Yachts
Spica
Built in 1907 Spica is one of the few boats known to have been built at the Church Hill Boatyard during George Crossfield’s ownership.
Spica took part in the inaugural Norway to Bridlington Race in 1938 ending up gale bound in Sunderland. The race is recounted in “South by East” a book written by Henry Rooke, the boat’s owner.
Boat statistics
- Built
- 1907
- Length Over All
- 31.5 ft (9.60 m)
- Beam
- 10.5 ft (3.20 m)
- Draft
- 4.75 ft (1.45 m)
- Weight
- 12
- Rig
- Gaff Cutter
Introduction
In many ways an unlucky boat. Spica caught fire in Scarborough Harbour in 1933 and was bombed by the Germans in the Second World War. She ran aground of the Lincolnshire Coast in 1946. One of her owners was drowned in 1936 as a result being knocked overboard by the boom whilst sailing his replacement for Spica.
Spica was probably built for a Barrow owner. By 1920 she was in the Solent. In 1932 she was brought by a member of the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club in Bridlington. Nothing is know of her history after her grounding in 1946, though it is known she was refloated.
History by Year
-
1907
Launched
Built by George Crossfields and Sons
-
1920 - 1932
Solent
Kept in Solent Area
-
1932
Yorkshire
Brought by Cyril Chapman of the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club in Bridlington
-
1933
Catches Fire
in Scarborough Harbour
-
1935
Brought by Henry Rooke of Doncaster
-
1938
Inaugural Norway - Bridlington Race
Takes part in race ending up gale bound in Sunderland
-
1946
Runs aground off Lincolnshire Coast
whilst on a journey to Cowes to be repaired