‘The Most Beautiful Yacht
Ever Built in Ireland’
by David Carroll

In May 2020, veteran yachting journalist W. M. Nixon wrote an online piece reflecting on some of Ireland’s most enduringly beautiful yachts. In it, he posed a rhetorical question about the steam yacht Maritana, launched from the Neptune Iron Works, Waterford, in 1882. Nixon’s article bore the striking title: “Is this Waterford Steamship the Most Beautiful Yacht Ever Built in Ireland?”

Given Nixon’s stature as one of Ireland’s most respected yachting writers, and a man with a discerning eye for maritime elegance, few—if any—would contest his judgement on that point.

The Waterford Standard of Wednesday, 19 July 1882 carried the following report:

Launch at Waterford. – “On Saturday evening last, at six o’clock, a very beautiful steam yacht was launched from the slip of the Neptune Iron Works in this city for Messrs. Denny and Atkins. The yacht is 84 feet in length, 8 ½ feet in depth, and measures about 55 tons. She is powered by machinery of twenty horsepower and is expected to reach a high rate of speed. She is tastefully fitted with cabins of native wood, upholstered in crimson velvet. This handsome yacht makes a most striking appearance in the water, and reflects great credit on the workmanship of this old and respected establishment. As she left the ways she was christened Maritana by Miss Horn, daughter of the designer and builder.”

This report is of particular interest as it records the very last vessel launched from the Neptune Iron Works. The yard had been founded in 1843 as a repair base for the growing fleet of the enterprising Malcomson family. Its first new-build, the SS Neptune, was launched in 1846, and over the decades some forty steamships were constructed there, among them five large Atlantic liners for the Malcomsons’ London, Le Havre and New York Line: SS Cella (1862), SS Iowa (1863), SS Cordova (1864), SS William Penn (1865) and SS Indiana (1867).

Under master shipbuilder John Horn, and later his son Andrew, the yard flourished, employing more than a thousand men at its height. From the 1870s, however, fortunes declined—particularly after the bankruptcy of the Malcomson brothers—and by 1882, when Maritana was launched, only thirty-two men remained at work. Fittingly, the last five vessels built at Neptune were all steam yachts:

• Miriam – 59 ft, 1876

• Glow-Worm – 65 ft, 1876

• Maud – 65 ft, 1877

• Lance – 50 ft, 1880

• Maritana – 77 ft, 1882

Another yacht, the Phoenix, had also been launched there in 1873. Maritime historian Bill Irish records that Maud was built for Mr Power of Faithlegg, Co. Waterford, though Lloyd’s Register of Yachts (1880) lists Mr John Paley of Glasgow as owner. The same edition shows Mr A. Denny of Waterford owning Glow-Worm, while Miriam is given to Mr Francis Lyons of Cork. The Lance, Irish suggests, was built for the Cork Fishery Board, most likely as a patrol craft.

The choice of name for the fine new yacht of 1882 was a most fitting one. Maritana had long been associated with Waterford through the opera of that title, composed by local-born William Vincent Wallace. First staged at Drury Lane, London, in 1845, it enjoyed huge success. Wallace himself had been born on Colbeck Street, Waterford, in 1812.

Maritana and Lloyd’s Register

While the craftsmanship of Andrew Horn rightly deserves credit for Maritana, another name linked to the yacht through Lloyd’s Register is that of St Clare John Byrne (1831–1915). Byrne, a gifted naval architect of the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, was renowned for his designs of large luxury yachts. The son of an Irish shipowner, Byrne grew up in Birkenhead, where he trained and quickly rose through the design offices of the busy Merseyside yards.

