At Peters & May, we pride ourselves on being more than a logistics provider who simply carries cargo — we carry stories from one generation to the next. With decades of experience in yacht and boat transport, we’re frequently trusted with unique and sensitive projects. One such recent assignment stood out not only for its complexity but for the remarkable story behind it.
A Legacy Carried Across the Atlantic
We were approached by the estate of a late US national, Ms. Fash, who had a deep-rooted love for classic British vessels. Having moved from the UK to the United States in 2008 for health reasons, she took with her two cherished boats she had owned and maintained in the UK. In her will, she expressed a clear wish: both boats were to be returned to the United Kingdom, the country of their origin, in the hope they would eventually be preserved by collectors or maritime enthusiasts.
This wasn’t just a shipment — it was the careful repatriation of two significant pieces of British maritime history.
The Stories of Lady Isabelle and Humble.
Humble, the larger of the two vessels, is a beautiful electric saloon launch, built in 1904 in Windsor for the Golding Brothers. She spent much of her life as a passenger launch gliding along the River Thames. With her classic lines and heritage craftsmanship, Humble reflects a time when leisure cruising was an art form.
The second vessel, Lady Isabelle, carries a different kind of legacy. Built in 1930 by Harry Gibbs of Trowlock Island,
this open launch was one of the historic “Little Ships” that took part in the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation, playing a role in one of Britain’s most stirring wartime efforts. Constructed from varnished mahogany on oak, she is a proud member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS), a symbol of courage and civilian seamanship.
More information about Lady Isabelle can be found on the ADLS website: Lady Isabelle – ADLS
Heritage in Motion: The Peters & May Approach
When the estate selected Peters & May for this special assignment, they chose a team with over 50 years of heritage in the marine transport sector. Our deep understanding of classic vessel construction and our meticulous approach to bespoke transport solutions were critical to ensuring these vessels arrived in the UK safely and respectfully.
This project involved both containerised and RoRo logistics:
- Lady Isabelle was carefully packed and shipped in a container — a method chosen to protect her delicate timber
structure from the harsh salt air and shifting conditions of a transatlantic crossing. Containerisation offers a fully enclosed environment, reducing the risk of weather exposure, physical damage, and humidity changes that could affect classic wooden vessels.
- Humble was shipped as RoRo cargo via WWL (Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics) — a tailored solution appropriate for her size, weight, and structural needs. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping allows vessels to be driven or towed onto the ship using a custom cradle or trailer, providing a secure and efficient method for transporting large or self-supporting cargo without lifting. This ensured minimal handling and maximum protection throughout the journey.
Every step of the process — from export documentation and customs clearance to physical handling — was managed with precision and a deep respect for the story these boats carry.
Client Reflections
We were delighted to receive this kind feedback from Henley Sales & Charter, who managed the vessels’ reception in the UK:
“Fantastic work Lindsey. The boat took us down the river after a smooth arrival and launch. Thanks to everyone involved at both ends.”
— Henley Sales & Charter
Their feedback reflects the smooth execution and attention to detail that defined this project from start to finish.
Team Insight: Lindsey Ashdown on the Project
“It was a real honour to support the return of these historically important vessels to UK waters. Every shipment has its story, but this one carried deep heritage and emotional significance. Our team approached it with the attention and respect it deserved, and we’re proud to have delivered it smoothly.”
— Lindsey Ashdown, UK Marine Senior Liner Manager, Peters & May
More Than a Shipment — A Preservation of Maritime History
At Peters & May, we recognize that boats like Humble and Lady Isabelle are more than just wood and varnish — they are living artefacts. We are proud to have played a part in their homecoming and to continue our long tradition of safeguarding maritime history through expert logistics.
Their journey back to British waters marks not an end, but a new chapter — one where collectors or enthusiasts may continue their legacy. And for us, it’s another reminder of why we do what we do: delivering heritage, across oceans.
