THE HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE​

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RMAS EPWORTH A355 - From the Royal Navy to the Caribbean

Few guest houses can tell such a remarkable story.

INDEPENDENCE is a former vessel of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS), the auxiliary service of the British Royal Navy. Built in 1969 by James W. Cook & Company shipyard in Wivenhoe, England, she was originally named RMAS EPWORTH, pennant number A355.

 

For many years, this robust Fleet Tender served with the British fleet, supporting logistics operations and Royal Navy vessels. Designed to operate in demanding conditions, she was built to the British military standards of the time: a heavy steel hull, robust machinery and long-range capability.

During the Cold War, vessels of this type quietly carried out essential missions that supported the day-to-day operations of the British Navy.

 

A RARE SURVIVOR

EPWORTH belongs to the distinguished family of Clovelly-class Fleet Tenders, also known as the Cartmel Class.

Only a few dozen vessels of this type were built for the Royal Navy between the late 1960s and the early 1980s. Many have since disappeared, been scrapped or extensively converted.

INDEPENDENCE is one of the rare survivors still afloat today.

Her history is documented, her military identity is known, and her past has been preserved. She stands as a genuine surviving piece of British maritime heritage.

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A SECOND LIFE

After her military career, the vessel was sold into private ownership and went on to live several different lives.

When we discovered her in Ireland in 2023, her condition was concerning. Although her structure remained solid, the years had clearly taken their toll. Many would have seen an old vessel nearing the end of her life.

We saw something entirely different.

We saw a piece of British maritime history.

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THE RESCUE OF EPWORTH

In June 2023, we acquired the vessel with the ambition of giving her a new life.

After several months of restoration work and preparation, we embarked on an extraordinary journey: crossing the Atlantic aboard this former military vessel, more than fifty years after she was built.

Leaving southern Ireland, INDEPENDENCE sailed to France, then to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and finally across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

This voyage once again demonstrated the remarkable qualities of a vessel that was built to last.

 

TODAY: INDEPENDENCE

Anchored in the turquoise waters of Saint Martin, INDEPENDENCE now continues her journey with a very different mission.

Once a military vessel, she has become a table d’hôtes and floating guest house, a welcoming place for unique experiences on the water, while continuing to write her own story.

Every guest who steps aboard discovers far more than just a vessel:

• a witness to British maritime history,

• a former servant of the Royal Navy,

• an ocean-going vessel that has crossed the Atlantic,

• a unique piece of naval heritage.

INDEPENDENCE is more than just a place to stay.

 

It is a story you can experience.