Dorothy

Dorothy and her original owners

In early 1897, work commenced on a sleek 30ft yacht in the James Bay boatyard of John J. Robinson. Although nothing remains of Robinson’s busy shop — now the site of the Laurel Point Inn — the vessel he built is still ‘above the waves’.  Today, Dorothy is considered the oldest sailing yacht on the Pacific Northwest Coast and a major artifact in the collection of the Maritime Museum of BC.

Since first slipping into the waters of Victoria’s inner harbour 114 years ago, Dorothy has had her share of ups and downs.  Her original owner, Major Langley, sailed his fast little ship for 5 decades in BC coastal waters.  Subsequent owners loved and maintained the aging Dorothy throughout her years until she found her new home with the Maritime Museum of BC.

Moving forward to 2010 and Dorothy is now in considerable need of restoration.  The Maritime Museum of BC is in the process of developing a plan to return her to her former glory.  A key element of this will be the raising of necessary funds to cover the material and labour costs.  In addition, the volunteer group, Friends of Dorothy is being revived and will be actively involved in all phases of Dorothy’s rebirth. It is good to know that she still has admirers after all these years who want to see this special little yacht sail again.

Dorothy on the water, BC