Boat Name
Boat Use
Boat Type
Build Date
Country of Origin
Area of Origin
Boat Dimensions
Length
24 ft 9 in
Width
2 ft 9 in
Description
GW 01 stands for George Wimpey No 1 boat. George Wimpey also had two motor launches - GW151 and GQ 152.
This craft illustrates the first (transitional) stages of development away from the true dug-out towards the planked boat. It seems probable that, as tools improved with craftsmanship, the planking progressed downwards until only the keel remained as a continuous piece of wood.
The dug-out hull has been improved by the addition of a plank. Some would say this is the origin of the entirely planked boat.
History
This boat was brought to England by George Wimpey & Co. Ltd. and was presented to the museum by the owner, Mr John Long.
Mr John Long, a founder member of ISCA and a "Boroni" (Ghanaian colloquial for white man), had her fitted out at Pepel whilst he was working for George Wimpey & Co. who owned two fast launches, GW151 and GW152. So poor was the progress of the owner on his maiden voyage that the boat was given the lowly rating of GW01. However, after repainting, this unkindness was softened by the addition, to the stern, of "VC10", the latest West African superlative.
Graham Woolley Posted: 1 year ago | Reply
I worked as the Senior Asst. Resident Engineer for the Sierra Leone Development Company in 1969 at Pepel at the time John Long was there. I remember we had to use GW151 and GW152 to travel back and to the mooring dolphins. I think the name of the Winpey agent was John Tolputt