ARDEA
'The Prodigal Pleasure Wherry'
From our Guestbook
"I had an incredible time on Ardea! So happy. The crew took such excellent care of us.
Friendly, informal, blissful.
I loved every minute of the day!"
Fact File:
Name: Ardea
Length: 65 feet
Weight: 32 tonnes
Type of Wherry: Pleasure Wherry
Built by: Boatyard of Leo Robinson
Launched: 1927
Maximum capacity for a day sail: 12
Suggested capacity if sleeping aboard: 4-6
Special notes: The Rolls Royce of wherries!
Why sail on Ardea?
Ardea, which is Latin for Heron, is the largest pleasure wherry ever built and is often referred to as the most luxurious wherry in the WYC fleet.
Her grand, spacious stateroom and varnished teak panelling make Ardea the perfect charter trip vessel for larger groups looking for a taste of luxury and for exclusive overnight stays for between four and six people.
Ardea is not usually used for Scheduled Sailings, but is available for charter for your own private sailing.
Key features of Ardea
> Large saloon with antique piano
> Toilet Facilities with basin and shower
> Unique teak panelling
> Large foredeck with seating area
> Gas cooker in spacious galley with extensive marble surfaces
History of Ardea
Designed and built by Leo Robinson for philanthropist Howard Hollingsworth, Ardea was commissioned to be a pleasure wherry so that Hollingsworth could enjoy cruises around the Norfolk Broads in comfort.
Ardea was launched on 13 September 1927 and changed hands multiple times after Hollingsworth sold her in 1934. Eventually Ardea crossed the English Channel in December 1958 and was moored opposite the Eiffel Tower among the houseboats. Ardea was soon bought by a Parisian Madame who allowed “her girls” to spend their spare time relaxing on board the wherry. In 1970 Ardea was bought by Philippe Rouff and travelled extensively on European waterways. The “lost” wherry eventually returned to the Broads in 2005 and was bought by the Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust in 2015.