Maritana first appeared in Lloyd’s Register of Yachts in 1883, with F. St Leger Atkins listed as her owner. Yet the Waterford Standard had also cited Mr Denny. Presumably this referred to Abraham Denny, already owner of another yacht, Glow-Worm. Denny was chairman of the Waterford Steamship Company, which then controlled the Neptune yard, while Thomas St Leger Atkins was manager of the Bank of Ireland in Waterford. Both were prominent figures in the city’s commercial life, and evidence suggests a close business relationship. A report from 1879 notes Atkins among the select passengers aboard the SS Comeragh on her trials, a vessel built at Govan for the Waterford Steamship Company. It seems likely some form of partnership existed between the two men to ensure the building of the Maritana and the financing of the project—Denny, after all, had every reason to keep the yard active.

Abraham Denny (1820–1892), long-serving chairman of the Waterford Steamship Company, had originally trained as an architect. Son of Henry Denny, founder of the famous bacon-curing enterprise, he expanded the family business from 1855 onwards. By 1882, the Waterford plant was said to be the largest curing works in Europe. Denny also held the chairmanship of several railway companies. On his death in 1892, his estate was valued at £174,967.

Thomas St Leger Atkins (1832–1894)

Born into a prosperous family, Thomas St Leger Atkins (1832–1894) was appointed Agent of the Bank of Ireland in Waterford in 1868, having already served in posts with the Bank at Waterford, Wexford, and Tipperary.

The Waterford Mail of 3 July 1868 recorded his appointment in glowing terms:

Bank of Ireland – Retirement of Mr Grant. – “Henry D’Olier Grant Esq., who for a very long period efficiently filled the office of Agent of the Bank of Ireland here has resigned the post. We learn with much pleasure that the merchants, traders, and customers of the Bank have memorialled the directors, requesting them to nominate to the vacant office Thomas St. Leger Atkins Esq. This gentleman is well known in Waterford for the manner in which he discharged the onerous duties of cashier for many years. He was promoted from this office to the sub-agency at Wexford, and further promoted to the important charge of being agent in the prosperous town of Tipperary. Mr Atkins’ ability and experience alike commend him to the directors for the vacant post, and we are sure they will best serve their interests by complying with the request of the memorial now before them.”

In October 1862, Atkins had married Susan Ivie Pope, eldest daughter of the late Richard Pope of Sion Hill, Waterford. The ceremony took place at the Abbey Church, Ferrybank. The Pope family were prominent merchants and shipowners in the city, and their property included the site of White’s dockyard at Ferrybank.

Thomas and Susan Atkins had four children—three daughters and a son. Tragedy struck when two daughters died young: Maude at twelve years in 1882, and Lizzie at twenty-four in 1887. Another daughter, Josephine, married the Rev. W. G. Gillmor, newly appointed rector of St Andrew’s Church, Dunmore East, on 7 November 1882. Their wedding at Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny came during a year of mixed emotions for the family. With the launch of the Maritana in July, the death of young Maude just nine days before, and Josephine’s marriage in November, joy and grief were deeply intertwined.

Before Josephine’s marriage, the Atkins family were already well acquainted with Dunmore East. It is also quite likely that members of the Maritana’s crew were drawn from the local fishermen and seafaring families of the district.

In 1884, when the first RNLI lifeboat Henry Dodd was stationed at Dunmore East, Rev. Gillmor was made Honorary Secretary of the local committee. He continued in this role until his sudden death in April 1913. Josephine survived him by more than thirty years, dying in 1947 at Delgany, Co. Wicklow. The Waterford Standard of 12 July that year paid tribute to her life, noting her connection with the Maritana. She was buried at Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, beside her husband.

Obituary of Mrs Josephine Gillmor, daughter of Thomas St Leger Atkins as published in the Waterford Standard on July 12th.

OBITUARY: MRS JOSEPHINE GILLMOR

The death of Mrs Josephine Gillmor, who will be remembered by many of our readers, occurred recently at her home in Delgany, Co Wicklow, where she resided in her haven of quietness, which she loved so much, with her friends, Miss Richardson, and Mrs Moore.

Mrs Gillmor was daughter of Thomas P Atkins, late Bank of Ireland Manager, who owned a beautiful yacht, the “Maritana,”, and the late Mrs Susan Atkins and whose brother the late Heyward Atkins lived at “Weston”, Waterford, for a number of years.

