A reader I know only as Paul has got in touch to tell us about his sweet little Twinkle 12 clinker built dinghy made largely from from the late 1950s. The twinkling varnish seems to make the name so appropriate…
Here’s what he says:
‘Wrights of Ipswich produced the Twinkle for several years in the 1950s and early 60s. They sail very well if looked after and well rigged, and can be quite exciting in strong winds…
‘Not many are now left and I am thinking of setting up an association to keep track of those that are left.
‘Apart from four new timbers cracked by the previous owner’s trailer she is totally original down to the deck fittings. Lots of work over the winter months but great fun.’
‘Thanks for your great website, with best wishes.’
If anyone’s interested in Paul’s proposed association, please email me at gmatkin@gmail.com and I’ll forward your message to him.
What a georgeus little boat , very like my brother and I used to learn to sail on in Chicheater Harbour in the early 1950’s.
I have a photo of me sailing a Twinkle 10 on the old Walton boating lake many moons ago
Paul – please buzz a copy over, if you fancy it. Gavin
I also have a Twinkle 10 – awaiting renovation as tender. Large number of 12’s I believe in Blakeney.
Please send photos etc to gmatkin@gmail.com when you come to do the work!
Hi there,
I have just seen this article. My wife bought me a 1956, open foredeck, (makes it look pre-War) 25 years ago for my 40th birthday. We restored it all. Now needs a second restoration which I am about to start!
Did this idea go anywhere? I have just acquired an open foredeck Twinkle in Scotland. It’s been out of the water fro several years so it needs a thorough survey and potentially some repair work. I can’t wait to start!
My father bought a new 12 in 1960. I even took it to school. Sailed at Abersoch/Colwyn Bay.
So absolutely lovely we called it ‘Georgeous’.
Where is she now? I think we sold her in about 63/64.
Happy days!
Hi I have a Wrights of Ipswich mahogany on oak clinker sailing dingy on a trailer with brand new jeckels sail if any is interested in buying it please contact me Jon on dicksonjon@yahoo.co.uk
Just for info and anyone looking there is a twinkle Facebook group with lots of helpful resources and info…
https://facebook.com/groups/470444690290338/