Historic Boat Trips

A rare & unique opportunity to participate in history has sailed in to Gunwharf Quays.  The only remaining WWII HSL102 is now able to take passengers out to sea, and each year there will be just a few seats aboard this exclusive war boat for a trip of a lifetime.  Experience what it was like to go on an operational mission. Without the work of this boat, and others like her, life today might have been very different.

After years away from the spotlight, HSL102, lovingly known as the Spitfire of the Sea, has come in to Portsmouth Harbour, and back in to the spotlight as a fully sea-going passenger carrying craft.

HSL 102 is the only surviving boat from the RAF 100 class which was originally developed as a high speed craft to service sea-planes in the late 1930’s.  Built by the British Power Boat Company, and designed by Fred Cooper, twenty-two craft were originally built.  The HSL100’s were one of the most technologically advanced production craft of the day – of mahogany double-diagonal construction; they were powered by three Napier Sea Lion petrol engines.  The accommodation on board included an Officer’s wardroom / sickbay for four and forecastle bunks for eight crew.  The range for the craft was 500 miles at a speed of 35 knots. 

The prototype, HSL100 was launched in May 1936 and surpassed all the expectations set by the builders and the RAF, which meant orders were placed immediately.  HSL102 was ordered under contract CP8A/23424/36 and was built as number 1038, from there an illustrious life began.

With the onset of World War II the HSL100’s were adapted for use in air / sea rescues.  The HSL100’s were amongst the many craft involved in Operation Dynamo, rescuing Allied forces from the beaches at Dunkirk.  After Dunkirk modifications were made, and from April 1941 they operated from Blyth with No.15 Air Sea Rescue Unit. 

In just two months of 1941, HSL102 rescued 38 aircrew downed in the North Sea - including the crew of a German bomber.  These heroic rescues earned her the honour of an inspection by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in July 1941.

While based in the Firth of Forth at Calshot, HSL102 was damaged by a Messerschmitt 109 and her radio operator killed.  In 1943 she was transferred to the Royal Navy to become a Control & Target Towing Launch, with a strengthened stem she was employed towing gunnery targets. Post war, like many other craft HSL102 was sold off and in April 1946 left all active service.

Little is known about what happened to HSL102 post-war, but undoubtedly she had a quieter life!  In 1993 she resurfaced as a house boat in Dartmouth.  Moored in Mill Creek for over ten years, she was known as Excervus.  When she cam up for sale, she was purchased and towed to Plymouth where she was lifted out and taken by road to Fawley, Southampton where National Power PLC generously provided the space and facilities for her to be restored.

The restoration was a two year project, with her double diagonal planking, bulkheads, frames and chine all renewed.  New floor beams were laid and new bearers constructed.  60,000 screws were removed from the hull which was then refastened.  Using original design drawings a new wheelhouse was built, and a new deck added.  Once rebuilt the hull was completely sheathed in GRP.  In July 1996 history then almost came full circle in 1996 when Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother once again visited her, relaunching her to the seas and her new home in Lymington.

Bringing her in to Portsmouth Harbour to join the magnificent collection of naval heritage was an easy decision for Portsmouth Naval Base Trust in late 2009.  HSL102 has been moored in Gunwharf Quay’s marina since 2009, sitting under the Spinnaker Tower; the public have been able to visit her during open days.  The licence recently granted means that she can now take visitors out to sea. 

There are only a few seats this year so enquiries will be dealt with on a strictly fist come first served basis, so if you are interested please visit www.historicboatcharter.co.uk to register your interest.  The sailing dates for 2011 are 30th & 31st July, and 13th & 14th August.