Famous Itchen Ferry racer Dolly Varden to be restored

A new YouTube shows the famous racing yacht Itchen Ferry Dolly Varden arriving at the International Boatbuilding Training College Portsmouth for restoration.

She’s described in one of Uffa Fox’s famous books and was known for trialling sails rigs for Ratsey’s. She’s now in the hands of a new owner and happily seems to have a bright future ahead, which is great news. Read all about her and the project here.

Smack racing on the Blackwater, 2010

My thanks to excellent small boat designer and sailor John Welsford for sharing this one!

Racing Puffin dinghies at Southend on Sea, 1968

Olympians race against kids, and the kids win. My thanks to Paul Mullings for spotting this one!