Yacht Marabell gets new planking

July 12, 2019

While looking walking past the Point Hope Maritime shipyards in Victoria Harbour I came upon the 129ft Yacht Marabell.

129ft Yacht Marabell in for repairs at the Point Hope Maritime shipyards in Victoria Harbour

The Marabell was built in 1943 at as Newport Beach California USA by South Coast Construction as the U.S.S. Y.M.S. 91; then Marabell. In 1943 she was owned by the United States Navy. In 1949 she was owned by Dr. William Ballard (Dr. Ballard’s Animal Foods), Vancouver BC. In 1953–1971 she was owned by The Ministry of Mines & Technical Surveys, Ottawa ON. In 1972–1978 she was owned by Lacerte Holdings Ltd., Victoria BC. In 1979–1980 she was owned by Marabell Charters Ltd., Victoria BC. In 1982–2001 she was owned by Sealand of the Pacific Ltd., Victoria BC. In 2003–2016 she was owned by Oak Bay Marina Ltd. Victoria BC. In 2016 she was owned by Dane Developments Ltd., Courtenay BC.

Photo by Dirk Septer

In 1978 the Marabell welcomed its first fishing guests to Hakai Pass. The classic minesweeper did wartime duty and is rumoured to have sunk a Japanese submarine. Today she spends her time anchored at Langara Island in Haida Gwaii.

The Marabell is a converted hydrographic survey vessel of wood construction. The boat deck consists of an extensive foredeck leading to a raised wheelhouse followed by accommodations and lounges. The after portion of the boat deck consists of a small exterior area surrounded by stanchions and handrails. The weather deck consists of accommodation spaces, an after saloon, a galley, and a stowage area.

Photo By Captain Alex Provan

Since 2016 she has been privately owned by Dane Developments Ltd., Courtenay BC