Selina King – the yacht Arthur Ransome had built in 1938 to replace Nancy Blackett – did not have an easy life. Laid-up almost immediately during World War II, she was sold by Ransome, whose health had declined, almost immediately the war was over.

She was taken to Bermuda, used as a charter boat, lost, found again, subjected to several restorations, and at one stage offered to the Nancy Blackett Trust as a gift. Eventually she returned to the UK, hitching a ride with the British America’s Cup team.

An unrestored Selina King in Florida.

Now, fully restored, she is sailing once again – and is the subject of a major feature in the current (January) issue of Classic Boat magazine. The seven-page illustrated article is by NBT’s own President Peter Willis, and you can read it here.

A restored Selina King on the Orwell. (Photo and header: Peter Willis)

And she is now for sale again, with yacht brokers Wooden Ships.