Classic Ships for Overhaul

Gloucester Docks &
the Sharpness Canal

Classic Ships for Overhaul

Interesting vessels come to Gloucester for repair and maintenance work by T. Nielsen & Co who lease the two dry docks and adjoining workshops. The company, managed by Tommi Nielsen, specialises in the restoration and repair of wooden sailing ships, employing craftsmen who combine the best of modern technology with traditional shipbuilding techniques. The dry docks are also used for inspection and repair of modern steel vessels. Some vessels also come to lie-over during the winter. Interesting vessels noted in May 2013 include tall ship Kaskelot, classic yachts Halcyon and Charmian, former sailing trawler Angele Aline, Thames fire-boat Massey Shaw, replica Wye trow Hereford Bull and cutter Cameo of Looe.

See also Four Tall Ships 2009

Kaskelot of Bristol Kaskelot was built at the Ring-Andersen shipyard in Svendborg, Denmark, in 1948 for the Royal Greenland Trading Company. She was purchased by Square Sail in 1981 and totally redesigned and re-rigged as a replica of a 19th century three-masted barque for use in films, one of the largest wooden ships still in commission. Sold to new owners in 2013.
*Halcyon* This classic Bermudan ketch was built in 1929 by J I Thorneycroft and Co Ltd of Woolston, Southampton for Lancashire industrialist Sir Samuel Turner. She is constructed of teak planks on oak frames with a burma teak interior. The original teak saloon and main accommodation have been preserved perfectly during her long life. She is available for charter. (Halcyon website)
*Charmian* This yacht was built in Brixham by J W & A Upham in 1933 on the lines of a Brixham sailing trawler. A major restoration was started by Butler & Co of Dartmouth and is to be completed at Gloucester. Top
*Angele Aline* This former sailing trawler was built at Fecamp, France, in 1921 and was later fitted with a diesel engine so her sails were used less often. In May 1940, she was commandeered by the French navy to help with the Dunkirk evacuation, and she is now classed as one of the Dunkirk Little Ships. Since 1984, she has been owned in England. Top
Massey Shaw This Thames fire-boat was built in 1935 by J Samuel White & Co Ltd of Cowes, Isle of Wight, for the London County Council. She was one of the Little Ships that helped evacuate troops from Dunkirk, and she was heavily involved in fire fighting operations during the London Blitz. A Preservation Society obtained a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and a major refurbishment has been carried out by T Nielsen & Co. Top
*Hereford Bull* This replica Wye trow was built in 2012 by T Nielsen & Co, Gloucester, to represent Herefordshire in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Top
*Cameo of Looe* This ocean going cutter was built in 1974 by Curtis & Pape of Looe. It was brought to Gloucester from Spain by lorry and lifted by crane directly into the large dry dock so that work could be done on the wooden hull. Top