1915 J. W. Brooke & Co, Ltd. Fast Launch for sale

1915 J. W. Brooke & Co, Ltd. Fast Launch boat for sale

Atta Boy is far more than a beautiful classic launch. She is a remarkable piece of British maritime history and one of the few surviving First World War motor launches still afloat and in regular use today.

Originally commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1915 as Motor Boat 436 (MB436), she was one of just five 30 foot fast launches built by J. W. Brooke & Co. of Oulton Broad, Norfolk. Constructed as a fast tender for Royal Navy service, she was first assigned to HMS Calliope before later transferring to HMS Royalist.

Her place in history was secured during the Battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916, where she served aboard HMS Royalist in what remains the largest naval battle of the First World War. Today, with HMS Royalist long since scrapped, Atta Boy is believed to be the only surviving link to the ship, making her a truly significant vessel in Britain's naval heritage.

Following the war, MB436 entered private ownership in 1923 and was renamed Atta Boy, a name she proudly retains today. During the last century she has become a familiar sight on the River Thames, taking part in countless traditional boat rallies, regattas, weddings and prestigious events, including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant in 2012. She was also selected to take part in the filming of Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, although her scenes did not make the final release.

Her current owner has cherished Atta Boy, ensuring she has been maintained regardless of cost and professionally winter stored with Henwood & Dean, where she has benefited from regular servicing and proactive maintenance. Her extensive history file, comprising numerous binders of photographs, correspondence, records and documentation, provides a fascinating insight into her remarkable life spanning more than 110 years.

In approximately 1990 she was re engined with a marinised Rover V8, giving her impressive performance while retaining the character of this historic launch. The owner estimates she is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots, providing an exhilarating driving experience that reflects her original purpose as a fast naval launch.

Complete with an extensive inventory including cockpit covers, cushions, fenders, warps and the equipment expected aboard a vessel of this calibre, Atta Boy is ready to be enjoyed by her next custodian.

Opportunities to acquire a vessel of this historical significance are exceptionally rare. More than simply purchasing a classic boat, owning Atta Boy is an opportunity to become the next custodian of a remarkable survivor from Britain's naval past, ensuring her story continues for generations to come.