M/Y St. Eval was originally launched as Chieftain for the tug company Steele and Bennie. She was a working steam-powered tug in Scotland’s Clyde Estuary for many years prior and during World War II. She escorted such famous warships as Hood, Howe and Reknown. Later owner Falmouth Towing renamed her St. Eval after a Cornish bishop. Converted to diesel power, she worked through the 1980s until she was outfitted as flagship yacht for an America’s Cup Challenge bid. Purchased in 1992 by American industrialist Dennis Washington, she was brought to America and underwent further extensive refitting and renovation, with new living space added. Under his direction, the same architects and craftsmen employed in the initial remodeling custom-built the new portions of the tug in their studio in England, then reassembled their work aboard St. Eval in Seattle. Following her latest transformation, a new teak deck covers two staterooms, two heads and showers, and a covered aft dining area. The upper deck, where an inflatable and an 18-foot runabout are stored, accommodates a hot tub and barbecue area. Extra quarters were constructed below deck aft, and the renovated flybridge provides a spectacular view.
In addition to making structural, power plant, and system improvements, Washington commissioned noted maritime artist Patrick Haskett to research and create a series of paintings depicting episodes in the vintage tug’s career. The collection hangs throughout her interior. From her lavishly appointed staterooms to her spotless engine room, St. Eval is meticulously maintained as a floating objet d’art.
Specifications
BUILDER: Scott and Sons, Glasgow, Scotland
CONSTRUCTED: 1930
REGISTRY: George Town, Grand Cayman Is.
LOA: 114 ft
DRAFT: 15 ft
BEAM: 26.5 ft
HULL MATERIAL: steel
SUPERSTRUCTURE: steel and wood
GROSS TONNAGE: 250
MAX. SPEED: 12 knots
RANGE: 5873 nautical miles
ENGINE: Cleveland 46-278A diesel, 1,000 hp
GENERATORS: 2X Caterpillar 75kW, 1X John Deere 20Kw night generator
CREW: 2