Captain Oates’ former yacht Saunterer is joining other century old classic yachts in Dartmouth on Sunday, 11 November 2018 for a short parade on the River Dart to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

100 years to the day after the end of the First World War in 1918, three yachts which were in existence at that time and are now on the Dart are carrying a short parade to mark the occasion. Among them is Saunterer, a 47ft wooden yawl, which was owned by Captain LEG Oates at the time of his death in Antarctica in 1912. For this unique day of remembrance this small flotilla of vessels has come together for this short act of remembrance – these are Saunterer (1900), Ciris (1906) and Cynthia (1910). In addition to honouring the memory of those who have given their lives for their country, the parade also honours the memory of Captain Oates, who sacrificed his life for his friends, and whose example has also been an inspiration to so many.

With kind permission from the Royal Navy and the Britannia Royal Naval College, the flotilla will start from BRNC’s Admiral Jetty at Sandquay, sailing to Dartmouth Castle and back, starting at around 1300 noon on Sunday 11 November 2018, and returning around 1500. The parade may receive a Picket Boat escort from BRNC. The vessels will fly memorial flags commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armistice and well as Saunterer flying the flag of the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity.

Iain Rawlinson, skipper of Saunterer, said, “What better to way to show our respect and mark this unique occasion in our lives than to bring this unusual gathering of 100 year vessels together and carry our own additional act of remembrance, flying the flag for the fallen. We are ultimately trustees of these heritage vessels and all they stand for – and it is a privilege to add what we are doing to the actions of so many people today who are showing their profound respect and appreciation for the sacrifices of others.”

Yacht details:
Saunterer – a 47ft wooden yawl was built in 1900 by Charles Sibbick in Cowes and owned by Captain Oates at the time of his death in Antarctica in March 1912 www.saunterer.co.uk
Cynthia – built in 1910is a Thomas Jackett flush decked 41ft racing sloop,
Ciris – built in 1906 is a Luke Brothers 28ft yawl

Photo: © Andrew Carter