You are bidding on a 693’ x 80’ Colossus Class British Aircraft Carrier.

 (eBay has not pre-approved this text or the item in question. The opening bid represents the repayment of the scrap deposit, estimated shipping to US waters, and price of vessel. They have required me to demonstrate minimal standards regarding demilitarization, vessel is for sale, and authorization to solicit bids )

The HMS VENGEANCE was originally commissioned to the Royal Naval Fleet.  In the vessels early history it placed a key role in the surrender of Hong Kong by the Japanese.  Later, the vessel was loaned to the Royal Australian Navy and renamed HMAS VENGEANCE.  There, the vessel spent most of its time as a training vessel.  Shortly after its return to the Royal Navy the carrier was placed in the reserves, and eventually sold to Brazil in December of 1956.  Renamed for the second time, the MINAS GERAIS would play a key role in the Brazilian Naval Fleet as the only carrier in the arsenal.  Brazil, unable to afford two carriers, decommissioned the MINAS GERAIS in 2001 to make way for the newest carrier purchased from the French. Her final role as an implement of war would be to escort the newest member of the fleet into port.  Throughout the vessels history it has undergone many refits to keep the technology, and its capability up to date.

1957-1960

Refitted by the Brazilian Navy, renamed MINAS GERAIS and recoded A-11

1976-1980

Refitted by the Brazilian Navy

1987

Laid Up

1991-1993

Another refit by the Brazilian Navy

1997-1998

Final Refit by the Brazilian Navy

2001

Decommissioned

A ceremony was held in honor of the MINAS GERAIS on September 9^th, 2001 to finally decommission the vessel, and pay tribute to its service, as well of the service of all those who served aboard her in the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Brazilian Navy.  The vessel was sold to private concerns following the decommission in 2001. 

The vessel has many uses because of its size, accommodation, and onboard equipment.  Some suggested uses have been, British Naval Museum, Offshore Casino, Resort, Amusement Park, Floating Marina, Training Ship, Conference Center, or Private Yacht.  Possibilities are only limited by the buyer’s imagination.  One should consider that the value of the navigational equipment, generators, and onboard equipment far exceeds the opening bid.  The vessels final refit allowed it to serve into 2005, and was only decommissioned to make way for the new vessel.  The MINAS GERAIS is still in a condition that would allow it to do most anything allowed by the laws of the country of its buyer.  This auction however is only open to bidders with U.S. Citizenship, and subject to all Local, State, and Federal Regulations. 

Technical Specifications

• Built by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Limited England/1942-1945
• Length: 693’ 3”
• Overall 630’
• Waterline 690’
• Beam: 80’
• Flight deck 119’ 6”
• Draught: 23’ Fore 23’ 5” aft
• Catapult: 1 Mactaggart Scott C – 3 steam powered 8.5 degree launch
• Displacement: Full Load 19,890 Tons, Normal 17,500 tons, Standard 15,890 tons

•  Engine Type: 2 shaft Parsons geared steam turbines, 4 Admiralty 3 drum boilers
• H.P.: 36,000 SHP
• Fuel: Oil
• Capacity: 3,196 Tons plus 98,000 gallons of Aviation fuel
• Endurance: 12,000 Nautical miles @ 14 Knots, 6,200 Nautical Miles @ 25 Knots
• Radars: Air search, Lockheed SPS 40B, Surface search Plessey AWS 4 Navigation Signal ZW 06
• Complement: 1300 (1000 Navy, 300 Air)
• Hanger: 322’ long by 52’ Width by 17’ 6” height

• Generators: 4 Turbo generators and I diesel Generator producing 2500Kw AC.

To bid on this vessel you must go through the bidder verification process.  If you wish to be a part of the process, please send an email requesting so.  You will need to provide evidence of the ability to financially complete the transaction.  There is no reserve, and the successful buyer will be the result of a timely completion of the bidding, inspection, and payment process.  Due to the vessels plans for scrapping, a deal will have to be in the final stages no later than Jan 30^th. However, it is possible with a sizable deposit that the timing could be more flexible.  The Owner, an honorable man from the United Kingdom has the best intentions in trying to preserve the vessel for the people of his country, but has allowed offers to be presented to him to ensure that the vessel is not lost forever.  Potential buyers should plan to arrange for an inspection team to visit the vessel; shortly after the bidding process has ended.  There are many people involved in the effort to save this historical Icon.  Please do not waste our time with fraudulent emails, and bids.  Any abuse will be directly reported to eBay.

We are working closely with eBay to ensure that the vessel is preserved for generations to come, and that the bidding process will go as smoothly as possible.  Thank you for Bidding

~S&S MARINE~BELFAST, MAINE~

K. Skinner ~ J. Shaw