30' Gaff Sloop (1897) - DOROTHY

Perhaps the oldest Canadian sailboat still sailing, Dorothy is a sensuous beauty dating from 1897, when she was built in Victoria BC, Canada. Dorothy is a 30′ gaff-rigged sloop designed by Linton Hope. Sleek lines and her excellent present-day condition belie her advanced years. Dorothy carries on as a testament to the quality of her original local materials and the skill of her builder, J. J. Robinson of Victoria, BC.
Now a treasure in the Maritime Museum of BC’s collection, her provenance is impressive. The museum’s collection includes original documentation from her construction starting in 1896, the detailed log books of her first owner Major W.H. Langley, many early photos and the trophies she won in local regattas in the century before the last century (when the Wright Bothers were still building bicycles).
After the primary refit of the hull in the hands of shipwright and boat-whisper Tony Grove on Gabriola Island, BC her mid-life refit continued at the Ladysmith Maritime Society. Their amazing volunteer team, lead by respected boatwright Robert Lawson, who also volunteered his time and skills, addressed the cockpit, topsides, hardware, rigging and extensive interior work. Meticulous research by Robert Lawson guided the details of the refit.
It was a joyous day when Dorothy was relaunched into her local waters of the Salish Sea on May 27, 2023 in Ladysmith, BC.
Dorothy’s refit is extraordinary for many reasons in addition to her age. The majority of the hull is original, as is the mast and even her roller reefing. The Maritime Museum of BC’s extensive files confirm many specific details which have allowed the refit crew to capture the essence of the boat from the era in which she was built. This has been a true community project made possible by generous supporters, sponsors and volunteers. The project is being accomplished on a very modest budget. Perhaps most important of all, Dorothy is a true 60-mile boat, never having been more than 60 miles from where she was built. Today she is sailing again in her familiar waters.
Dorothy will now serves as the Maritime Museum of BC’s ambassador of the golden age of vintage sail. She is a regular visitor to regattas, opening days, festivals and junior sailing schools in the region. A special effort is made to get youngsters out for a truly classic sailing experience on a boat built before their great grandparents were born.