CLOVER
A Storied Past...
Builder: A.R. Luke Brothers
Designer: Albert Luke
Date of Launch: May 7, 1938
Length: 68’ 00”
Beam: 14’ 03”
Draft: 9’ 00”
Displacement: 100,000 lbs.
Hull type: Full keel with attached rudder
Rig: Gaff Topsail Cutter
Clover was designed by Albert Luke and built in 1938 by Luke Brothers Boatyard at Hamble, for Eric Thompson, an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve.
Clover measures 68’ overall length, 50’ on the waterline, 14’3” beam, and 9’ draft. Her displacement is approximately 45 tonnes. She is traditionally carvel planked, using long pine planking and double-sawn oak frames.
At the start of World War II, Clover was pressed into service by the Royal Navy, sending marine surveyors offshore to intercept damaged merchant ships and bringing off injured crews. After the war, Clover reverted to being a private yacht and sailed the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean seas. Transiting the Panama Canal in 1970, she began a long and colorful career as a charter vessel in the San Francisco Bay Area. Falling into neglect in the 2000's, by 2016 she was scheduled to be be destroyed.
Assembling a team of talented shipwrights and tradesmen, and based at Sugar Dock and Svendsen's Bay Marine Boatyard, VetsBoats began a professional restoration project. Led by Jody Watt of Comprehensive Marine Services, this project is made possible by the work of our volunteer veterans, and the generous support of our wonderful donors. Together we are not only preserving Clover as a historically significant Bay Area vessel, we are also ensuring her readiness for future voyages.
Previous Phases Completed
The Clover restoration project has made significant progress, with the following milestones achieved:
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Rescued and transported the vessel to the boatyard to commence repairs.
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Replaced 10 planks and recaulked the bottom for structural integrity.
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Removed the old sailing rig, electrical, and plumbing systems, cataloging reusable components.
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Constructed a new main deck.
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Removed the pilot house, replacing floors, rotted frames, and stern post.
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Installed a new engine, shaft, and propeller system.
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Recaulked the topsides for weatherproofing.
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Rebuilt the cockpit and pilot house deck, adding internal bulkheads.
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Refurbished aft butterfly hatch and main cabin companionway hatch.
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Added new upholstery below deck and installed canvas hatch covers.
Upcoming Campaigns
The next phase will focus on completing the restoration with these key initiatives:
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Installing the Pilot House interior.
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Repainting topsides and installing name boards for final detailing.
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Installing refurbished cap rails and lifelines.
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Completing the galley interior with modern amenities.
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Integrating AC/DC electrical systems alongside sustainable energy solutions like windlass and bow thruster.
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Installing tankage and plumbing systems for functionality.
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Crafting new spars with traditional rigging techniques and cutting new sails.
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Finalizing mast installation and rig setup
"A re-christening signifies a change, a re-birth.
In Clover's case, it represents the beginning of a new phase of her life.
Thanks to the labors of volunteers, she will help those who have also experienced war find the healing joy that saltwater can bring.”
Clover's Journey
Clover is commandeered by the Royal Navy for six years of wartime support around the British Isles.
1939
1945
Clover cruises as a private yacht to the Baltic and Mediterranean.
Under new ownership, Clover is re-rigged as a sloop and cruises the Caribbean.
1960
Clover becomes a charter vessel, sailing through the Panama Canal and up to Sausalito, CA.
1968
1980
Clover sails as a private yacht, winning her class in the Master Mariner’s Regatta.
Falling on hard times, Clover begins a slow decline.
2000
VetsBoats works to save Clover and its dedicated team of shipwrights begins restoration.
2016
Over 20% of Clover's hull is replaced and she receives a new deck and engine.
2022
Clover is berthed most of the year at Sugar Dock in Richmond supporting the VetsBoats mission.
2023
VetsBoats commences restoration on the Pilothouse and installation of the electrical and plumbing systems.
2024
