MFV119 Admiralty type Class 1 65' MFV, built in 1944 which served during the D-Day landings of 1944 at Omaha Beach with the US special Services, and as such, is registered as a historic vessel. Based in East Cowes Marina, with great facilities, including free parking and a good pub very nearby. Water taxis are able close by to take you into the heart of Cowes, or any other place on the water. MFV119 has been restored and converted into a comfortable well equipped motor sailing yacht, able to sleep 9 guests. Excellent views can be had from the wheelhouse galley/dining area. With modern cooking facilities and good seating makes an excellent communal space. Below decks are found a large saloon, which boasts a full size upright piano. Also a TV, radio/CD player, and plenty of books will be found. 2 guests would have to sleep in the saloon making 9 bunks. There may be a chance you can moor your yacht alongside when racing?

I bought 'MFV119' as an abandoned hulk in 2003. The boat had been stripped of anything valuable by the scrapyard in Portsmouth and the valueless wooden hull was left to sink at the scrapyard. The vessel was patched up and floated to Cowes, where again it was partly repaired and left abandoned due to the huge work required to save it. I then bought the boat as a project, and rebuilt it to what it is now As no original features existed, I redesigned the boat to make it into a usable family boat. MFV119 is a historic vessel, used during the D-Day landings of 1944, with US Special services,(I have no idea what it actually did!) MFV119 was sent out to replace MFV118 that had been blown to pieces. She was later used as a diving and salvage vessel involved in underwater archaeological exploration and investigation of important historical wrecks such as 'HMS Pomone' (1805) and 'HMS Assurance' (1753) so the boat has a huge history. MFV - Motor Fishing Vessel - During the war, the British Government commissioned a class of heavily built wooden boats designed on the lines of a fishing trawler, as the hull design proved to be very hard wearing and good for heavy seas. The idea was that the vessels could be sold to the fishing fleets after the war. MFV119 never took part in any fishing work. Over 1500 MFV's where built for the war effort, but only a handful survive today. For more history and to see the restoration work on MFV119, just Google the boats name, and you will find loads of interesting photos and info.

The Isle of Wight is full with interesting places. I would be delighted to direct you to some hidden gems. Beautiful hidden areas perfect for quiet picnics, or caves used by smugglers with ancient skull and crossbones carved in the entrance for just a small example, I would be delighted to give directions to these places so few (even locals) know about. As well as fantastic walks , there are cycle routes here that can take you from where the boat is moored, all over the island, without ever going on a busy road, so perfect for the kids, and perfect for those who want a quieter time. Then there are the fabulous beaches, some so secluded and utterly beautiful, some rocky, some sandy, to the popular beaches. There are many museums to visit, From the classic boat museum, to castles and Queen Victoria's home at Osborne, a 10 minute walk from MFV119. The view from the boat is great. You will be able to sit in the large upstairs dining area / galley (kitchen) and watch the visiting yachts coming in and mooring all around you. Large commercial ships will pass close by bringing in all kinds of goods to the Island, an impressive sight wen you are so close as they pass.