WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF
WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON

William & Kate Johnston, which is listed on the United Kingdom's National Register of Historic Vessels, was launched in 1923. She was designed as a prototype lifeboat by James R. Barnett, Consulting Naval Architect to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. She was built, with double diagonal teak hull, by J. Samuel White and Co. at Cowes.

At the time of her launch she was the largest lifeboat in the world. (Length: 60 ft; Bre. 15 ft; Displacement 44.5 tons; cruising speed 9 knots; cruising radius 200 nautical miles.)

Photo above shows WKJ on the Thames Autumn 2002
(picture courtesy of Gravesend RNLI)

WKJ, Irish Sea, returning to the Mersey for the first time in more than fifty years
(pic courtesy of New Brighton RNLI)

The William and Kate Johnston's previous owners rigged her as a gaff ketch. She is currently undergoing extensive restoration. To help with this the current owners plan to charter the vessel for private cruising, training and corporate hospitality.

They also plan to make the boat available to teaching establishments, social groups and charities. To preserve in seagoing condition this exceptional prototype lifeboat, a rare vessel of considerable historic significance, they are also actively seeking sponsorship. Please contact us if you would like further information.