[4] Bob Roberts described her as a "champion racing barge, a fast specially built model with magnificent leeboards, a beautifulstanding spread of canvas and a log run aft to give her speed.

"[5] Her career as a cargo carrying sailing barge came to an abrupt end in 1940 when a British military aircraft crashed into her deck.

Albert managed to get a Board of Trade certificate in readiness to carry 40 nurses and patients during their coastal trips.

The Phoenician was restored to its original specification, and resumed racing and coastal work as a barge yacht.

[1] Bubble cars were popular with coastal barge skippers, and Albert had bought a secondhand Messerschmitt KR200 which was stored in the hold, and eventually refurbished.

Her hull was constructed of pitch pine and oak, using a double skinned lapped plank method.