A last-ditch plea has been issued to save St George, a once elegant 1935 passenger vessel now lying in poor condition at Willow Moorings, Kegworth.
The 58ft craft, whose long career has spanned pleasure cruising, wartime service and a starring role in the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Pageant, is being offered free to a good home as its owner can no longer care for her.
Built in Poole by J Bolson & Sons as Gondolier Princess, the vessel began life running harbour trips before being requisitioned by the Admiralty during the Second World War. After the conflict, it was renamed St George and moved to the Thames to carry tourists from Tower Bridge until the late 1960s.
It later operated fishing trips in the lower estuary before being bought in 1977 by its current owner, who converted her into a pleasure boat and lived aboard for many years.
The vessel’s construction is typical of the period: a carvel-built hull with oak frames and pine planking, later ferro-sheathed in 1983. It carries a ketch rig with gaff sails and is powered by a 1969 Ford 4D engine.
In its prime, it was considered a handsome, characterful vessel, and its participation among 670 boats in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant remains a highlight of its long working life.
But St George has deteriorated significantly since its owner developed dementia and moved into full-time care. In 2024, it took on water through the stern gland, forcing the removal of carpets and soft furnishings.
A more serious incident followed in November 2025 when it again flooded and settled 18 inches down in the water. A River Canal Rescue team refloated it in early January this year but found no clear point of ingress, suggesting rainwater may have seeped between the ferro-cement layer and the original timber hull.
It has remained dry under tarpaulin since.
National Historic Ships UK describes the vessel as a large project but one with real potential for a committed restorer. A boat lift is available just four miles from its mooring, easing the logistics for any prospective new custodian.
Those interested in taking on St George are invited to contact the organisation, which will connect them with the owner’s son, who is acting under lasting power of attorney and responding from Australia.
