Исторический корабль «Regal Lady», спасший более 1200 солдат в Дюнкерке, выставлен на продажу

A Second World War vessel that helped rescue more than 1,200 Allied soldiers from Dunkirk has gone up for sale as a North Yorkshire hospitality business and visitor attraction. The Regal Lady, one of the historic "little ships" of Dunkirk, has been moored in Scarborough harbour since 1987 and now operates as a bar, café, and tourist destination. Michael Peel, director at Ernest Wilson, said: "The Regal Lady is an iconic vessel with an extraordinary story, and it’s a very unusual business opportunity. "It played a part in one of the most famous events of the Second World War, making three trips to Dunkirk to bring back more than 1,000 soldiers, saving their lives in the process. RECOMMENDED READING: - Iconic £2m Yorkshire attraction now for sale for £100k - One of Scarborough's oldest coffee lounges applies for a change - Scarborough shop's 'unfortunate' renovation works approved - The Heck company makes a 14 per cent in its energy consumption "To still have an asset with that much history operating as a visitor attraction today is pretty remarkable." The floating venue, which offers seating for around 60 people inside and a further 60 on the pier outside, is being marketed for sale at around £250,000 by Ernest Wilson, part of BTG Eddisons. It generates an estimated weekly turnover of £5,000 and annual net profits of more than £80,000. Mr Peel said: "Having been part of the Scarborough waterfront for nearly 40 years, it is well established as a popular place to visit, so there is a great business here as well as an important piece of maritime history. "I think there is huge potential for a new owner to build on both sides of that story – developing the bar, café and events business while making even more of the Dunkirk connection and enhancing a much-loved visitor attraction for Scarborough." Built in 1930, the Regal Lady was one of around 850 privately owned vessels that joined the Royal Navy during Operation Dynamo. This operation saw a civilian flotilla help evacuate 338,000 Allied troops from Dunkirk between May 26 and June 4, 1940. The Regal Lady made three crossings and rescued more than 1,200 soldiers. It is registered as a National Historic Ship and is a member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. The vessel underwent significant restoration and refurbishment in 2019, including upgrades to its electrical and mechanical systems. A full survey in 2020 and an ultrasound inspection in 2024 confirmed its continued seaworthiness. The business currently operates mainly between Easter and October, with scope to increase revenues through evening opening, private parties and other events. Although currently based in Scarborough, the Regal Lady remains fully seaworthy and could be relocated. Ernest Wilson, now part of real estate consultancy BTG Eddisons, was founded in 1956 and specialises in buying and selling small businesses, including cafés, restaurants, hotels, pubs, and visitor attractions.