Yacht moored across from the Boblo Boats

**motownsteamer** · September-29-13, 10:36 AM

Does anyone have information about this old yacht moored across the basin from the Columbia and St. Claire at the Nicholson Terminal? It appears to be a turn-of-the century steel plated steamer, probably a private yacht from an auto baron. She's about 80-100 ft LOA.

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**BillyBBrew** · September-29-13, 09:55 PM

It's the Motor Yacht Helene. It was built at Defoe Shipbuilding in Bay City in 1926 for Charles Sorenson [[a Ford Executive). It most recently has been owned by Shamrock Chartering, owned by the Deane family of Nicholson Dock and Terminal. In recent years she has suffered from a fire and 2 sinkings. She was repaired from the fire and partially repaired from the first sinking. She was never a steamer and is powered by a Detroit 71 Series Diesel engine.

**motownsteamer** · September-30-13, 07:22 AM

Thanks for the info! Any picture/info sources you could recommend?

**douglasm** · September-30-13, 07:39 AM

Try a Google search. There's a lot of info [[to much to post) on the Helene. There's a picture and some info here, for example:

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/...hp?lid=1570073

**cosine** · October-01-13, 09:57 AM

There are 2 nice photos on the boatnerd site [[www.boatnerd.com), under the "Photo Galleries" link, in the "Ferries and Passenger Ships" section. It's a shame someone doesn't have the interest and $$ to restore this beauty.

**grumpyoldlady** · October-03-13, 09:24 PM

I was lucky enough to be a guest on the Helene back in the early 70's. It was at that time owned by the uncle of a friend of mine, and docked down by the Roostertail. He was an insurance executive named C.M Verbiest [[sp?). Watched the Gold Cup hydroplane races from her deck. I felt SO out of place. Everyone except me and my friend were wearing white pants and either a dressy blouse or shirt and sports jacket. Uniformed crew served drinks, appetizers and then a main meal. I was blown away by how nice the area below deck was. If memory serves me correctly, the Helene is 108 feet long.