1947, 32′ Maxwell built passenger vessel
Sheena was built for William Nicholson of Balfour village, Shapinsay and launched at Kirkwall from the James Maxwell yard in May 1947. At her launch see was described as:
Strongly built, and of graceful lines, she is of superb workmanship. The boat has an overall length length of twenty-six feet three inches, having a beam of eight feet three inches and approximate draught of three feet. She is clinker built in larch with wrought oak timbers, and all copper fastened. All the fittings are of heavy brass. She is fitted with a wheelhouse, and has accommodation for twelve passengers.
The engine is a 15h.p. Ricardo Kelvin petrol-paraffin, which gives her a speed of about seven knots. She carries a mast and lug sail.
William Nicholson intended to use Sheena for hiring purposes between Shapinsay and Kirkwall and the isles in the summer months.
Sheena was lengthened by 5′ in the head in the late 1940s or early 1950s as part of a repair after she burst some of her planks when returning home from a trip to Auskerry. This alteration improved her seakeeping and made her an excellent sea boat.
Sheena at work
May 2023
Sheena is lifted out the water in Kirkwall and transported to the OHBS storage facility in Stromness.
