«A legendary boat restored at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: the Davia, a hero of the Battle of Dunkirk.
In the harbour of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, Bruno Van Hemelryck has spent three and a half years restoring a legendary British vessel. The Davia, built in 1929, has lived many lives. Above all, she is one of the 848 pleasure boats called to the rescue by Churchill in 1940 to bring home 350,000 soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk by German forces.»
Dunkirk Little Ship · 1929 — 2029
Davia, the last Dunkirk Little Ship yacht in France
1929
Year built
James Silver, Rosneath, Scotland
15.85 m
Length of the yacht
Largest DLS in France
2,400 h
Hours of restoration
since 2014, by Bruno
338,226
Soldiers rescued at Dunkirk
by the Little Ships in 1940
Official recognitions
Three heritage references
The Davia is officially recognised and listed by three naval heritage institutions.
From Rosneath to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
A century of sea, war and resurrection
- 01
1929
Built in Scotland
The James Silver Limited yard at Rosneath builds the Davia — a hull of oak, iroko and Maine pine. First owner: Sir William "Alec" Coryton, Air Chief Marshal RAF.
- 02
1940
Operation Dynamo
The Davia joins the 700 Little Ships requisitioned to evacuate Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. 338,226 soldiers rescued in nine days.
- 03
1974
Brought to France
John Shelby, an administrator of the International Herald Tribune, brings her to Paris for river tourism in Burgundy. Renamed Barracuda II.
- 04
1992
Saved from the wreck
Jacqueline and Francis Ruffenach find the Davia abandoned at Limay. Five years of work at Evans Marine, Migennes.
- 05
2014
Bruno's encounter
Bruno Van Hemelryck discovers the Davia asleep under a tarpaulin at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. He decides to take up the torch.
- 06
2019
Vessel of Heritage Interest
Patrimoine Maritime et Fluvial officially certifies the Davia as a vessel of heritage interest.
- 07
2029
Centenary
The Davia will turn 100. The association is preparing to take part in the major Operation Dynamo commemorations.
In the press
A legendary boat at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
Video report by Vladimir Berquez (#Dynamo85) on the official page of the French Navy.
President
The association
An association to preserve, pass on and sail
The Davia Association (French non-profit, loi 1901) was founded on 9 February 2021 to give structure to the mission of preserving the Davia, a 52 ft (15.85 m) classic yacht built in 1929 by James Silver Limited at Rosneath, Scotland. The Davia is the only Dunkirk Little Ship over 50 ft (15 m) still in France. Bruno Van Hemelryck, the association's president, has been restoring the vessel since 2014 — more than 2,400 hours of work to date, in preparation for her centenary in 2029.
« I love objects that carry a story, all the more so when that story moves me. »
Our missions
Preserve, pass on, set sail
The curious, enthusiasts, families
Visit the Davia
Step aboard a 1929 Dunkirk Little Ship moored on the river Yonne. Guided tours of about an hour, by appointment, at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne.
On request
Individual and corporate donors
Support the restoration
Every donation funds the restoration of the Davia and the preparation of her centenary in 2029. Gifts are 66% tax-deductible via HelloAsso for French taxpayers.
Free amount — 66% tax-deductible
Institutions, town councils, associations, media
Partnerships & events
The Davia Association takes part in maritime commemorations (Dunkirk, ADLS, Patrimoine Maritime et Fluvial) and welcomes cultural partnerships around naval remembrance.
On quotation
In original condition
A century of history preserved piece by piece
Bruno's voice
Why this boat
« The Davia is a living entity. She embodies the true Dunkirk Spirit, a flame of resilience and sacrifice. »
« In May 1940, at Dunkirk, my grandfather spent two days in the water before he was rescued. He told me the incredible story of Operation Dynamo. »
« The boat was ready to become beautiful again. She was like the chrysalis of a future butterfly. »
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know
What is a Dunkirk Little Ship?
A Dunkirk Little Ship is one of the British civilian vessels requisitioned in May-June 1940 for Operation Dynamo. These pleasure boats, fishing trawlers and lifeboats helped evacuate 338,226 Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk in nine days. Fewer than 50 of them survive today worldwide.
Where is the Davia?
The Davia is moored at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne (89500), in Burgundy, France, about an hour and a half south of Paris. It has been her home port since 2014.
Can the Davia be visited?
Yes, by appointment. Guided tours are led by Bruno Van Hemelryck, the association's president. To book, write to [email protected].
How can I make a donation to the association?
Donations are made online through the HelloAsso platform. French taxpayers receive a tax reduction of 66% of the amount given. A 100 euro donation actually costs 34 euros.
Who built the Davia?
The Davia was built in 1929 by the James Silver Limited yard at Rosneath, Scotland, to the Brown Owl design by John Bain. Her first owner was Sir William "Alec" Coryton, Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force.
Centenary 2029
So she can celebrate her 100th birthday
Every donation funds the restoration of the Davia and the preparation of her centenary in 2029. A 66% tax reduction applies for French taxpayers.
A 100 euro donation actually costs you 34 euros after tax relief.