Mrs Gillmor was widow of Reverend WG Gillmor, M.A., late Rector of Dunmore East, where they both lived for many years and were loved by the people of that lovely little seaside place.

Thomas St. Leger Atkins:
Life wasn't all plain sailing for Thomas St. Leger, according to this newspaper report.

The Clonmel Chronicle of 22 July 1876 recounts a near-tragedy:

Very Serious Accident. – “I regret to state that a very serious accident occurred to Thomas St Leger Atkins, Esq., the respected Manager of the Bank of Ireland, in this city, on Monday evening. As he was driving to Dunmore, where he and his family are staying, his horse shied, bolted, stumbled, and finally overturned the small phaeton, throwing Mr Atkins heavily on his head, causing a severe scalp wound with other injuries. Mr Atkins, however, managed to regain his feet, bound his head with a handkerchief, and walk to Dunmore, the mishap having occurred close to the town. He was met by Mrs Atkins, who, alarmed, brought him home and sent a telegram to Waterford for medical aid. Meanwhile, cold water was applied until Drs. Cavet, G. I. Mackesy, Burkitt, and Delandre arrived to give assistance. Latest accounts report his condition as not worsened. Deep regret is felt in town at this accident to a gentleman so widely and deservedly respected.”

Thankfully he survived and a few years later he was back on the water.

It was not long after the launch of Maritana that her grace and beauty were displayed to the people of Waterford.
At a regatta on the River Suir on 1 August 1882, the Waterford Standard reported:

“There were a good number of yachts and steam launches on the river during the day, among the former the splendid yacht Valetta, the property of P. M. Power Esq., D.L., Faithlegg; Messrs Denny and Atkins’ newly built and pretty yacht Maritana; and the sailing yacht of Joseph Strangman, Esq., D.L. Conspicuous among the launches were those of Messrs Allingham, Kerr, Prossor, and others.”

Again, it is noteworthy that the name Denny continued to be linked with ownership of the vessel. With her fine clipper bow and graceful lines, the Maritana was admired far beyond Waterford. At Cowes Regatta in 1884 she received the coveted Concours d’Elegance, a mark of her distinction among yachts of her day.

There is little doubt that Thomas St Leger Atkins took immense pride in his yacht. The prestige she brought to her owner was matched by the pride she reflected on his native city.

From the Waterford Standard, 22 May 1889:

Local Yachting Intelligence. – “Within the past few days several yachts belonging to this port have left their winter quarters and arrived at their moorings. The Maritana and Nereid, two very handsome screw steamers, and belonging respectively to T. P. Atkins Esq., Bank of Ireland, and John N. White Esq., Rocklands, have taken up their accustomed positions opposite the Adelphi Wharf. Both vessels looked remarkably well, each having undergone the usual overhauling and repainting preparatory to the season. The capacious and graceful steam yacht Jennie, belonging to Mr P. M. Power of Faithlegg, may be expected in her place in a few days. Ald. Strange’s trim cutter has also arrived. An important addition to the local fleet has been made by Mr Richard Dillon of the Quay, who has purchased the newly built cutter Maggie, twenty tons register. Fresh from the builder’s hands, she is constructed on the latest approved lines, her pretty outline and large spread of canvas giving her an exceedingly attractive appearance. Several cruisers have already reached Dunmore.”

Three years later, the Waterford Standard of 14 September 1892 reported on the generosity of Mr Atkins in placing his yacht at the service of the Church of Ireland Temperance Society:

“A charming excursion was arranged to New Ross, the party being welcomed on board by Mrs Atkins and Mr H. St Leger Atkins.”

The Waterford Mirror and Tramore Visitor, on 15 September, offered a shorter account under the heading An Interesting Excursion:

“Our esteemed fellow citizen, Mr St Leger Atkins, conveyed the members of the Church of Ireland Temperance Society to New Ross on Friday in his yacht Maritana, where they spent a most enjoyable day. The party were met at New Ross by the Rev. Canon LeHunte, the esteemed Rector, by whom they were hospitably entertained, and returned about 6.30 p.m. after a most delightful day.”

