Boats

Small working boats have been raced in Cornwall since at least the 19th century. At 18ft length with a 4ft beam, they are smaller and lighter than their larger cousins, the 32ft Cornish pilot gigs, which have increased in popularity in recent years. However flashboats have a long pedigree. The term ‘flash boat’ was originally…

The lugger was the workhorse of Cornish fishing fleet for over 200 years. Two distinct variants emerged; their design based upon whether they were to be used for fishing in the harsh waters of the Atlantic or the calmer waters of the Channel. In the west, the Mount’s Bay lugger was built double-ended to deal…

Speed on the water is as desirable as it is on land. In the early 20th century a new breed of propulsion, the internal combustion engine, enabled boats to go faster than less efficient and heavy steam engines would allow. The romantic steam launch with its stoker gave way to the more dashing launches, which…

During the 1950s and 60s the British population was discovering new leisure activities: people had more time and a bit of money to spare, package holidays and outdoor pursuits were becoming popular. Boat designers found a ready market in the thousands of people who wanted to get on the water in a well-built, cheap boat.…

The story of Donald Campbell’s death on Coniston Water, whilst attempting the world water speed record in Bluebird, is well documented. Less well known is that, up to the time of his death in 1967, Campbell was commercially developing a 13ft (4m) fast runabout, using the latest water jet technology. The prototype craft Jetstar was…

Reputedly the oldest one-design in the world the Water Wag can trace its history back to the late 19th century. In 1886 Thomas Middleton, a member of the Shankhill Corinthian Sailing Club, Ireland, thought it might be a good idea to have a number of boats made to the same design so that sailors could…

This unique boat was built primarily to take part in the Boat Procession at Eton College to celebrate the birthday of King George III on 4th of June. The King’s interest in Eton College is commemorated annually by the procession, and there are references to a procession of boats as far back as 1784, but…

To the uninitiated, a kayak looks like a frail and fragile craft, scarcely one in which to tackle difficult and challenging waters, whether white water rivers or raging seas. In reality, however, multiple expeditions in extreme conditions, by river and sea, bear witness to the versatility and ability of such craft to bring their paddlers…

Curlew is a Falmouth Quay Punt which started life as a working boat at the turn of the 20th century. She has since had a long and distinguished career as a leisure boat and has travelled many thousands of miles, from the Arctic Circle to the mainland of Antarctica. Designed and built in Falmouth by…