A historic vessel built for the Admiralty in 1943, it was originally called MFV617 and used during the war as an armed supply and escort ship. It served in flotillas escorting convoys to Egypt.
She was decommissioned in 1945 and joined the Brixham, Devon, fishing fleet under the name Our Lady Lou.
After a period of abandonment, boatbuilder Mack Archer of Thames Ditton, Surrey, purchased her in 1973 and renamed her Starbuck. He lived on board throughout a 30-year restoration.
From 2003 to 2015, Starbuck was sailed extensively around European waters, the Caribbean and the Bering Sea.
Starbuck was bought by John Ouzman in 2016 and has since been berthed in Ramsgate as a living, sailing piece of maritime history.
Fewer than 50 of this type of vessel survive, and John says his intention now is to look after her for future generations to enjoy.
@ivan Thank you Ivan! Ramsgate harbour is known as a "Royal" one, and there is often much else of historical interest here too, especially with regard to some of the moored boats like this one.
November 21st, 2017
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