Built in Essex and launched at Maylandsea Essex in 1947, Matawa first came to the Dart in 1960. She was bought by the father of the current head of the syndicate which now owns her, Nicko Franks, a Dartmouth resident.

Nicko’s father was in the Royal Navy and upon leaving the senior service, bought Matawa.

He and his son have taken Matawa to the Mediterranean, the Baltic and the West Indies.

Nicko said that they brought her alongside the Dartmouth Yacht Club pontoon, “To celebrate her birthday and to thank the numerous professional boat people who have worked on her and been, each in their own way, responsible for her fine condition and longevity.”

The party began at noon last Friday