HMCS Grizzly

There have been two vessels named Grizzly in the Royal Canadian Navy.

HMCS Grizzly (1st of name) (P14  / Z14) / Armed Yacht

Originally named Machigonne whenshe was launched in 1909, Grizzly was one of several American yachts discretely acquired during the Second World war and refitted for the RCN despite strict American neutrality and regulations preventing the sale of vessels for belligerent purposes.

She was commissioned on the west coast, but the condition of her engines made it impractical for her to function effectively. She was towed to Prince Rupert in July for use as a stationary guard ship and examination vessel. In the spring of 1944 she was taken to Victoria, where her hull was found to be in poor condition. Paid off on 17 June, she was broken up at Victoria the following year.

• Builder: Consolidated S.B. Corp., New York, NY
• Date commissioned: 17 July 1941
• Date paid off: 17 June 1944
• Displacement: 198.1 tonnes
• Dimensions: 42.7 m x 5.8 m x 3 m
• Speed: 12 knots
• Crew: 40
• Armament: one 6 pdr.

Grizzly (2nd of name) (PCT 60) / Orca-class Patrol Craft

Intended as a modern replacement for the YAG-300 class training tenders, the Orca-class (designated Patrol Craft Training) operate year round in B.C. coastal waters, principally as training vessels. While not specifically assigned an operational role, these vessels patrol coastal waters reporting suspicious activity, pollution infractions, and fishing violations. They are also frequently tasked for search and rescue operations, providing assistance to boaters in distress, and representing the RCN by appearing in local festivals and maritime events. Grizzly was the sixth Orca constructed.

• Builder: Victoria Shipyards, Esquimalt BC
• Date launched: 10 February 2008
• Displacement : 210 tonnes
• Dimensions: 33 m x 8.6 m x 2.5 m
• Speed: 23 knots
• Crew: 43
• Armament: none