A sailboat in possession of Victoria’s Maritime Museum of BC is nominated for an international award viewed as one of the yachting world’s most prestigious prizes.
The SV Dorothy built by J.J. Robinson in 1897, and was sailed by 10 other owners until it was donated in 1995 to the Maritime Museum of BC, just ahead of its 100th birthday.
According to the museum, the vessel is described by Robert Lawson, a historian and boatwright, as “intrinsically beautiful in the perfection of her lines.”
“She harks back to a time when everything was simpler, when sailing a small boat involved the sailor in a delicate and intimate relationship with wind and water,” Lawson continued.
The SV Dorothy is one of the crown jewels of the Maritime Museum of BC’s collection, being one of the oldest, still seaworthy vessels in BC, although the vessel is kept in Ladysmith in the care of the Ladysmith Maritime Society.
It has never left the Salish Sea and has been used in a multitude of races from Cowichan Bay to Victoria throughout its 127 year tenure.
The SV Dorothy is nominated for an award from the UK-based Classic Boat Magazine who run the annual Classic Boat Awards.
The Victoria-based ship is nominated in the “Restored sailing vessel under 40ft” category and is in the running against seven other vessels.
While the ship has been extensively repaired by those who seek to preserve its historical importance, most of its body remains as original material.
Its restoration journey can be viewed online.
“Vote today what we believe to be Canada’s oldest sailboat, still sailing, Dorothy, and tell your friends to vote; share as widely as you can,” said Anya Zanko, Events and Development Manager with the Maritime Museum of BC.
“Dorothy is the only Canadian vessel in her category, and we know that her many passionate supporters on this coast are proud to see her nominated for this prestigious award.”
“They’ll be prouder still to see her win it,” she exclaimed.
People can vote online here.
