Notable Boats

Notable Boats mooring in Ramsgate Royal Harbour include :

TS Cervia | SSMV Starbuck | Naiad Errant| Firefly | ESL Pilot Boats | Havengore | HMS Watchful | Sheemau

Naiad Errant

Built in 1939, Naiad Errant was requisitioned for Operation Dynamo and sailed from Ramsgate for Dunkirk on 1 June 1940. She carried out shore-to-ship work, became stranded off Dunkirk and was later refloated packed with soldiers. After engine trouble, Able Seaman Samuel Palmer eventually navigated her back across the Channel, reaching Ramsgate the following morning. She later served as an Armed Patrol Vessel.

Firefly

At just 26 feet long, Firefly is one of the smallest Dunkirk Little Ships.

The Pilot Boats

These fast launches head out into the Thames Estuary to transfer marine pilots onto and off ships travelling to and from the Thames and Medway.

The main pilot boarding station is eight miles out to sea from Ramsgate, and the launches can reach it at speeds of around 25 knots.

Havengore

Perhaps best known as the vessel that carried Sir Winston Churchill on his final journey along the River Thames during his state funeral in 1965, Havengore has also taken part in major royal celebrations.

HMS Watchful

Originally built as a pleasure steamer in 1935, Watchful was requisitioned for wartime service in 1939. She is reported to have made three trips to Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo and rescued 900 Allied troops.

UPDATE : HMS Watchful will not be mooring in the harbour until sometime in 2027. Date TBA.

Sheemaun

Built in 1935, Sheemaun served with the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War on duties including examination of incoming vessels, mine clearance and supplying observation barges.

In 2010 she became National Historic Ships’ first ever Flagship of the Year.