On 26 April 1894, Thomas St Leger Atkins died. The Waterford News described his funeral as “one of the most imposing witnessed in the city for a very long time.” His personal estate in England and Ireland exceeded £23,000.

Maritana After Thomas St Leger Atkins

His only son, Heyward St Leger Atkins, was the chief beneficiary of his estate. Unlike his father, however, he showed little enthusiasm for yachting and perhaps was unwilling to shoulder the considerable expense of maintaining a large steam yacht. Though briefly listed in Lloyd’s Register as the owner, he soon sought to dispose of her.

On 16 March 1895, an advertisement appeared in The Field magazine offering the 56-ton Maritana for sale, with applications directed to Mr H. St Leger Atkins, 108 The Quay, Waterford. The advertisement was repeated two years later, suggesting a sale proved difficult. A local directory of 1894 lists Heyward as a stockbroker at that address. He died on 16 February 1927.

The 1898 Lloyd’s Register still listed Maritana with Waterford as her port, but ownership had passed to three Belfast gentlemen: Samuel Stevenson, Thomas Sawers, and T. E. McConnell, all prominent figures in the city’s commercial and civic life. Sawers is remembered as founder of Sawers Ltd., the celebrated delicatessen established in 1897 and still trading in Belfast today. Samuel Stevenson was a noted architect, while McConnell would later be knighted by King George VI during a royal visit to Belfast in 1937, having earlier served as an MP at Westminster (1921–1929).

By 1903, ownership had shifted again, with Lloyd’s listing Maritana to “McCormick Bros” and her port changed to Glasgow. In 1904, the registered owner became William Thomas, and by 1906 the port of registry was altered to “Milford,” almost certainly Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Man Lost from a Yacht, 1908

Newspaper reports from 1908 record a tragic incident involving the Maritana while on passage to Lerwick in the Shetlands.

From The Scotsman, 20 October 1908:

Man Lost From a Yacht. – “A severe gale of wind and rain was experienced on the Aberdeenshire coast yesterday. The wind, from the south-south-east, drove heavy seas against shipping making for the port. Last night the steam yacht Maritana, of Milford, arrived at Aberdeen in a disabled condition. About three miles off the coast she was struck by a heavy sea, and two men were washed overboard. One was rescued, but the other, whose name was unknown and who had only recently joined the yacht at Goole from the schooner Friendship of Ipswich, was drowned. The yacht, belonging to Mr W. H. Smith of Goole, was bound from Hull to Shetland.”

Curiously, Lloyd’s Register does not record a Mr W. H. Smith as owner, raising the question of mistaken identity. While several small wooden yachts bore the name Maritana, only one steam yacht was registered at Milford at that time.

An inquiry was subsequently held into the death of the seaman.
The Aberdeen Press and Journal, 27 November 1908, reported the proceedings.

Seaman Drowned in Aberdeen Bay

"The last formal inquiry into the Maritana concerned the death of Richard Henry Hall, a seaman who was drowned on 19 October 1908 off Aberdeen Bay.

Captain Olaf Einerson, a Shetlander, testified that he had been in command of the yacht, then on passage from Goole to Lerwick, when she met very heavy weather. About two miles off Aberdeen harbour a tremendous sea struck the vessel, sweeping her decks and washing Hall overboard.

Other evidence was heard, after which the jury returned a formal verdict of death by drowning."

A new ownership was noted in the 1909 Lloyd’s Register of Yachts, with Alfred Milburn listed as owner, though Milford remained the port of registry. This would prove to be the last name recorded. By the following year, Maritana no longer appeared in the main register. Instead, a brief entry was found in a separate section entitled List of Vessels Removed from the Register of Yachts, noting the 56-ton Maritana as “Sold to Italy – no longer a yacht.”

