The Boleh Trust is proud to report that on this day, 75 years ago, our unique Junk Yacht Boleh (whose name means ‘Can-do’ in Malay) arrived in the UK. Designed by owner Robin Kilroy and built in Singapore by Malay shipwrights, she was launched in 1949 with the words “I name you Boleh – and may you live up to it!” And in 1950 she did – leaving Singapore on 18 January and anchoring off the Ferry Steps in Salcombe at 16.10 on 1 September to a 3-gun salute from the Salcombe Yacht Club.
Her crew, ‘weary but triumphant’, had completed an epic 15,000 mile voyage, featured in the next day’s Press, and later recorded in Robin’s book Boleh. As the Daily Express reported – the “Can do, Could!” – and Boleh received ‘a tremendous welcome from the Mayor, townspeople and summer visitors’. Photo taken on arrival in 1950 shows Skipper Robin Kilroy (bottom right) with crew (from left to right) Chang Hai Kun (Cook), Peter Aplin (Navigator), John Rusher (Logistics), and George Jarvis (Shipwright).
Covid delayed celebrating the 70th anniversary of Boleh’s arrival but in 2021, with a Devon Army Cadet crew, Boleh was able to visit Salcombe. Escorted into harbour, she attracted much attention with a Yacht Club reception and a special Maritime Museum display. Now the Trust uses the ‘can-do’ story of Boleh’s past achievements to encourage young and old with challenge in their lives. We are grateful to all the funders and volunteers whose generosity and dedication continue to make this possible.
