Rake'S Retreat

This page will follow my father and the restoration a 1934 Motor Yacht 'Rake's Retreat'.

This page will follow my father and the restoration of the Motor Yacht 'Rake's Retreat'.

History:

Built in 1934 Rake's Retreat, originally named 'Estrellita', is a 48ft, triple screw, wooden motor yacht. She was designed and built by John Thorncraft & Co. ltd of Hampton on Thames, Middlesex.

Estrillita returned to Thornycroft's yard in Spring 1934 to be lengthened by 4ft with the addition of a canoe stern replacing the original transom.

In 1940 she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy as a harbour patrol vessel in the Rochester and Chatham area, manned by a Petty Officer, Coxwain, Able Seaman and mechanic. Decommissioned in 1946.

After only a few years ownership Estrillita was sold re-named Little Star. In 1955 she was moved to the the River Thames. In 1960 she was bought by the television presenter and personality Hughie Green who re-named her Rakes Retreat. During Hughies time at Thames Television filming Opportunity Knocks he moored Rakes Retreat at Teddingon and lived aboard.

Now registered as an historic ship all Rakes Retreat's original plans / records, river trial photographs are kept at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.