From Ron Green and Tony Millatt, Mersea Museum

The twin screw motor yacht RIIS I has been a familiar sight at Mersea for more years than I care to remember. Sadly she will no longer be seen each winter on Peter Clarke's slip. She is one of the Dunkirk Little Ships and was involved in the celebrations at Dunkirk this year. For many years RIIS I was the start boat for the Town Regatta sailing races out in the river and I was a member of the start crew enjoying the company of stalwarts Don Procter, Jim McNaughton and others sadly no longer with us.

On the day it was muster at 7.30am on the Causeway and be collected by the yacht club launch to be taken out to RIIS I on her mooring in The Quarters. Climbing aboard with owner Dr Ted Fellows we were welcomed aboard with the usual 'Treat the boat as your own gentlemen'. We made good use of Ted's drinks locker but it was always replenished. Then it was out to moor up at the start line near The Naas and be ready to start the smacks at 9 o'clock. With all the classes away and timed back it was usually a fast trip out to Bench Head with the twin diesels roaring away. The usual excuse was to look for the Alalantas, a class of cruisers which were late getting back, some not even bothering.

WHITE HEATHER was requisitioned by the Navy, as HMS MANATEE, used as a spy ship. She carried secret radio equipment and had scuttling cocks in the hull so she could be sunk and not captured. In 1947 she was returned to her original owner. A subsequent owner renamed her RIIS I and then in 1959 she was found by Dr Ted Fellows, in use as a houseboat in Kent. He brought her to Mersea, restored her close to her original condition, and she became part of the Mersea scene.

A familar sight - RIIS I on Peter Clarke's slip on Coast Road

Start boat for the 1986 Regatta. Ron Green, Richard Haward, Ron Gibbons and Don Proctor.

Published in Mersea Community Life June 2025