Louie Wills

Current boat name

Louie Wills

Boat class

7049

Function

Service

Type

Yacht

Length (m / ft)

8.53 / 28ft

Beam (m / ft)

2.5 / 8ft 3in

Leeward

Keel - long

Masts

2 Wood

Rig type

Gaff Yawl

Propulsion

Sail/engine

Designer

Thomas WE

Date of build

1900

Place of build

Falmouth

Present use

Sailing

LOUIE WILLS was built as a working boat by W E Thomas at Falmouth Bar in 1900. She was owned by Henry Wills, a waterman of Falmouth, who had her built for his wife's 50th birthday. It is recorded in the Falmouth Packet newspaper that the vessel won many harbour races. Between 1900 and 1938 she worked as a supply vessel (typical Quay Punt) and pilot boat for ships arriving for orders at Falmouth. In 1939 she was bought by the Fox family for use as a yacht After the war she moved to Scotland and underwent a series of name changes before returning south. In 1988 she was found in poor condition on Eel Pie Island, Richmond, by the present owner. After a major restoration by John Fuge and colleagues at Fowey, she was re-launched in 1995. A Perkins Perama diesel engine was fitted in 2003. March 2010 (Picture courtesy of FQP Association/NMMC)