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Chumley

PRICE: SOLD
Dunkirk Little Ship
Chris Craft - Dunkirk Little Ship
Chumley

Chris Craft - Dunkirk Little Ship
1936
26ft
Ford diesel
8ft 6"

Originally fitted with a Chrysler engine Chalmondleigh was built in the US by Chris Craft for Chrysler in 1937 then shipped across the pond becoming one of the elite band of boats which were used to bring soldiers back from Dunkirk (see the ADLS website for more information on her early years). Chumley was Tommy Trinder's Dunkirk Little Ship rebuilt by the current owner between 2000-2003 and her first launch of the twenty first century was at Henley in 2003. She made the return journey to Dunkirk in 2005 and will be returning again this May for the 70th Anniversary after which time she will be for sale. All plaques and memorabilia will be included with the sale and the association would ask the new owner to become a member of this exclusive association.

The trailer is included which makes touring with the boat a real possibility as she is equally at home on sea, river and lake. A new cover and roll up sides in white are currently being fitted. There is a full winter cover in very good condition. The structure of the boat is mahogany on oak and she has a Ford diesel engine.

Below the foredeck are 2 bunks with storage underneath and a Portapotti toilet conveniently situated in the forepeak.

Below is an excerpt from a short article by Tommy Trinder:

'It was in those touring days that I first heard the call of the sea. For several summers I worked in a concert party on the Isle of Wight and there met - and fell in love with - "Chumley".

"Chumley" was a motor boat for sale on deferred terms. Considering it wasn't a windjammer it was surprising how often the engine jammed, and although it wasn't a pirate ship it seized often enough to qualify.

But "Chumley" had its finest hour waiting for it. When Britain stood in peril "Chumley" volunteered for service. It joined the thousands of little boats that made the journey to and from Dunkirk.

And, knowing that the show had to go on, "Chumley" behaved like a real trouper. By some miracle, those historic journeys were made without any mishap. And was I proud?'

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