Last weekend I happened to mention to my folks that I had seen two Star Yachts on sale at a second-hand shop in Los Gatos California for $45 and $55. They were both SY2 models.
Star Yachts were toy yachts that came in sizes from quite small to the large ones with complex sails that were named after stars. From these yachts you learned to trim sails and to trust that they would make it all the way across the boating pond to be collected and sent out again.
My first (and only boat) was a ‘Northern Star’ an SY5 model.
From a sale on eBay here’s more background: Star Yacht manufacturers, whose model boats sold world-wide, was founded by Franz Denye in 1922. For centuries his family had built wooden fishing boats near Ostende, Belgium, but after the outbreak of the First World War he decided to escape to England. He eventually settled in Birkenhead, where he founded the family business in Marion Street. This business lasted three generations, only closing when the local council made a compulsory purchase order in 1990.
Or a brief description with photographs can be found at The Vintage Model Yacht Group.
Later that same afternoon, my Father vanished into the garage and emerged a few minutes later with my yacht – now 50 years old. Purchased on a holiday to Morecambe Lancashire and a veteran of boating lakes from Cornwall to the Lake District and still as beautiful as the day I chose her !
I wonder how many toys this Christmas will still be cherished and usable in 50 years time? And give so much pleasure when re-discovered?