The story of the Elvira Camino is one deeply woven into the maritime fabric of Waterford. Sparked by a postcard sent over Easter by Liam Ryan, the image of the ship alongside Waterford’s busy quay led to a fascinating dive into its long and storied past. This blog post traces the journey of the vessel—from her Glasgow origins to her final days in Cobh—with a focus on her years under Waterford ownership and the legacy of one of her most notable captains.

The Origins of the Elvira Camino

The Elvira Camino amongst numerous other sailing vessels at Waterford Quay in the early 1900s. Courtesy of Liam Ryan.

Built in 1872 by Charles Connell & Co. in Scotstoun, Glasgow, the vessel was first launched as Dona Juana for a Cuban owner, A. Martinez. Described as a composite 3-masted barque, she was registered in Havana and renamed Elvira Camino in 1877 under Camino & Gomez. In 1883, she was sold into Bristol ownership, eventually ending up in the hands of Captain Thomas Veale of Waterford in 1897.

Waterford Ownership and the Veale Brothers

Close up of the ships name, courtesy of Liam Ryan

The Veales were well-known in Waterford’s maritime community. Thomas Veale, a master mariner, captained the Elvira Camino, while his brother John, a coal merchant, managed the business from Lower Yellow Road. Together, they operated the ship steadily through the final years of the 19th century and into the early 20th, trading pit props and coal between Waterford, Wales, and ports across the British Isles and France.

The vessel became a familiar sight at the city’s Coal Quay and featured regularly in newspaper reports for arrivals and cargo advertisements. Despite minor setbacks—including collisions, rescues and an incident involving malicious damage to her rigging—the Elvira Camino was a dependable presence in Waterford’s coal trade.

A Shift to Queenstown and Arklow’s Captain Kinch

In 1911, the vessel changed ownership to Mrs. Murray of Queenstown (Cobh), and later to Thomas Murray Ltd. Though the Veales’ formal connection ended, Waterford still played a regular part in her later history.

From around 1912 onwards, the Elvira Camino was commanded by Captain Ashley Kinch, a seasoned mariner. Kinch had over 25 years’ association with the vessel, and under his steady hand, she continued to trade despite increasing age and the challenges of maintaining a sailing ship in a world shifting to steam.

Kinch was described as fearless—likened to a Viking by those who knew him. Despite being well into his seventies, he still climbed the rigging and guided the ship with expertise. One particularly interesting anecdote from the 1920s recalls how Kinch, faced with being becalmed off Liverpool, refused a tugboat’s initial demand of £300, letting the vessel drift on the tide for days, anchoring when it turned, inching their way towards the Mersey. Eventually the tug settled for £50 for a much shorter tow, or perhaps they just gave in to Kinch’s fierce determination. His seamanship, frugality, and grit were legendary. All requirements for maintaining these vessels in the era – Wooden Ships and Iron Men!

The Final Voyages and the End of an Era

Sadly, in early 1923, Kinch suffered fatal injuries while attempting to free a jammed anchor winch near Dunmore Head. His death in a Waterford hospital marked the end of a remarkable career and a personal chapter in Elvira Camino’s story. He was succeeded by Captain William Cullen of Arklow, who also tragically died just a year later after falling overboard at Queenstown Docks. By 1926, the ageing barque was broken up, her timbers laid to rest after over 50 years of service.

The Elvira Camino may be gone, but thanks to a postcard, a rainy Easter, and the help of Liam Ryan, Cian Manning, and Niall O’Brien, her story—and that of the people who sailed her—lives on in Waterford’s proud maritime memory.

Tides and Tales Maritime Community Project is a not for profit initiative which relies on public support to maintain its activities. This story is a summary of a 3000 word paper of original referenced research. If you would like to access a copy you can visit our shop and for €4.99 receive a downloadable copy directly to your device. Elvira Camino story can be bought here. All funds raised will go to keep the project afloat.

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