Blackbird & Bona
There are still a few of these bawleys on the East Coast, mostly now
used for charter. But they are at their most spectacular when
racing, as here down the Orwell river. I had the pleasure of being
in the crew of Good Intent when she won her class of the East Coast
Gaffers Race, assisted by some huge sails borrowed from a smack!
Photo: Blackbird
|
 |
Chloe May
There are a number of recent boats of the classic English cutter/ Pilot
cutter variety. I'm trying to find a picture for your inspiration,
but Chloe May, Eve of St Mawes and their sisters are real boats.
|
|
Smack
Still plenty of these about on the East Coast, a surprising number of
which are owned privately ( as opposed to charter vessels). There is
good news and bad news whenever they get together. The good news is
that it is a fine sight afloat, the bad news is when the crews come ashore
for refreshment!
Photo: Peter Chesworth
|
 |
Essex Smack Yacht
John Tyrell took a mould off a 28' smack - Secret, I think - to create
the Essex Smack Yacht, shown here snug in a fresh breeze. We ended
up doing most of the ironwork and rigging for them when they moved over to
International Marine Designs. A really capable boat, if not huge
below by modern standards. At present we are helping fit one out
with a towering racing rig - it should be fun
Photo: Peter Chesworth
|
 |
Juno
Charlie Ward reckons that barge yachts have a future, and has put his
money where his mouth is to build this 45 footer. Designed by Andrew
Wolstenholme, with a few tweaks to the traditional hull form to improve
performance and handling, and a gaff, rather than sprit, rig, she is a
fine addition to the North Norfolk skyline. We did the
ironwork, running rigging, and a host of other fittings.
Photo: Peter Chesworth
|
 |
Matthew
Designed by Colin Mudie, and built for the Bristol Festival of the Sea
in 1996, she went to Newfoundland 500 years after John Cabot did in a similar
vessel. We supplied a fair portion of the rope.
Photo: Kathy Mansfield
|
 |
Plymouth Hooker
Restored by Mike Trout in Devon a few years back. Not many of
these left, so it was nice to help supply the running rigging and other
proper bits.
Photo: Tom Benn
|
 |
Heard 28
Terry Heard started producing Falmouth River Oyster Dredgers in GRP
some years back. They are still used for fishing in the winter, and
in summer race in Falmouth Harbour. The yard is now run by Terry's
son, Martin, who still looks after the fishing boats and has made a fair number
of yachts based on the hulls, one of which is illustrated here. Some of
these have even made it to the East coast!
Photo: Peter Chesworth
|
 |
