Sir Malcolm Campbell, renowned for holding multiple world land and water speed records between 1924 and 1948, owned three successive yachts named Blue Bird, after his famous record-breaking car. One of these yachts was later renamed Chico. This vessel was a Watson design, constructed in Scotland in 1932 using pitch pine on oak, featuring a copper-sheathed bottom and luxurious accommodations for ten guests and two crew.

The yacht's first owner was Frank Robinson Beavan of Newcastle upon Tyne, who named her Freebelle III. Sir Malcolm Campbell owned her from June 1933 until July 1935, when she was sold to The Countess of Onslow.

On 28 December 1939, the yacht was requisitioned for naval service with the Rear-Admiral, Minelaying Squadron. She was fitted with echo sounding equipment at Camper and Nicholson in Gosport and was renamed Chico in January 1940. Following fitting out, she conducted trials at Brightlingsea before proceeding to her base in Dover, where she was commissioned on 6 March 1940.

In May 1940, as the British Expeditionary Force faced evacuation from France, Chico was part of a force comprising seven trawlers, three yachts (including Grey Mist, Conidaw, and Chico), and two drifters that sailed for Calais Roads to assist in troop evacuation. Commander W.V.H. Harris, RN, commanded the force from the Grey Mist, with destroyers H.M.S. Windsor and H.M.S. Verity providing cover. After receiving orders to hold Calais at all costs, the Conidaw delivered a critical signal to the Brigadier commanding forces ashore. Subsequently, all ships returned to the Downs.

On 30 May 1940, under Sub-Lieutenant J. Mason, RNVR, Chico sailed to Dunkirk, embarking 217 troops and returning to Dover. The following day, she ferried nearly 1,000 troops from the Dunkirk shore to larger ships and disembarked an estimated additional 100 troops upon return. On 2 June, she was assigned to life-saving duties on Route X, a newly established middle route between Dover and Dunkirk.

On 20 March 1941, Chico participated in the defense against an enemy bomber, likely a Junkers 88, off Dungeness. Alongside minesweeping trawlers and drifters, she engaged the attacking aircraft with machine-gun fire. The coordinated defense resulted in the destruction of the bomber, with no casualties among the ships' crews.

While conducting survey work in the Downs on 4 April 1941, Chico was targeted by an enemy aircraft that dropped bombs nearby without causing damage. The vessel was compulsorily acquired by the Royal Navy on 7 May 1941.

On 15 May 1941, during operations near C1 Buoy, Chico and MTB 50 were attacked by two Dorniers. Both vessels sustained no casualties, though MTB 50 suffered significant engine damage and loss of armament functionality. Chico experienced a jammed 20mm cannon but no structural damage. MTB 50 was towed back to Dover by Chico, arriving safely under fighter escort.

On 4 June 1942, Chico sustained minor damage after colliding with MTB pens, resulting in a broken sternpost, covering board, and damaged planking. On 29 July, she commenced clearance work on the wreck of the trawler Tranquil, which posed a navigation hazard in the Downs.

After paying off and de-storing for an engine overhaul on 5 January 1943, Chico underwent repairs at the London Graving Dock, Poplar. In February 1943, she was reassigned to the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and in April transferred to the Medway Mine Watching Patrol based at Chatham. She remained there until 16 February 1945, when she was laid up at Mears yard, Twickenham, under the Director of Sea Transport's care and maintenance arrangements. The vessel was disposed of in August 1946.

Following the war, Chico had several civilian owners, some of whom operated her as a charter yacht. A major restoration began in autumn 1997 under the previous Association Archivist. The vessel changed ownership again in 2010 and is currently based in Scotland.

Notable Account from Service

An extract from Gunboat Command, the biography of Lieutenant Commander Robert Hichens DSO* DSC** RNVR by Antony Hichens, recounts an episode during the evacuation operations:

“While assisting troops on the beach, Chico came under machine-gun and artillery fire from German positions at Nieuport. Despite shells straddling the vessel, no hits were sustained. Efforts to clear the propeller enabled the yacht to proceed at slow speed, evacuating approximately 500 to 700 troops that day. Later, a severe bombing attack by about twenty German bombers targeted the beaches, resulting in a dogfight with British fighters and the downing of two enemy aircraft. The crew experienced moments of tension and relief, ultimately returning safely to Dover late at night.”