The Thelas and the landings in Norway
Today is the 77th anniversary of the landings in Norway, known as D-Day. Among the over 5000 naval units that participated at the operation, one of these is present in the Lopresto Collection, the Thelas, a motoryacht of 21 meters of 1936.
At the time requisitioned by the British admiral to serve the Royal Navy and during the landings in Norway it was intended to operate as "admiral's barge" of the S Force, the one that landed at Sword Beach.
Its task was to transfer the admiral in command from the major units to the mainland during the final stages of the attack. Still in these days it has a little deformation at the prow, maybe a memory of the beaching.
These information were told by Jack and Dick, nephews of the first shipowner that at that time were serving the RAF as pilots and today, at the age of 103 years, told us the history of the Thelas and showed us pictures when in the stern he waved the Saint George Cross a Royal Navy banner.
Today the Thelas, is perfectly restored and is absolutely original in every piece, it completes annual cruises for the Mediterranean with the Lopresto Family and a lot of guests tied up together with the historic motorsport.
