Majestic

Majestic seen in the Ouseburn, Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England - 23rd April 2010.

Really interesting story behind this boat:

The Vessel was used in Dunkirk rescue mission and is still being used on the Tyne as an Angling Boat, now owned by Mark and John Skinner.  She took part in Operation Dynamo, one of the most dramatic moments of the Second World War. Soldiers The 40ft-long vessel joined destroyers, ferries, fishing boats and river cruisers to cross the Channel to save 338,226 troops. She braved German bombs and machine guns which raked the beaches and harbour along the French coast as soldiers made a dash for home in June 1940.

Brothers John, of Killingworth, and Mark, from Walker, Newcastle, inherited the boat from their father Billy and his brothers, George and Thomas. They have spent hours on the veteran vessel to make her seaworthy. John said: “She goes like a dream. I try to take her out every weekend. She still chugs along. We’re proud of her.” The family hope to find out more about the Majestic, which is now at Ouseburn, Newcastle. They know she was commandeered by the Royal Navy in 1940. John said: “The Majestic has been in our family for 30 years but we don’t know much about what happened to her after the war. My father and uncles used her as a fishing boat.” The Majestic is also a favourite with John’s daughters Michelle and Amy, who enjoy fishing trips. The wooden planks of the Majestic’s hull have been covered in fibreglass to help protect her and stop her breaking up.

Part of the renovations in the early days was the installation of an engine from a Sunblest Bread Van, but she is now equipped with a Marine Engine.

She was originally built 140 years ago by Stephen Fry Boatmakers at South Shields and was used to take holidaymakers on trips between Tynemouth and Cullercoats.