Mirror Offshore Yacht Abandoned and Scrapped in Gosport

Abandoned boats are a sad reality for the boating community across the UK. One of our latest collections was sadly an abandoned boat close to home in Gosport. A Small Mirror Offshore yacht had complications in Portsmouth Harbour. She was towed in and salvaged by a local yard for her owner.

Her owner then decided that the boat was past the point of economical repair. When faced with the costs of having the boat scrapped responsibly her owner sadly disappeared. Leaving his stricken yacht for the yard who had helped him to pick up the bill. Faced with the prospect of having a semi sunken boat blocking their slipway they had little choice.

Having a boat abandoned like this is common across the country. People wash their hands of the boats like the Mirror offshore and then become uncontactable. We have real sympathy for the yards who have them dumped with them. As it becomes a cost they have to shoulder.

The Mirror Offshore Yacht, designed by Jack Holt, is a compact yet capable cruising yacht. Built with marine plywood, it’s a popular choice for DIY builders due to its simple construction. Known for surprising performance and a comfortable interior for its size, it offers an affordable entry into offshore sailing, embodying a spirit of adventure and accessibility.

Prior to loading we found with the yard team that the boat had a large hole next to the keel. We’re not sure if the hole was made deliberately or maybe she was punctured by something on her mooring. Either way her owner should have no left her for others to sort out and pay for.

Thankfully the vast majority of boats we deal with are for responsible owners who aren’t adding to the problem of abandoned boats.