British Military Powerboat Trust - Speeding back in time

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Rivers Class "Humber" the last boat built by the British Powerboat Company

Back in 1990 Philip Clabburn decided to embark on a labour of love and restore an old RAF launch found in a dilapidated state on the Helford River. After 3 years of hard work RAF206 was re-launched by the original coxswain and is now part of the British Military Powerboat Trust, an organisation dedicated to restoring historic military craft.


Based in at the former Husbands Shipyard site in Marchwood the Trust now has several vessels under restoration including MTB416 (formerly MGB81) which was skippered during WWII by Patrick MacNee, who went on to star in the television series The New Avengers. Philip’s own boats, RAF206 and his subsequent project HSL102 (an Air/Sea rescue launch), both have a place in history; RAF206 was sea-trialled by Lawrence of Arabia, while HSL102 came under attack in the Battle of Britain and was involved in the Dunkirk evacuations. This connection has lead to links between the BMPT and the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust which organised the sailing of a fleet to Dunkirk in June this year to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the evacuation.


The former Husbands Shipyard building


Volunteers working on Sea Plane Tender ST1502

Philip is now project supervisor for the Trust and when not organizing restoration work he is busy with plans for the new Exhibition Centre in Marchwood which will combine military vessels and aircraft on one site. Visitors to the Centre will be able to see restoration work in progress before being taken out onto Southampton Water on some of the working vessels.

 The BMPT Open Day on May 20th gave an indication of how appealing this project is to many people. Former British Power Boat Company employees were amongst those who were delighted to see boats that they had worked on during the war being brought back into action.


Karen Jones & Quentin Meheux working on ST1510


Project supervisor Philip Clapburn looking over MTB71 with veteran Ralph Ward.
The Exhibition Centre will undoubtedly become a major attraction in the region and will play a significant role in the increasing emphasis now being placed on the New Forest’s maritime history, but for now the British Military Powerboat Trust relies on the dedication of its members, volunteers and veterans, who contribute time, money and, in some cases, spare parts to get these boats back on the water.  Philip’s own contribution to the Trust cannot be underestimated and received the recognition it deserved when he was presented with the Preservationist of the Year Award for 2000.
 

The BMPT also hosts events such as the Gun Boat Ball (being held this year on Saturday 16th September) and has a regular quarterly magazine with detailed history and anecdotes concerning its vessels, but if you are not satisfied with simply reading about the craft then you can always charter RAF206 or HSL102 and speed around at 30 knots during Cowes Week or at the start of the BT Global Challenge, and afterwards just relax on board for a quiet sundowner.  Philip recently hosted a corporate day out on HSL102.


Chris Andrews + Nick Bunday restoring MGB81


Rivers class "Humber" shipped from Hong Kong and saved from scrap.
The staff in question had no idea where they were going and were slightly taken aback when they arrived at the BMPT’s boatyard only to be handed sets of overalls and told by Philip that they were going to have a day out repairing boats! Their mood lifted somewhat when they were shown around the boatyard without having to lay hands on any drills or sanders, but by the time they were out in the Solent steaming with spray in their faces they were in seventh heaven. There is something special about a day out on the water when you are standing on a piece of history. One thing’s for sure…if you want to book a day out with the Trust you’ll have to get in the queue behind me.

The British Military Powerboat Trust will be on their stand at the Southampton Boat Show or you can call them on 023 8042 8443 for further information.

For the latest news from the British Military Powerboat Trust click here...

  


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