Well we didn't catch any fish (we don't count Mackerel since they throw themselves onto your hook!) so that's out of the way. Now onto a beautiful ship that was moored in the river Dart. We quiet often see interesting vessels moored in the river including cruise liners and large naval ships. However today was the lovely Nahlin registered in Glasgow.

Initially we thought it was a brand new build but on old lines however when we returned home and checked her out on the internet we found she had just completed a $35,000,000 refurbishment during the last 4 years. The ship was built in 1930 to a design of G.L. Watson by John Brown & Sons for Lady Yule of Glasgow and was charted to King Edward VII as well as hosting American divorcee Mrs Wallis Simpson.

Lady Yule then sold her in 1937 to King Carol II of Romania but after only two years he gave up his crown at the beginning of WWII and the NAHLIN passed into the ownership of the Romanian Government and renamed LUCEAFARUL (Evening Star). Following the war's end in 1948 her name changed to LIBERTATEA (Freedom). For the next 60 years however she was moored on the banks of the Danube until 1999 when she was purchased by British interests. The buyers then changed her name back to Nahlin and after a few years on the Mersey she was towed to Germany in 2005. Now her restoration is complete and she visits Dartmouth.

We also wondered about the head on the bowsprit of an Indian so good old internet helped to tie up the name of the ship and its figurehead since Nahlin means "flag ship" in native Indian.

She is a thing of beauty but one of those strange vessels that in 'real life' looks far more impressive than any picture can show. As to her owner? If you know then please let us know.

Ships log

Date: Monday 19/07/2010

Weather: Force 3 SW

Sea state: smooth to slight

Engine hours at start: 230.2

Engine hours at finish: 231.4

Crew: Steve Mike

Time off moorings: 0945

Tide: Low Water 0817

Author: Mike (skipper)