Breda

‘Breda’ was built in Lowestoft by Brooke’s in 1931. She was originally named ‘Dab II’ and owned by Colonel Hardy. When the Colonel discovered that the Royal Navy had requisitioned his motor yacht from Haybridge Basin, Essex for use in Operation Dynamo, he was not particularly pleasedd - not because they had taken his yacht, but because he hadn’t been given the chance to go with her.

Under the command of Lieutenant R.W. Thompson, ‘Breda’ crossed the Channel no less than three times in six days. On her final return journey, she carried a group of Dutch soldiers who had come from Breda in Holland after a brave westward pursuit toward Dunkirk, driven back by the force of the German advance.

When Colonel Hardy was finally reunited with his yacht, he found it fitting to rename her ‘Breda’ in honour of her distinguished wartime service and in memory of the soldiers she had rescued on that final voyage.

Since then, ‘Breda’ has had several owners in Wales, Norfolk, and Surrey, and has sailed extensively, including through the French canals to the Mediterranean. Peter and Lesley Farrant have used her as their home since 1974 and have sailed her to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Channel Islands. In 1988, ‘Breda’ underwent a major renovation with new beams and decks. The saloon and galley were also completely refurbished by Mr. Bowley, a boatbuilder in Twickenham.

‘Breda’ was purchased by the current owner in 2017 and began a four-year full restoration project. She was rotting from the inside—her planks, ribs, stringers, and deck beams were all in poor condition, and she had lost her structural integrity. Over the course of two years, the exterior and structure were completely rebuilt, restoring her to a like-new condition. This was followed by an interior renovation inspired by the Art Deco period in which she was originally built.

‘Breda’ made her debut with the Dunkirk Little Ships in 2021 and attended most of the events. She won several awards throughout the year and proudly carries the title of National Historic Flagship of the Year 2021 from the National Historic Ships Register. At the Henley Traditional Boat Festival, she won multiple trophies and took home the prestigious Best in Show 2021 award.