BOLEH – a ‘can-do’ story

We enjoyed an excellent  talk on Zoom from Henry Middleton on 17th February 2021 about this unique junk-yacht.  Boleh means ‘can-do’ in Malay and the boat was given the name because the local shipwrights in Singapore were often heard saying ‘Boleh Boleh’.  This 40ft yacht was designed by Robin Kilroy, the uncle of our speaker, Henry Middleton.  He built the yacht in Singapore and sailed it with some naval chums back to Salcombe, his home port in 1950.

It has been beautifully restored to modern standards, and the Boleh Trust has used apprentices to help with this work.  She is now in Birdham Pool for a winter refit before returning to her base in Haslar.  She takes disadvantaged young people for day sails in the Solent, so look out for her on the water this summer.

If you would like to be involved in any way, or make a donation, have a look at their website www.bolehproject.com 

Helen Jupp

Social Secretary Yachts