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Built for actor Robert Shiner. SOURCE: Stan Tims |
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Listed on Build records. ? Couldn't quite read, but could be 25/22 if indeed built in 1950 |
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Per Paul Copinger (Nov 2004): My father bought Fantasia (could have been III) on 12th July 1952. I have always understood the she was 25ft and not 33ft as listed on your web site, as did my father according to his records. |
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The previous owner was Ronald Shiner, the comedian and I believe that he was trading up. My father changed the name to Ballyverine, after Ballyverine Castle also known as Copinger's Court, an old family home the ruins of which still exist at http://www.copinger.org.uk/Court.html and just outside Roscarberry in Co. Cork. I still have the nameplates from the bow. I believe she was specifically sold without the name. |
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As for filling in the missing details she slept 5, 2 in the rear cockpit and 3 in the cabin. I don't know the make or size of engine but according to the boat accounts on 3rd Sep 1952, 4 gallons of petrol cost 17 shillings and 3 pence. I believe that the deck construction was mahogany, it looked too dark for teak but I only got a fairly close, but somewhat short, look at it while running up the starboard cat walk while moored at Bates yard, facing up-stream, slipping and landing in the Thames. I really must learn to swim one day! I am not sure how you would describe the superstructure but I can probably find an old photograph or two if it helps. |
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I have very fond memories of holidays in Ballyverine, including removing the mast so we could get under the bridge at Lechlade, and every time I go across the bridge at Chertsey, much less often these days, I always look out for Bates boatyard. |
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Note: history confused with Fantasia III (33') which may not have exisited. |
