This website records for posterity the restoration of the yacht "Phyllis" (1913).
We believed "Phyllis" to be a Royal Mersey Restricted Class yacht. We have now been advised that she may be particularly unique. Completed in June 1913 to a design by GH Wilmer, she's built to the RMRC class envelope but with the exceptions of a slightly shorter overall length, a slightly heavier build and a deeper keel.
The first owner, Fredrick Whitely, a longstanding member of the RMYC and a restricted-class yachtsman who commissioned her, is said to have sailed her directly to Hibre Island, where his family still has a summer cottage today. "Phyllis" is named after his eldest daughter. It has been some 10 years since we published this story and asked the question, " Who is ' Phyllis '?" This month, July 2020, a grandson of Fredrick Whiteley and the son of his daughter Phyllis has contacted us through the website. To read about this encounter, please read the post: The Real Phyllis Found!
Since our website went online, we have been pleased by the number of contacts who have helped us in our research and endeavours. Hopefully, with continued research and the help of others, we may learn a little more.
Today "Phyllis" keeps company with the Nobby Owners Association and looks forward to going out around the buoys with Lancashire Nobbies, Old Gaffers and any Irish Hookers who are around. She is on the National Small Boat Register (R1387) as a vessel of historical maritime interest. Carvel-built, pitch pine on oak frames, her rebuild was completed in 2010, and she was immediately nominated on the shortlist for the 'Classic Boat' magazine restoration of the year.
The hull design is based on the very successful Lancashire 'nobby' design, extensively used on the Northwest fishing grounds of the Lancashire and Welsh coasts.
These fishing boats, locally known as 'Nobbies', were reputed to have a very good turn of speed in the Irish Sea and were often seen beating the local racing boats back to port to get their catch to market.
Samuel Bond built "Phyllis" at Rock Ferry on the Wirral to a design by G. H. Wilmer. Bond's built several Royal Mersey Restricted Class yachts for club members. Bond's yard was situated alongside the RMYC clubhouse.
If anyone knows about any remaining vessels in the class, please let us know.