Originally owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, he owned three fine yachts in succession and named each of them in turn 'Blue Bird' after his famous record-breaking car.
One was later re-named Chico - a Watson design, built in Scotland in 1932 of pitch pine on oak, with a copper-sheathed bottom and luxurious accommodation for ten guests and two crew. First owner, Frank Robinson Beavan of Newcastle upon Tyne named her 'Frebelle III', then she was owned by Sir Malcolm from June 1933 until sold to The Countess of Onslow in July 1935.
Requisitioned from the Countess on Dec 28, 1939, for service with the Rear-Admiral, Minelaying Squadron, and fitted out with echo sounding gear and re-named Chico. Her career in the Navy is describes as a particularly illustrious one, well recorded in her log which has been preserved from those days.
On 30th May the Chico (under Sub -Lieut. J. Mason, RNVR) left Dover for Dunkirk where she embarked 217 troops and returned to Dover. On the 31st she ferried nearly 1,000 troops from the Dunkirk shore to ships, disembarking a further estimated 100 troops herself on her return to Dover. On 2nd June, she was transferred to life-saving duties on Route X - a new middle route prepared between Dover and Dunkirk, from the North Goodwin to the Ruytingen Pass and thence into Dunkirk Road.
Full history at www.adls.org.uk/t1/content/chico-4
Jenny Faa
12-Apr-2011 18:18
Apparently Chico took part in the Dunkirk evacuation. Or so I'm told by fairly reliable source. I like her lines.
