Carimuda (RAF Pinnace 1272) is the sole surviving 60-ft Special Duties Pinnace Mk I, built in 1943 by the renowned J. Samuel White & Co. of Cowes during the Second World War. One of only nineteen constructed, she offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of British maritime and aviation history.
Her hard-chine, double-diagonal mahogany hull remains largely original and is protected with copper sheathing installed for tropical service, reflecting the design lineage that supported the RAF’s wartime Air Sea Rescue operations. Originally allocated to RAF Gibraltar for rescue duties, she later served the Ministry of Civil Aviation at Poole before entering civilian use.
Currently registered with National Historic Ships UK (No. 3819) and formally recognised for her exceptional provenance, Carimuda is also under consideration for elevation to the National Historic Fleet, a group including some of Britain’s most treasured vessels.
Carimuda - RAF AirSea Rescue 1272
Her combination of historic authenticity, original hull construction, and live-aboard practicality makes her a standout acquisition for collectors, heritage enthusiasts, museums, and those seeking a truly unique classic vessel.
Key Features
- Sole surviving 60-ft RAF Special Duties Pinnace Mk I
- Built 1943 by J. Samuel White & Co., Cowes
- Hard-chine, double-diagonal mahogany hull with copper sheathing
- Registered National Historic Ships UK (No. 3819)
- Strong candidate for National Historic Fleet status
- Rich wartime and post-war service history
PLEASE DO NOT CALL BUT ENQUIRE VIA EMAIL
For the full history, details and contact form, visit the dedicated website: https://www.carimuda.co.uk
| Vessel type: | RAF Special Duties Pinnace Mk 1 |
| Designer: | J. Samuel White / British Power Boat Co. |
| Builder: | J. Samuel White / British Power Boat Co. |
| Make: | Admiralty |
| Model: | Pinnace |
| Fit Out: | Original hull but later fit-out |
| Constructed: | 1943 |
| HIN: | N/A (pre-HIN vessel) |
| Registration: | 304767 |
| Registry: | Dover |
| Berths: | 5 |
| No. of engines: | 2 |
| Engine model: | Diesel Perkins T6 354 (fitted 1974) |
| Fuel type: | Diesel |
| Length over all: | 60' |
| Beam: | 14' |
| Maximum draft: | 3' |
| Hull type: | Hard-chine, double-diagonal mahogany hull with copper sheathing |
| Hull colour: | White |
1 - Rear studio - film editing suite desk layout, shelved under desk with 20+ electrical points. Room also has L-shaped sofa (doubles as bed) and bookshelves.
2 -Rear Bathroom: Sink hot/cold water. Bookshelves. Plus storage space that once housed a washing machine.
3 - Bow Shower room. Walk through the shower room/toilet with hot and cold water taps and a shower.
4 - Galley kitchen - Tired propane-powered cooker and oven. It works but needs replacing. Sink with hot/ cold water taps. Various storage cupboards.
5 - Wheelhouse space. Sofa/single bed. Bookshelf. Assorted storage. Fridge/Freezer. Table for two
6 - Workspace. Currently used as a well-lit workshop. Table can be converted to bed.
7 - Bedroom in Bow. Double bed with purpose-made, slightly triangular mattress.
8 - Large engine room with original WW2 worktable and vice.
2 x PerkinsT6 354 Diesels fitted 1974
Note: Indicated location is approximate general area only.