It currently belongs in the Fred Coupland Collection, which is to be sold at auction by Cheffins of Cambridge on October 11 and 12.
One of 17 children, Fred Coupland was one of the great preservationists in the world of steam engines and fairground rides, and this, one of only two such double yacht rides in existence, was the star of his collection. It was originally supplied to well-known Leeds-based fairground operator John W. Waddington, who sold it to Harry Lee in 1948, who took care of it for 36 years before selling it to Coupland in 1984, from which time it has been a regular feature of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and other fairs and rallies throughout the UK. It is estimated at £150,000 –£200,000.
Still a dreamboat at 101
It’s difficult to imagine how many children and would-be children have enjoyed a trip on this very original ride since it was first constructed by Savage Bros Ltd of Kings Lynn in 1901. Known as Harry Lee’s Famous Steam Double Yacht Ride, its two yachts, Columbia and Shamrock, carry an impressive capacity of 30 passengers.
