A 30’ sailboat built in Victoria circa 1897 is going to relive the days of its youth after being refitted in Ladysmith, where it will likely remain the rest of its days.
The vessel’s name is Dorothy and she was built 127 years ago at J.J. Robinson’s boat shop at the end of Montreal Street, where Laurel Point Inn resides today.
Dorothy was purchased by a young barrister in the early days of Victoria by the name of W. H. Langley.
Before the Spanish-American War began, and even before the Wright brothers took to the sky, Dorothy had been sailing the Salish Sea. She has never been beyond that though and it’s likely the vessel never will.
“The Dorothy story is truly remarkable,” said Heather Feeney, Maritime Museum of BC Collections and Exhibits Manager. “A very large percentage of the vessel is original.”
“The Maritime Museum of BC collection includes extensive documentation, photos and objects from her past including the original invoice from J.J. Robinson, photos from the turn of the century and trophies she won in regattas at Cowichan Bay and Victoria.”
“There is even a detailed report from Mr. Langley documenting a Cadborosaurus sighting,” she added.
In 2023, she is the oldest BC-built sailboat still in good enough shape to take to the sea.
Dorothy’s owners through the years have kept the vessel moored primarily in the Inner Harbour. It wasn’t until 1995 that she came into the hands of the Maritime Museum of BC by donation.
Following the museum taking ownership, they saw the need to have her refit after over a century of wear-and-tear. This was made possible by generous donors and various boat shops around Vancouver Island.
The refit began in 2012 on Gabriola Island. A shipwright named Tony Grove oversaw the structural work necessary to get Dorothy back in the waters as of this year.
Now seaworthy in Ladysmith, in the hands of the Ladysmith Maritime Society, the two historic maritime groups have been working together to coordinate Dorothy’s historic relaunch that has been scheduled for late May.
“The museum is very grateful to the board, Executive Director and especially the skilled volunteers associated with Ladysmith Maritime Society,” said Jamie Webb, Maritime Museum of BC President.
“Without them we would not have come to this happy day so soon. We look forward to welcoming the public to the launch on May 27th.”
The relaunch will coincide with the Ladysmith Maritime Society Heritage Boat Festival, also taking place at the marina on Saturday, May 27th.
Following her second maiden voyage, she will be docked at Ladysmith Community Marina.
Dorothy’s historic relaunch
- When: Saturday, May 27th, at 1 p.m.
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf boat ramp, 837 Ludlow Road, Ladysmith
