WW2 Air Sea Rescue Launch recently restored

Following on from the restoration of the 1930′s RAF Seaplane Tender ST206, high-speed launch 102, and a Royal Navy motor gunboat, MGB 81; another World War II boat, an Air Sea Rescue Launch has recently been restored by Alistair and Marianne Walker again with the specialist knowledge in these craft of Philip Clabburn.

For many years home for 441 was the Stourport Yacht Club. Norman Kidd bought the craft from the RAF in 1956 and took her from Boston, Lincolnshire through the canal system to Stourport on Severn, where she became a very well known local attraction at all river festivals.

At the age of 92 in 2004 Norman decide it was time to sell. Norman had kept 441 in the conditions that he had bought it from the RAF, which is why the craft is a totally original example of a 41.1/2 ft RAF Air Sea Rescue Launch.

After eight amazing years on 30th May 441 took to the sea again. With great trepidation she was winched out of her resting place and placed carefully onto a transporter for the journey down to Hythe Marina.  Alistair and Marianne Walker said they “were even more excited as they nosed her out to sea and opened the throttles for the first time in 20 years …  she took off, racing at over 30 knots towards the Isle of Wight.  An amazing couple of days…”

Alistair Walker onboard recently restored WW2 Air Sea Rescue Launch

Marianne Walker ready for Jubilee celebrations

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Click here to watch the Folly Films video showing the restored Air Sea Rescue Launch 441 on youtube

Click here to read about high-speed launch 102, and a Royal Navy motor gunboat, MGB 81

Click here to read about the 1930′s RAF Seaplane Tender ST206

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