my mate phil has just acquired a lifeboat from bear,anybody with history or photos email at the above address pls or phils mob 0408722668

Great site!

I served as master of the "Queen of the Isles" for her delivery voyage from Tauranga (NZ) to Cairns (Qld) in 1987. She was actually renamed "Queen of the Isles" (from "Gilf Explorer") prior to departure from NZ. The bloke who employed me was one Mike Banner Smith, something of a con man. A note in my sight book (record of astronomical observations) for 10/08/87 reads. Passage suspended due to necessity to proceed to Opua (Bay of Islands NZ) for repairs to starboard main engine. The radar had also ceased operating and as we were unable to obtain spares in the time available we proceeded on-passage without an operational radar. The delay at Opua amounted to 1day 9hrs and 48mns. A further note for 15/08/87 reads: At 1803 local time a good landfall was made with High Peak Island bearing 310Deg (T) distant 22.5 mls. All in all a very pleasant crossing.

All the best...Clive

Well Well, how about this site ey I used work on the Queen 20 years ago in 88-89 as a deck hand. Did 1 trip from Cairns to Thurday Island and back, then went on to be in charge of shore maintainence. Yes I was the one responsible for that terrible green pain job above the water line lol. Hugh Ellis was the Captain at the time. What a time that was, made some some good friends along the way including Shirley Sullivan who was in charge of bookings (lost contact with her, if anyone knows where she is please please let me know !!) Michelle was the pursur and Evette in charge of activities and Rob in the galley. I do still have a copy of the promotional video done by a Brisbane company with that hideous catchy song. "I was on a ship, with a friend of mine.......on the queeeen, the queen of the isles" Who remembers that one? So sad to see where she ended up Stay in-touch all.......Chris

I served on the old Queen around the time of Captain Jack, with Toby, and if I recall, we had a little "mutiny", resulting in a brand new captain. John was the engineer back then. Great memories and great people, I eventually went on to be bosun for the SV Atlantis Clipper,in her better days. This site brings back so many memories. Love to all!

I joined the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company in 1952 and retired as the Passenger Manager in 1999. I remember the Queen of the Isles very well and seeing here leave for Tonga

Andy, I am trying to reach you by email. Does not work.
Got another nice photo of the vessel.
Please send me an email, thanks
best regards,
Jan

Really enjoyed your site even if the ending is quite sad. I sailed on the Queen from Llandudno sometime in the mid 1960s with my father who took me aboard as I had been admiring the ship as I had seen it passing on previous sailings. At the time I would have been about 8 or 9yrs old but I can still remember the excitement as we walked down llandudno pier. It was a fairly short morning 'around the bay' type cruise but one I can remember I enjoyed. During the cruise my father bought me an enamel lapel badge of the ship which I still have in my possession.Sadley my father passed away at the end of last year, but this was certainly one of the trips that I remember him for. Excellent web site hope it can be kept updated. Thank You

Hello Andy: got around to looking, great website. Now have two items from the vessel live on ebay. One is : Queen of the Isles excursion 1968 Eastbourne Hastings Item number: 270324349890 and there are others accessible via Specialist Auctions. regards Robert

post script to previous message. i forgot to post my email address!!! here it is- bearsclawblades@yahoo.com.au the lifeboat will be for sale in the near future.........

excellent site. i need some help. i now own one of the queens lifeboats and would like some history on them.if anyone can help please feel free to email me. thanks