RESTORING “JEFF”: A RARE DUNKIRK LITTLE SHIP

At VMG Yachtbuilders, we are proud to welcome a very special guest to the yard: “Jeff”, a 39ft motor launch built in 1923 by Joe Mears of Richmond. She is one of the few remaining Dunkirk Little Ships still operating and one of the rare examples that has remained close to her original design.

“Jeff” was originally built for passenger service on the Thames. Alongside her sister ship “Mutt”, she offered short river cruises for holidaymakers in the 1920s. The two launches were named after the popular cartoon characters Mutt and Jeff, with “Jeff” being the shorter of the two. Compact, reliable, and perfectly suited for navigating the busy waters of central London.

During the Second World War, both vessels crossed the Channel to take part in Operation Dynamo, the mass evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940. Civilian boats like “Jeff” played a vital role in ferrying soldiers from the shore to larger ships waiting offshore. While “Mutt” is no longer with us, “Jeff” has continued her journey and still carries much of the character she had in the 1920s.

Now, just over a century after she was built, “Jeff” will undergo a full restoration at our yard. The work will include major hull repairs, a reconditioned engine installation, a full repaint and refinishing of the interior, and technical upgrades to prepare her for many more years on the water.

The goal is to preserve her historical character while carefully preparing her for many more years on the water.

We are honoured to have her with us.