1989

    Hull restoration substantially completed below waterline but laid up and neglected since
  • 1989

     Featured in the November/December 1989 issue of Classic Boat magazine while in dry dock
  • 2005

    Wheelhouse collapsed into hull after deck beams rotted away and could no longer take weight
  • 2006

    Vessel put up for sale and bought by present owner who plans to restore her
  • 2009

    Half of ribs have been replaced, 4 of 5 bulkhead frames are in, and much planking fitted

Sources

Lloyds Register of Yachts, Lloyds of London, 1933
Classic Boat: The Steam Yacht THORDIS, 1989

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk