Log Book and Ephemera charting trips around Anglesey on board the small cabin cruiser ‘Bonito’ throughout 1957 - 1962

A Weymouth Log Book absolutely bursting with meticulous detail which charts ‘Bonito’s’ journey to Wales and its daily runs from its moorings in Moel y Don on Anglesey throughout the years 1957 - 1962. The vessel, a Vedette Mk II is owned by Dr K. K. Wood of Bury who has paid scrupulous attention to charting every twist and turn, adding many items of ephemera tipped in between the leaves. Annual trips on board to Puffin Island, Redwarf Bay, Britannia Bridge, Llandwyn Island and Caernarfon fill the leaves. Repairs and costs are recorded at Dickie’s Boat House, dinner and lunch receipts (The Mermaid Inn) are pasted or laid in, hand drawn maps accompany detailed descriptions, photographs, weather reports, paper cuttings and letters reveal every detail of the vessel’s history. A letter from HM Custom & Excise, Caernarfon dated Aug. 1962 reads ‘ I have to inform you that a lifeboat converted into a cabin cruiser, and named ‘BONITO’ was reported to me as having been found adrift near to the Menai Strait Bar on the ebb of the tide on the morning of 2nd August’. Further letters reveal that the ‘Bonito’ was subsequently recovered by a Mr Richard Lovell of Caer Ymryson and this log book, found in the cabin, reunited the vessel back with its owner. Very pleasingly photographs of what surely must be both the ‘Bonito’ and Mr K.K. Wood are laid into the final leaves.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Blue cloth hard backed boards titled in gilt in very good condition. Binding sound and square. Circa 100 pages within (all annotated in great detail) in clean, crisp condition. Measures 26 cm x 20 cm. A fabulous piece of maritime cultural history.