Response

Re: Upnor, Thames Sailing Barge

"Arethusa" !? (AKA Peking) Funny you should mention her Ropey! I've been tracking her renovation, here in Germany, since Nerys mentioned her association with the ship. Last I heard the hull was done, she's been refloated, new fitted and was waiting for her new masts. Reports are here on the site - somewhere 😉 Update June 2019; back in dry dock having her masts fitted😊 See pics. Look here for more of the latest pics https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category😛eters_Werft Hmm! on saving this post the site changes 'colonP' to 😛 !!??🤔 Change it back in your browser address box! Plan is that next year she will become part of the Schifffahrt Museum display in Hmaburg. Cheers, Doug 😎 "Peking was launched in February 1911 and left Hamburg for her maiden voyage to Valparaiso in May of the same year. After the outbreak of World War I she was interned at Valparaiso and remained in Chile for the duration of the war. Awarded to the Kingdom of Italy as war reparation she was sold back to her original owners, the Laeisz brothers, in January 1923. She remained in the nitrate trade until traffic through the Panama Canal proved quicker and more economical. Arethusa II In 1932, she was sold for £6,250 to Shaftesbury Homes. She was first towed to Greenhithe, renamed Arethusa II and moored alongside the existing Arethusa I. In July 1933, she was moved to a new permanent mooring off Upnor on the River Medway, where she served as a children's home and training school. She was officially "opened" by Prince George on 25 July 1933. During World War II she served in the Royal Navy as HMS Pekin(g?). "

5 years ago by RNinMunich