Photographs of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010

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Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010

Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010 Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010 Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010

Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010 Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010 Photos of the Thames Traditional Boat Rally, Henley 2010

Fowey boatbuilder Marcus Lewis went to this years Thames Traditional Boat Rally and kindly sent me these shots – he knew in advance that I wouldn’t be able to attend myself.

Here’s what he had to say about them:

‘Hi, I thought I would send you some pictures of the Henley rally in case you were short of material this week!

It was super weather, bright sunshine some of the time, with a breeze on the river (bit more on Sunday) and the atmosphere was very relaxed and calm, no-one getting their knickers twisted!

There was a marvellous selection of craft, a large collection of Dunkirk Little Ships – even a motor launch that used to ferry passengers from Fowey to Bodinnick – and a very good commentary from people who clearly know the boats, the owners, and what they can get away with commenting on!

The boat jumble was ok, not over-busy, but there were a few treasures to be found if you were looking.

The illuminated parade was a little under-subscribed, but those that took part really made an effort.

An excellent event that was blessed with fine weather, and the red kites soaring overhead gave something for my partner Sue to watch when she got tired of looking at the boats!

Cheers, Marcus

Many thanks Marcus! It looks a very jolly party – I really must go along some time. I only have one concern: what exactly are the rules about how to dress for the occasion?

Scottish Coastal Rowing – a reminder

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St Ayles skiffs Scottish Coastal Rowing

St Ayles Skiff Coigach Lass beating Ulla in the Ladies Open at the Loch Broom Sailing Club regatta. My thanks to Chris Perkins for use of this photo


Who’s having big fun this summer? All of you, I hope, but most of all I’m quite sure the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association folks are having a riot!

I’ve been meaning to write another post about the SCRA for a little while, but have been distracted by all sorts of busy-ness – with the result that a lot of people have beaten me to it. So this is just a short post designed to serve as a reminder that this project to create a new class of rowing racing around the coast of Scotland is proving amazingly successful with races taking place at Portsoy and at Eyemouth.

Apart from the main association website, photos and information can be found at:

PS – I’d also like to draw readers’ attention to Osbert Lancaster’s thoughtful and informative comment below. It’s well worth a look. Thanks Osbert!

The July/August issue of Water Craft magazine is due out very soon!

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paul gartside, gaff rig, dayboat, roger dongray, golant yawl, golant gaffer, kathy mansfield, iain oughtred, water craft, magazine

The July/August issue of Water Craft – subscribe online now!

The July/August 2010 issue of Water Craft magazine is out from the 24th June contains the usual fine collection of articles! This time, editor Pete Greenfield says it includes the following:

Designer Paul Gartside presents full plans and offsets for a shapely 18ft (5.5m) gaff-rigged centreboard dayboat. I’d say that was unmissable…

Roger Dongray introduces his new 25’ (7.6m) Golant Yawl, which follows on from the success of his widely admired 19ft (5.9m) Golant Gaffer design. This issue includesfeatures on both.

Boatbuilder Gail McGarva completes the construction of two traditional 32ft (9.8m) Cornish pilot gigs.

Reporter and photographer Kathy Mansfield goes to the recent ‘Oughtraid’ held in Holland. Apparently it was relaxed gathering of Iain Oughtred’s elegant boat designs in the Netherlands. I hope the weather was good.

The issue also includes the next instalments of its Grand Designs series, including a lovely double-page  feature about the Light Trow, and  all the usual regular features.

For more on Iain Oughtred’s designs, click here.

For more on  Gail McGarva, click here.