Refit
of
TAHILLA
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Tahilla
A truly stunning and unique craft
BOAT NAME: Tahilla
BOAT TYPE: Auxiliary Ketch
BOAT LENGTH: 60ft
BOAT BEAM: 13ft
BOAT DRAFT: 4ft 6ins
BOAT DISPLACEMENT: 30Tons TM
BOAT CONSTRUCTION: Carvel Teak on Oak
BOAT BUILDER: Thornycroft, Hampton on Thames
BOAT YEAR: 1922
PRESERVATION
Tahilla is a well know Dunkirk Little Ships and one that does not come up for sale frequently, her previous owners to 2015 had her for 30+ years, and when she changed hands in late 2015 the new owner knew this would be the 'forever boat'.
Tahilla had been
well maintained and loved throughout her life and the new custodian planned to continue this and to add his own touch to this stunning historical boat
NEW CUSTODIAN
As Tahilla approaches 100 years old (2022) her new owner decided she would have a complete health check of systems and an interior refit, to reflect the next chapter in her life.
The story behind Tahilla's reinvention, design, inspiration and build processes
Brief : Timeless glamour synonymous with the Orient Express
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History
TAHILLA
1922
Skylark was built by John I Thornycroft at Hampton-on-Thames in 1922 for D. Melville Wills of Bristol and the Kyle of Lochalsh, to cruise between his two estates
She was commandeered by the Ministry of War Transport. She took part in 'Operation Dynamo' to rescue our troops from Dunkirk with Sub.-Lt. M.J.R. Yeatman in command. She was hit by enemy fire and the steering was damaged and, after being abandoned, was found drifting off Dunkirk and towed back by 'Southern Queen' under the command of Basil de Matos, together with the Eastbourne Lifeboat, Jane Holland
She remained in government service, first on harbour patrol and later pilotage duties until 1947 when she returned to cruising the coasts of SW England and Wales and her name was changed to Tahilla.
Tahilla until late 2015 reminded with one couple who loved her greatly they maintainer her beautifully, cruised her extensively and were regulars at Dunkirk Events.
Refit
TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING
2015 I 2017
Tahilla came into new ownership in 2015 and was brought to us for a refit, the owner like his predecessors saw her as his forever boat and wanted to place his own stamp on her.
Over the last 10 years we have noticed traditional boat owners are asking to open up the interior space within their yachts, often not needing several berths but larger entertaining spaces and better amities. This concept drove her interior refit whilst maintaining her exterior identity.
Opening up her saloon, our in house interior designer helped turn the client's vision into reality. The 1920's, when she was built, was when design entered the modern era, striking and elegant, the new interior incorporates modern life with an elegant classic glamour you could find on the Orient Express
Reinvented
TAHILLA
2017 I PRESENT DAY
When we discuss refits of vintage vessels authenticity vs practicality is the usual billing for a debate and despite a change in her colour, which is a personal choice to the client, her exterior is as original as any boat can be. Tahilla has always and will always be a beautiful and capable sea-going auxiliary motor yacht of immense style and distinction with a lovely cantilever stern. The interior has a wonderful rich ambience evoking an elegance of a bygone era mixed with modern amenities.
It was a privilege to work with our client "MrTahilla" on this project, and we cannot wait to see her part of the Dunkirk Little Ship fleet at future events.
She is a breathtakingly beautiful motor yacht that you can not help stop and stare at whilst cruising elegantly along the water
