Encountering Albaquila for the first time was a real 'wow' moment for me. This is a wonderful testament to British boatbuilding post war and to one couple's dedication to restore and preserve this beautiful vessel for future generations to enjoy. She was commissioned by a London stockbroker just after the end of the second World War. Osborne's remit was to build a seaworthy craft which could be easily handled by two people for long cruises. Only two of the Sea Eagle class were constructed, this being the larger of the two. Her constructionis of double diagonal Makore on laminated Makore frames with pitch pine heavy risign and oak keel, with teak decks and mahogany superstructure.

Once work was completed in 1948 the boat was launched by Mrs Harrison with the traditional bottle of champagne. The cork was inserted into a bespoke launch bowl with solid silver trim which will accompany the sale.

Motorboat magazine reviewed Albaquila in 1949 and fortunately this has also survived the rigours of time.

After a number of owners over the decades the vessel came to rest on the Medway in Kent where she was found in a sad state of disrepair in dry dock. Fortunately for her a Mr James Duncan of Banffshire in Scotland fell in love with her classic elegance and style which even the neglect and ravages of time had not managed to totally diminish. He was intending to restore her in NE Scotland where she stayed for 8 years, mostly cruising on the Moray Firth. He had however omitted to do some essential maintenance work so when David and Norma found her she was looking decidedly peaky and way overdue a full top to toe restoration.

The couple had been looking for a serious boat to restore as a retirement project. David had been running his own boatbuilding business in the north west for 40 years and Norma thought it would be good for them both if he could scale things down to concentrate on one important wooden boat which they could own and love.

The rescue plan underway Albaquila was transported south by road and put in dry storage at Liverpool Marina Boatyard. Between 2008 and 2013 Albaquuila underwent an extensive restoration with detailed photographic evidence available to interested parties. The emphasis was on retaining as much of the original vessel as possible and using top quality materials throughout. The National Historic Ships Register number is 2133.

In 2017 the boat was taken to the Irish Sea to prove herself as a good and safe seagoing boat. At the Isle of Man Classic Boat Rally she won the best Motor Boat Award.

Albaquila has a fascinating provenance and will make a sumptuous sea going residence for 4 guests with two heads, lovely saloon, aft cockpit, modern galley, loads of cupboard space, charming wheelhouse.

Viewings afloat in Liverpool by appointment.