Canada’s oldest functional sailboat has been nominated for an award by a United Kingdom-based boat magazine.
The 127-year old sailboat, Dorothy, is considered to be the oldest, still functional sailing boat in Canada, according to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
The 30-foot (nine metre) sailing yacht has been nominated for the Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft category by Classic Boat Magazine in the UK.
“Dorothy is the only Canadian vessel in her category, and we know that her many passionate supporters on this coast are proud to see her nominated for this prestigious award. They’ll be prouder still to see her win it,” said Anya Zanko, events and development manager for the Maritime Museum of BC.
The sailboat was acquired by the museum in 1995 and began undergoing restorations in 2012 on Gabriola Island by Tony Grove.
READ MORE: A 125-year-old sailboat known as ‘Dorothy’ will set sail once again off Vancouver Island
Dorothy underwent a few ownerships since it was created in 1897 at the James Bay boatyard, which is currently known as the Laurel Point Inn in Victoria. Eventually, the sailing boat went on to win Queen Victoria’s birthday regatta in 1900.
Currently, the sailboat is located in Ladysmith where she was relaunched onto Vancouver Island waters for the first time in 20 years on May 27, 2023.
Dorothy is competing against seven other vessels. The contest closes on Mar. 11 at 2 a.m. PT.
To vote, you can visit the contest page here.
Oli Herrera
