Sunday 17 July 2011

Steam Yacht Galatea

My grandfather Alfred Edward Acton retired from long service in the grand Cunard transatlantic liners, such as 'ss Bothnia' and 'ss galia' from Liverpool to New York as chef and ended his days serving as chef in the prestigious steam yatch Galatea.
Could you tell me more about the life and times of the yatch and the calibre of the dignitaries visiting the port's dock system.
I would appreciate a photo if available.
Many thanks,
Norman Edward Acton.

3 comments:

  1. Hello Norman,

    The Galatea was the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board's yacht and was used for official functions around the dock estate - entertaining guests, breaking ribbons at opening ceremonies etc. The boat in the museum collection was a rowing tender from the Galatea and would have been used to transfer people and equipment between the yacht and the shore.

    The Galatea entertained many high profile guests during its working life, including the Queen when she was still Princess Elizabeth, but the yacht was not replaced when taken out of service in 1958. In Liverpool the yacht was known as the "gala - tea"!

    Regards

    Rob Ainsworth

    Web Administrator
    Liverpool History Society

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  2. Galatea Yacht was such a royal and luxurious steam yacht. I love Steam yachts.Do you have any pictures of Galatea? If you have pictures please post it. Thank you....

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  3. Hi , My Great Grandfather was also on the Galatea . He was on board during the opening of the Gladstone dock. I have many pictures of her as I have been tracing her history for many years.If you email me at john.macaulay4@gmail.com , I will send you what I can.
    Thanks...John

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