Can you or any of your colleagues help with information about a steam yacht called "Skipjack"? I have turned up a presentation model of the yacht (in need of a good quality restoration - if you can recommend anyone?).
Attached are two quick snaps.
The inscription on the plate reads:

Model of the Marquis of Downshire's S.Y. "Skipjack" 89 Tons
Made and Presented to Earl of Hillsborough and Lord Francis Hill
By Captain G.C. Peard
Xmas 1904

I'm afraid I have no other information, save to confirm that the 6th Marquess of Downshire was born on 02.07.1871 and died on 29.05.1918.

Any information and/or steers would be welcomed!

Best wishes,

David Morrison.

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The information from Brian Hillsden has now arrived.

"The Marquis does not appear to have had Skipjack for very long - 18 months to 2 years at the most. Entries in the LLoyds Register of Yachts show the following Owners:

Sir Williams Bulkeley at Beaumaris 1898 – 1899
C.J. Morgan at Liverpool 1900 – 1902
Marquis of Downshire at Liverpool 1904
G.H. Marvin (dealer) at Cowes 1906
D.A. Holbeche at Lisbon 1907 – 1908
F.L. Deacon at Lisbon 1909

Deleted from 1910 register as "No longer a yacht".

(I do not have the issues for 1903 and 1905.)

Skipjack was built in 1898 by W.H. Potter and sons of Liverpool and was designed by A. Richardson. She was constructed of steel being 85' long by 15.5' wide and 72 tons gross.
She was powered by a triple (8" + 13" + 25" X 15" built by Downie of Liverpool. Operating pressure was 175PSI."

An acquaintance at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum has sent me photocopy excerpts from Lloyd's Registers of Yachts (1898-1910, incl.). I am attaching the last relevant entries (for 1909-1910)

It seems that after being based at Lisbon the vessel went to Bueneos Aires, but it is not clear whether she had a change of name.

I have been recommended to have the model professionally restored as it is possibly an important historic artifact.

Best wishes

David

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