1939-1951. Years of expectation.

Following the death of Ernest Guinness and the Second World War, the vessel was laid up in the island of Wight.

She just escaped a German bombardment. The mainmast and the yards were damaged. The sails stored in a warehouse, were completely destroyed by a fire.

During some months, she served as headquarters of the fast speedboats of the Forces Navales Françaises Libres.

The Fantôme II will remain parked in the island of Wight until 1952.