A Gentleman’s Yacht and Dunkirk Veteran

She is not just a well-restored pre-war motor yacht, she is a Dunkirk Little Ship, one of the few remaining that crossed the Channel during Operation Dynamo in 1940. It is believed she came under air attack, was bomb-straddled and badly damaged, abandoned off the beaches, refloated by desperate soldiers, and then made her way home via the Goodwin Sands, to be rescued and towed to Ramsgate by a minesweeper. She served throughout the war, first in the Naval Auxiliary Patrol and later in the Fire Service, quietly continuing her work long after the headlines faded.

There are boats, and then there are vessels with stories etched into every frame, plank, and fitting. Hilfranor is firmly in the latter camp, a true classic, a survivor of history, and one of the most characterful small ships afloat today. Built in 1935 by the Walton Yacht and Launch Works on the Thames and lengthened in 1936 to her current 41 feet with a beautiful canoe stern, she is a living, cruising piece of British maritime history.

Hilfranor is a vessel with extraordinary provenance, lovingly maintained and sensitively upgraded over the decades. A full rebuild in 1989 brought her back to life structurally. More recently, a comprehensive professional refit between 2018 and 2025 has ensured she is ready for another 30 years of life afloat. She now runs twin Beta 60hp diesels (fitted 2019, 610 hours), cruises at a very comfortable 7 knots, and is set up for extended cruising, whether on the Thames or across the Channel once more.

On board, Hilfranor is deeply atmospheric, warm mahogany, soft light, and the enduring sense of craftsmanship that only comes from a wooden boat of her pedigree. She sleeps four in comfort, with an electric heads, shower, and full galley in the aft saloon. Her accommodation is practical and elegant, equally suited to coastal cruising or hosting drinks aboard in the evening light. Her systems, including GPS, autohelm, and hydraulic steering, mean she can be handled easily solo or by a couple, and the modern engines give her both dependable power and fine manoeuvrability.

But what makes Hilfranor truly special is the intangible. She has soul, the kind that comes only from a life well lived and histories well earned. She is an active member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships and has taken part in many of their return crossings and commemorative events, including the Queen’s Thames Jubilee Pageant and the 2015 Dunkirk return. She has featured on the BBC’s Coast and starred in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk film. She carries a rare honour, her own unique “Distinguishing Flag”, registered at Lloyd’s in 1936.

Owning Hilfranor is more than owning a boat, it is becoming a steward of history, part of an unbroken story that began before the war and continues today. Whether you are seeking an elegant and capable cruiser, a remarkable vessel to show at classic festivals, or simply a boat with spirit and standing, Hilfranor is ready.

Engines & Systems

• Twin Beta 60hp diesel engines (610 hours)
• Garmin navigation suite including GPS, autopilot, AIS, VHF
• Victron inverter/charger
• Twin diesel tanks (195L each)
• Hot water immersion heater
• Freshwater and black water tank systems

Interior & Accommodation

• Sleeps 4 in forward cabin and saloon
• Mahogany interior with original cabinetry
• Galley with hob, grill, fridge, hot and cold water
• Electric heads with shower
• Leather seating, chart table, extensive storage
• Original ship’s bell, WWII Admiralty binnacle
• Collection of Dunkirk and military presentation plaques

Deck & Safety

• Hinged mast and steadying sail
• Electric anchor winch with chain
• Tender, ropes, fenders, oars included
• Fire safety equipment, gas detectors, life jackets, life ring
• Boat Safety Certificate

Full inventory available on request.