What became of her in Italy is, sadly, unknown. Was she converted for fishing, taken into naval service, or simply broken up for scrap? The answer may never be known, and the fate of one of Waterford’s finest yachts remains a mystery.

The Phoenix: A Contrasting Fate

In striking contrast, the steam yacht Phoenix—built at Neptune Iron Works nine years before the Maritana—never left Irish ownership. As she nears her 150th anniversary, she can still be seen sailing proudly on Lough Derg, a remarkable testament to her successive owners. The Phoenix is now the only surviving vessel built in Waterford.

The Cork Examiner of 15 May 1873 recorded her launch:

Launch of a Yacht. – “A steam yacht, built for William Spaight Esq., of Derry Castle, Killaloe, was launched on Thursday morning from the Neptune Shipbuilding Yard, the property of Malcomson Brothers, Waterford. In design she is a model of neatness. Her length is 55 feet, beam 10 feet, depth 9 feet, and tonnage about 30. She is provided with a pair of high-pressure direct-acting engines of 10 horsepower, with suitable boilers. The cabin, placed amidships, is very neatly furnished for a party of 20. She was launched complete, her engines and boilers being manufactured at the same establishment. On gliding into the Suir she was named Phoenix. Mr Spaight was unable to attend owing to the visit of their Excellencies, the Lord Lieutenant and Countess Spencer, to Limerick.”

In 1884, Phoenix was leased to George Arthur Waller, Chief Brewer and Chief Engineer with Arthur Guinness, Son & Co. She was later purchased in 1903 by Mr Harry Lefroy, great-uncle of her present owner. Over the years she passed through several hands, underwent modifications, and at one point received a diesel engine. Happily, she has now returned to the Lefroy family, in the care of Mr John Lefroy.

That continuity of ownership and careful stewardship stands in sharp relief to the uncertain fate of the Maritana. Had she remained in Ireland, might she too have survived? With conservation and care, could she still be seen today making her way down the Suir into Waterford Harbour, or up the Barrow to New Ross? Such a sight would surely be magnificent—an emblem of Waterford’s proud maritime past, and a living reminder of the craftsmanship of the Neptune Iron Works.

It is worth remembering that more than forty steamships were built there, many under the direction of master shipbuilder John Horn. In fact, as was claimed in the House of Commons in 1868, the Malcomsons—founders of the yard—were said to be the largest shipowners in the world, with ninety ships registered at Waterford.

Epilogue

"The fate of the Maritana is tinged with sadness. Launched with such pride in Waterford in 1882, she was the last great vessel to emerge from the Neptune Iron Works—a shipyard that once placed Waterford among the foremost centres of shipbuilding in these islands. For Thomas St Leger Atkins, she was both a source of joy and a mark of distinction, admired by all who saw her glide along the Suir. For the city itself, she was a symbol of beauty and craftsmanship at a time when shipbuilding was already in decline.

Unlike the Phoenix, still sailing on Lough Derg after almost 150 years, the Maritana did not survive. Sold abroad and eventually lost from the records, her story ended without trace. And yet, one cannot help but wonder what might have been. What if she had remained in Ireland? What if successive generations had cared for her, preserved her, and restored her to her former glory? How magnificent it would be today to see the Maritana steaming proudly down the Suir or into Dunmore Harbour—a living reminder of Waterford’s shipbuilding heritage, a floating link to the city’s past.

As I reflect on her story, I am struck not only by what was lost, but by what endures. The Maritana may be gone, but her memory survives—in the archives, in the recollections of Waterford’s people, and in the continuing pride of a maritime city that once built some of the finest vessels in the world. It is in remembering ships like the Maritana that we keep alive the legacy of those who designed, built, and sailed them, and remind ourselves of the rich seafaring heritage that still defines Waterford today."

Many thanks are due to the following for their assistance with this article:  Mr Cormac Lowth, Maritime Historian, Mr Hal Sisk, Chairman of the Association of Yachting Historians, Waterford County Museum, Cian Manning, Mr John Lefroy, and Mr Padraic Ó Brolcháin.