The 'Rosa & Ada'

 

The 'Rosa & Ada' (F 105) was the largest and biggest gaff cutter, rigged fishing smack built by Collar Bros, Whitstable in 1908 for The Seasalter & Ham Oyster Company at that port, with whom she worked until 1963. A smack boat is a type of traditional fore-and-aft-rigged fishing vessel, often with a well to keep the catch alive. They were common along the coasts of Britain and America, particularly in the 19th century.

During World War 11, the 'Rosa & Ada' was requisitioned as a supply tender in the River Thames, where she serviced vessels searching for magnetic mines. In 1958, the vessel was run down at her moorings by a coaster in thick fog and sank. She was refloated shortly afterwards, repaired, and continued to work till 1963.

Following several years in lay-up, the 'Rosa & 'Ada' was bought privately, restored, and was then used for racing, while kept at Hollowshore in Kent. In 1981, she was bought by her present owner who sailed her to west Scotland. During the following years, the smack has continued to sail, with various restoration projects being carried out over different periods of time.

Currently based in Troon, Scotland, the 'Rosa & Ada' offers charters on the Ayrshire Coast, sleeping eight passengers, and taking them for short cruises, for diving, and for publicity tours or film and TV work. A recent update from March 2025 cites the vessel for sale at the noble age of 117 years!

During the late 1980s, she berthed at the East Pier, Wicklow Port where her owners, a young Scottish couple, became fascinated by the smaller number of murals on the East Pier wall that existed back then. They were thrilled when I decided to paint their vessel on the wall! Afterwards, they sailed to Wicklow several times a year.

This couple also informed the owners of another very old Scottish fishing smack, the 'William McCann' that if they accompanied them to Wicklow, she would also be painted as a mural on the wall! Both vessels were painted by me with the Scottish flag prominent on their respective murals, as the owners were very proud of their heritage. Artistic license allowed me to do this!

While the two vessels happened to be in port together, I was offered the chance of a trip to Arklow on board the 'Rosa & Ada' on a nice summer's afternoon. I was welcomed aboard, complete with my bike for my return trip back home! We were going to race the other sailing vessel, the 'William McCann' down the coastline. We departed Wicklow Harbour simultaneously, and embarked on what proved to be a quite tight sailing race, culminating in the 'Rosa & Ada' berthing at Arklow slightly ahead of the larger vessel. The banter and the camaraderie still lingers on in my mind! After a little celebratory meal together, I cycled back to WicklowTown, a very happy man indeed!

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