"Elizabeth Rose"

Originally constructed in 1971 by its owner John Ross from a Bell Woodworking Mirror Sailing Dinghy Kit designed by Jack Holt and Barry Bucknel. The total cost of the complete kit ready to sail was £105.00.

She was regularly raced until 1978 and then lay in the garage until 1990 when I decided to convert her - incorporating all the features and traditional painting of a Narrow Boat.

She was then re- launched for the re-opening of the Basingstoke Canal by HRH the Duke of Kent in 1991 and, since then, has won numerous awards attending shows and rallies throughout the Waterways, including a visit to the Canal d’Orleans in France.

She has raised a great deal of funds for a variety of charities by having children sitting on board with Rosie and Jim Rag Dolls.

Although her buoyancy tanks have been opened for storage she is still able to sail with her lovely red sails.

My theme for the Diamond Jubilee display is the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels on the roof of the cabin plus the Royal flags and the Ravens.  I will be dressed as a traditional Beefeater (soundtrack Rule Britannia).

John Ross