Specification
- Name: COLIN ARCHER
- Class: B
- Nationality: Norway
- Year built: 1893
- Rig: Gaff Ketch
- Height: 21.9913199665732 m
- Length of hull: 32.0009519513586 m
- Entered by: Norwegian Maritime Museum
About
- Number of trainees: 4
- Number of permanent crew: 3
Biography
In 1891 the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue was founded, and a year later Colin Archer built the first rescue cutter. This prototype cost NOK10.900,43, including beer for the workers. At the launch in July 1893, the ship was named after its designer. RS1 Colin Archer proved convincing during her first season, and became the prototype for every rescue cutter built in Norway over the next 30 years. The vessel had an impressive record: she saved 67 ships and 236 people, as well as assisting 1522 vessels carrying some 4500 crew.
In 1961 she was found in America in a terrible condition after many years in private hands. She was brought back to Norway, and became a scouts’ boat for some years, but was finally acquired in 1972 by the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The hull was comprehensively overhauled in 1977, and the interior was refurbished and restored to its original colours in 1993.
RS1 Colin Archer was Winner over all in the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Races in 1983, 1987 and 1993, when she also took home the Cutty Sark Trophy.
Keeping her in the water preserves for future generations not only the ship, but also the knowledge of how to sail her.
email: tor@bestmann.no