Our Heritage

Silvio was commissioned in 1957 by the experienced sailor the Hon Robert Boscawen MC, MP.

His choice of designer, Robert Clark, reflected serious intent for offshore racing. The yacht was named after Silvio, the family’s thoroughbred racehorse that won the Derby and St Leger in 1880, Leading British money winner 1877 and Leading Sire in France 1886, a clear nod to his family’s heritage, performance, and endurance.

“She will always be the most beautiful boat in the harbor” - Robert Clark, the naval architect, was already an established name. Known for designing practical offshore cruising and racing yachts, Clark’s work balanced speed, seakeeping ability, and excellent handling. His designs had already gained international attention, and he would go on to draw British Steel, the vessel in which Sir Chay Blyth sailed solo around the world.

Construction took place in the Netherlands, a deliberate decision. Dutch yards of the period had a global reputation for their ability to form steel hulls with accuracy and grace. Their skill in cold-forming and bending steel allowed for complex, shapely hulls that retained both strength and elegance. An area where British yards were, by that time, falling behind.

Launched in 1958, Silvio was built on the threshold of change. Within a few years, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) would begin to dominate yacht production. Traditional materials such as steel and oak would soon become commercially unviable.

The yacht was a regular participant in offshore races, including the 1959 and 1961 Fastnet Races. The latter was one where just finishing was worth a prize, and SILVIO came in a creditable 7th in Class II.