We are reformatting some of our web pages, and moving materials meant as announcements to blog format. This announcement is from February 2023 and is posted in order to preserve the materials.

The museum’s beloved yacht Dorothy will make a splash in Ladysmith Harbour on May 27, 2023 at 1:00 PM. A month and 127 years since she was first launched in 1897, Dorothy will return to water after her complete refit. Her structural and hull work was completed by shipwright and boat-whisperer Tony Grove on Gabriola Island. During the past ten months, she has been in the hands of the dedicated and skilled volunteers at the Ladysmith Maritime Society where meticulous topside repair work is being completed. Led by volunteer Robert Lawson, life-long boatwright and keen student of yachting history, much more has been learned about Dorothy’s past both from recently discovered early photos and the secrets revealed by the boat herself.

The Maritime Museum of BC is very grateful to the board of the Ladysmith Maritime Society and their volunteers who have become wonderful partners in the Dorothy project.  Thanks to them, and our supporters who have contributed to the Dorothy Fund, this beautiful boat, built at the foot of Montreal Street in Victoria before the Wright brothers flew, will be afloat and sailing again this summer.

MMBC plans for Dorothy to remain on exhibit among the fleet at the Ladysmith Maritime Society facility at the Ladysmith Community Marina until a time when we have appropriate space for her to be moored at a new Maritime Museum location in Victoria’s inner harbour. Drop into Ladysmith for a visit this summer.

Donations to the Dorothy Fund to support her on-going maintenance and sailing activities can be made through the link above. A charitable receipt for income tax purposes will be provided for any gift over $20. Thank you for considering a donation to this living heritage!