Moiena is notable as the only Dunkirk Little Ship known to have a criminal record. During the 1970s, she completed five voyages between Turkey and Belgium, transporting a total of 10,000 kilograms of hashish. In 1976, authorities seized both the vessel and its illegal cargo.

Designed by John Bain and constructed in 1934 at Rosneath, Scotland by James A. Silver, Moiena was originally commissioned by J.B.P. Weir of Hampstead as a comfortable Thames cruiser. She was enjoyed by Weir for five years before being acquired by Mr. Trower of Guildford less than a month prior to the outbreak of World War II.

Shortly after acquisition, Moiena was deployed at Dunkirk, where she played a critical role in the evacuation, credited with rescuing 1,500 troops from the beaches and returning loaded with men. She returned alongside H.M.S. Wakeful and H.M.S. Grafton, both of which were lost to heavy enemy bombardment.

Following Dunkirk, Moiena was assigned to auxiliary patrol duties at Brightlingsea, Essex, and subsequently sent to Lowestoft, Suffolk, for hydrophone training. In 1941, the vessel was compulsorily purchased by the Admiralty from Mr. Trower.

After distinguished wartime service, Moiena was owned for five years by Mrs. Caroline Sears of Northampton. She was then acquired by Wing-Commander Alex Ingle DFC, AFC, a distinguished RAF pilot, who relocated to Holland in the 1950s and used the vessel to explore the North Sea and Baltic regions.

Moiena changed ownership twice more before being purchased in 1957 by John Stuart Marriner, who registered her in Jersey and renamed her September Tide. Marriner, a travel writer, cruised extensively with the vessel, visiting Scandinavia, the Baltic, Poland, and France. He later navigated the Mediterranean, including Spain, Italy, Malta, Yugoslavia, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, gathering material for his publications.

In 1966, September Tide sailed along the Bulgarian and Romanian coasts and ascended the Danube River to Vienna. These years are regarded as the vessel’s golden era.

Following Marriner’s sale of the vessel in 1967, September Tide became involved in illicit activities by 1970, engaging in drug trafficking that nearly resulted in her loss. After customs authorities intervened, the owners were imprisoned, and the vessel was confiscated. Neglected under customs ownership, she nearly sank on several occasions.

In September 1984, Dutchman Eric Zandwijk purchased the vessel at a customs auction. Discovering documents and correspondence onboard, he traced her rich history and was pleased to confirm her status as a Dunkirk hero. Zandwijk undertook restoration efforts, and by 1989, the vessel was located at Ibiza, Spain, where her owner operated a restaurant.

Vincent van Gervan first encountered Moiena in 1989 while visiting his brother in Ibiza. Having a longstanding interest in Silver 54ft vessels, he contacted Zandwijk and renewed communication in early 1990. Upon learning that September Tide was for sale, van Gervan finalized the purchase in April 1990.

Efforts to return the vessel to the 1990 Dunkirk Return commenced, with a planned route via Barcelona and Marseilles, navigating the French river and canal system. However, frequent fuel and engine issues delayed the journey, causing the vessel to miss the reunion. Upon arrival in Holland, the vessel’s original name, Moiena, was restored.

Since then, Moiena has undergone continuous maintenance, including repainting and varnishing in her original color scheme, construction of a new mast, and deck repairs. In 1995, she successfully participated in the Dunkirk Return and has been registered for the Diamond Return in 2000.

Moiena is regularly used on the Dutch Kaag Lakes, where she is moored adjacent to her owner’s residence. Vincent van Gervan welcomes contact from individuals with additional information or photographs from the vessel’s early years, as well as any books by John Marriner, particularly those from his September Tide period.

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