Before the Mast – does anyone know of a copy of this film? 7 Aug 2023 10:17 AM (last year)
Chris Brady and his friends are searching for a copy of this interesting sounding 1972 film. If you can help, please contact me at gmatkin@gmail.com and I’ll put you in touch.
Half-decked Nick Smith motor launch for sale 15 Jun 2023 9:29 AM (last year)
Half-decked launch Isla on her trailer Nick’s lovely traditional West Country boats don’t come up very often, but his boats are widely admired, and two students at the Boat Building Academy at Lyme Regis have used his plans in building their projects: see Phil Bevan’s recent 18ft motor launch and I’ve found a link to … Continue reading "Half-decked Nick Smith motor launch for sale"
Further progress on the new traditional fishing boat 22 May 2023 9:30 AM (last year)
Last week I was lucky enough to be able to visit retired boatbuilder Eric Paine and his friend Len, who are together building a traditional timber-built South Coast fishing vessel. The project continues to be stunning! Eric believes this to be the first new boat of its type to be built for 45 years. To … Continue reading "Further progress on the new traditional fishing boat"
Farewell Topsails – 1937 film about the late era of working West Country topsail schooners 7 May 2023 6:53 AM (last year)
See this sweet 1937 documentary about the last working topsail schooners carrying china clay from Cornwall. It lasts some 8 minutes and comes with a very West Country accordion sound track…
Inverloch Classic Dinghy Regatta 2023 29 Mar 2023 9:20 AM (2 years ago)
Just as we in the UK are starting to feel summer’s on its way, Jeff Cole has sent me some photos from this year’s Inverloch Classic Dinghy Regatta. This Australian event looks as if it might be the summeriest thing in the world, so I hope it will spread some cheer. With any luck, something … Continue reading "Inverloch Classic Dinghy Regatta 2023"
Outstanding small boat adventurer Howard Rice tells his story for the Dinghy Cruising Association 9 Mar 2023 12:00 PM (2 years ago)
Visit the Dinghy Cruising Association here.
Video: fisherman Johnny Doughty leads a rollocking Rye pub singalong – and big changes in boatbuilding 31 Jan 2023 12:49 PM (2 years ago)
Old Johnny was an extraordinary character. But this YouTube has me wondering: however did he keep his hat on? My thanks to Nick Dow for tipping me off about this.
The Medway from Butcher’s Basin to Sheerness in 1938 7 Jan 2023 1:58 PM (2 years ago)
This is well worth watching, if you’re interested in the area.
A free online course in wooden boat construction via Classic Boat 26 Oct 2022 11:23 AM (2 years ago)
‘For anyone who wishes to increase their knowledge of wooden boat construction, this completely free of charge on-line course in the shipwright’s traditional trade will raise their awareness. There are no prerequisites to participate since the lessons are only intended as preparation to the professional title of shipwright. Lessons will be held on-line, twice a … Continue reading "A free online course in wooden boat construction via Classic Boat"
Faversham Skiffie Festival, 27th-29th August 21 Aug 2022 9:16 AM (2 years ago)
This looks like big August Bank Holiday fun in Faversham coming up: the town’s coastal rowing community are staging three days of skiffie rowing racing, including practices, heats and finals. I understand nine teams have currently entered… Contact Alan@cinqueportsrowing.org if you’d like to enter a team.
Does anyone know the story of Falmouth Quay punt Venti? 10 Jul 2021 7:25 AM (3 years ago)
Archie Mackenzie-Baldursson has written to say that he and his his friend Andrew Greatrix have acquired the Falmouth quay punt Falmouth Venti and are very much looking forward to the restoration project that lies ahead.as a restoration project that they are very much looking forward to doing. Her hull is 24′ in length and as well … Continue reading "Does anyone know the story of Falmouth Quay punt Venti?"
The story of Nor West 34 building in England 7 Jul 2021 11:13 AM (3 years ago)
I recently sent reader and occasional contributor Keith Johnstone a message I had received from another reader. Keith kindly dealt with the message, there followed a remarkable coincidence, and then out came some amazing memories. I’ll let Keith tell the story: Hi Gavin – When you sent me the e-mail saying that a chap wanted … Continue reading "The story of Nor West 34 building in England"
The launch of Avocet, Faversham’s first community-built coastal rowing skiff 28 Jun 2021 2:07 PM (3 years ago)
Support Cinque Ports Rowing here: http://cinqueportsrowing.org/faversham-rowing-club/
Forgotten Ravilious to go on show 19 May 2021 2:44 PM (3 years ago)
(1 of 2) We are delighted to share exciting news that a lost painting of Ravilious, last seen in 1939 is set to be unveiled at Hastings on the 27th May.This radiant watercolour was for many years thought to be missing, when it was in fact hanging quietly in a collector’s home since 1939. https://t.co/5CfNamXKGb … Continue reading "Forgotten Ravilious to go on show"
Troy class Barbara – a happy story told in tweets by Marcus Lewis 13 May 2021 2:33 AM (3 years ago)
This really is a remarkable tale from Fowey boatbuilder Marcus Lewis. There’s more detail on his Facebook page.
Have you a piece of the Raybel’s history to share? 3 May 2021 5:09 AM (3 years ago)
The folks restoring the Raybel at Sittingbourne are collecting as many stories and as much history as they can from people who have been involved with the sailing barge to make sure they are not be lost and forgotten, and can be handed down to future generations. Here’s what they say: ‘Maybe your family worked at … Continue reading "Have you a piece of the Raybel’s history to share?"
Science in Fishing (1958) 28 Apr 2021 9:14 AM (3 years ago)
My thanks to Kipperman Mike Smylie for this one!
Who would like to save Keewaydin? 22 Mar 2021 1:03 PM (4 years ago)
We gather from Facebook that 1913-built Lowestoft fishing smack Keewaydin needs a new home following the death of her owner Paul Welch. She’s clearly a fabulous vessel! We’re told she now needs urgent help from for someone who can give her a new life. There is much to do to get her back on the … Continue reading "Who would like to save Keewaydin?"
Check out Glassonion’s lovely photos from the boatshed at Hollowshore 11 Mar 2021 12:12 PM (4 years ago)
Tim Bush builds a Mersea Duck Punt 7 Mar 2021 6:22 AM (4 years ago)
Minnesotan Tim Bush has got in touch to tell us about the Mersea Duck Punt that he’s recently built. He is clearly very pleased with it. Here’s what Tim has to say: ‘A few years back you had featured some articles on the Mersea Duck Punts. Having recently built and sailed one I have some … Continue reading "Tim Bush builds a Mersea Duck Punt"
Tarbert in times past 23 Feb 2021 10:25 AM (4 years ago)
My thanks to Mike Smylie aka Kipperman for this gem. www.kipperland.org.uk
Falmouth Quay punt Teal is being repaired and prepared for sale 2 Feb 2021 11:30 AM (4 years ago)
Adrian Nowotynski has been in touch to share a link to his YouTube channel, which is bringing the story of the 1914 Falmouth Quay punt Teal back up to date, along with some more repairs that are now needed. Here’s what he says: ‘It’s been ten years now since we bought her and seven since … Continue reading "Falmouth Quay punt Teal is being repaired and prepared for sale"
The Ballad of the Stolwijk Rescue 17 Sep 2020 1:39 PM (4 years ago)
‘I don’t know how many I’ve saved in my 29-year career. No idea. But I do know exactly how many I haven’t… ‘