Category: Racing rowing and paddling

intheboatshed.net has a new paint job

The launch of the John Nash skiff Belem John Smith shallop detail

Softwing, a Truro river oyster dredger John Smith 400 Beth

Intheboatshed.net has had its new-style presentation for some days now, and I hope you are quickly getting used to the new three-column layout.

The idea behind the change was to make navigation easier – the old right-hand column was so long I was sure many readers never found it, and dividing its site navigation contents between two short columns on each side seems very much better.

I expect to tweak the design over the coming weeks, not least because I miss the airy, comforting quality of the old green and cream colour scheme. If I can work out how to use the style-sheet side of this new layout, I may go back to it while keeping the new three-column arrangement.

The thumbnail photos above link to some of our recent posts. In almost every case, the information and photos they present were sent in by people with a story or a viewpoint they wanted to share – but of course we need more.

So why not join the enthusiasts, experts and craftsmen and women who support or benefit from intheboatshed.net? You might have restored an old boat or built a boat based on traditional methods or designs, perhaps you have an interesting boat to sell, or maybe you have some traditional boat or boatbuilding related knowledge to share?

If you have a story, please send it to us at gmatkin@gmail.com .

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A rumble at Potter Heigham Bridge

We’re going to be away for a few days, so I won’t be around to put up any new posts.

In the meantime here are the photos I promised a few days ago, and I think they may cause some controversy.

They show a drama unfolding at Potter Heigham Bridge during the Three Rivers Race. As so often in sport, they show how might – in this case weight – so often plays strongly to its advantage. No doubt the crew of the heavy boat here were only doing what they felt they had to, but no doubt also the guys in the Norfolk punt would have had a different view, as would most of us watching from the bridge. What would you say?

It all starts with a lightweight and expensively rigged Norfolk punt arriving, mooring to lower its mast and then paddling towards the bridge. So far, so good.But at that moment a half-decker and a heavyweight Broads cruiser steal onto the scene. This is a race, remember, not a scene from everyday cruising life on The Broads.

Rumble Rumble Rumble

At this point, you’ll notice, our friends in the punt decide that they can’t afford the damage the heavyweights might Continue reading “A rumble at Potter Heigham Bridge”

Show us what you’ve got at intheboatshed.net

Fireballs Romance Alert

Fireballs at the NMM; sailing on The Broads long ago; Will Stirling’s 18th century lugger is launched

There are always a lot of interesting side issues to distract and provide entertainment at www.intheboatshed.net, but the real focus must be on the boats, their history, and the work of building and restoration.

So I’d like to make an appeal to you readers to please tell us your stories about your boats.

If you’re an owner with a boat that is your pride and joy, if you’re a Continue reading “Show us what you’ve got at intheboatshed.net”