A Family’s Legacy: The Dunleary and Dr. William McLaren
At the Dunleary Lifeboat Project, we’re privileged to uncover and preserve the stories that make up the rich history of this remarkable vessel. One such story comes from Ian McLaren, whose father, Dr. William McLaren, owned the Dunleary from the early 1950s until 1969. Ian’s recollections of his father’s time with the boat have provided us with a vivid and personal connection to her past.
Dr. William McLaren was a dedicated general practitioner in Sunderland with a passion for the sea. After acquiring the Dunleary, he had her remodeled and modernized at Lambies, a local shipyard in Wallsend. The boat became a central part of the McLaren family’s life, often docked in Sunderland’s North Dock after some mischievous locals repeatedly untied her in the South Dock. Despite these challenges, Dr. McLaren kept the boat in excellent condition, regularly beaching her to scrape barnacles and inspect the hull.
Ian shared wonderful memories of his father’s meticulous care and the camaraderie of the local dock community. Among Dr. McLaren’s trusted friends was Ted, who often helped with maintenance, sometimes arriving with his wife Suzie in a sidecar—a detail Ian notes you’d rarely see today! These friendships highlight the connections the Dunleary fostered, not just within the McLaren family but also among those who shared a love for the sea.
Ian himself recalls spending time on the Dunleary as a young boy. His mother, Alice, while less enthusiastic about the boat, made sure her son was safe, knitting him a bright orange and white jumper and tethering him to the deck with a blue nylon ribbon. Though Ian jokes about feeling like a dog tied outside a shop, these precautions gave his mother peace of mind. He also remembers the boat’s unique features, from the cabin’s horsehair cushions to its quirky toilet, which left a lasting impression on him.
A more poignant memory Ian shared was of his father’s love for Capstan Navy Cut cigarettes, a habit he believes contributed to his father’s emphysema. Dr. McLaren’s life ended in 1969, but his connection to the Dunleary left an enduring legacy. Ian has generously sent several items from the boat, including beautifully preserved brass lamps (pic below), registration papers, a jumper and even period tobacco tins his father used to store bolts and screws.
Ian also recounted how his father, a keen photographer, filmed short cine clips of the Dunleary in the 1960s. These include scenes of the boat beached for maintenance, sailing on the River Wear, and dockside moments with friends. Though brief and of modest quality, these clips are invaluable glimpses into the boat’s history during its time in the McLaren family.
One particularly moving detail Ian shared is his father’s dream of sailing the Dunleary to Australia to visit his elder sister. While this ambition was never realized, it speaks to Dr. McLaren’s adventurous spirit and deep connection to the sea.
Ian’s stories are a treasure for the Dunleary’s restoration, offering us not just historical facts but a heartfelt connection to her past. His generosity and vivid memories bring the project to life and remind us why preserving this boat’s legacy is so important.
We hope to welcome Ian to Ireland in the future to see the progress on the Dunleary and thank him in person for his incredible contributions. For now, we’re deeply grateful for his willingness to share his family’s history, ensuring that the Dunleary’s story continues to inspire generations to come.
