Category: Small boats

Outrigger canoes of the Phillipines photographed by Matt Atkin

Phillipine Islands outrigger canoes photographed by Matt Atkin

Phillipine Islands outrigger canoes photographed by Matt Atkin Phillipine Islands outrigger canoes photographed by Matt Atkin Phillipine Islands outrigger canoes photographed by Matt Atkin

Matt Atkin’s been on his travels again, and this time my brother has bagged some shots of craft used in the Phillipines – and brought back more striking evidence of the diversity of human life.

The modern world hasn’t yet made us all the same, and Matt was very struck by how different these fragile-looking outrigger canoes are compared with anything he’s seen before – the fact is that folks in these islands are still using craft very like the Phillipines Islands banca that HC Folkard included in his wonderful mid-19th Century classic The Sailing Boat.
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Phillipine Islands banca in HC Folkard The Sailing Boat

Boat Racing Association A-Class One Design Dinghy specifications and drawings

A-Class one design dinghy specification

A-Class one design dinghy specification

Brian Smith has sent in interesting scans of the specification for the delightful Boat Racing Association A-Class One Design Dinghy, which I gather is a very close relative to the International 12. I’ll let him tell the story:

‘Hi Gav,

‘I attach drawings and specifications of the BRA 12ft dinghy as published in the Yachtsman of 12 June 1913, which could be of interest to your readers as I believe they were little changed for the International 12ft dinghy class.

‘George Cockshott [the designer of the International 12] was a frequent and sometimes successful entrant in design competitions in the Yachtsman and Yachting Monthly, although it is not certain that any of those designs were ever built. The 12ft dinghy design was the result of a competition run by the BRA. Cockshott may have been inspired by the 12ft restricted class sailed at Hoylake, West Kirby and Rhyl. The design does seem to have been influenced by the class.

‘The largest yacht designed by Cockshott appears to have been the 19 tons TM Nautilus II built by R Lathom at Crossens, near Southport in 1902.

‘Hope this is of interest,

‘Brian’

Thanks Brian – it certainly is. I love all that old-fashioned specification stuff: ‘The whole of each boat, inside and out, to be varnished four coats best yacht varnish. (Or, if desired by the owner, the bottom to be painted three coats and finished with anitfouling composition or enamel externally, and to be painted three coats internally). The name or number to be written in gold leaf and shaded, on the transom or as may be required.‘

For a post on George Cockshott’s International 12 dinghy, click here.

Nick Smith’s best motor launch yet – and the next one could be yours

Nick Smith motor launch Bella

Nick Smith motor launch Bella Nick Smith motor launch Bella Nick Smith motor launch Bella

West Country-style boat builder Nick Smith has sent in some photographs of the completed motor launch Bella.

‘Dear Gav,

‘I’ve attached some photos of the complete Bella taken last Thursday.

‘It’s been a long haul as usual but worth all the hours – she is in my opinion the best yet, so maybe I am getting the hang of it. I managed to get an excellent final coat of varnish on despite the conditions, although the engine box lid has some dust in it, so it will get another coat.

‘And so it remains to button her up in a cool shed until the spring when the owner will come and collect her.

‘I am off to New Zealand for a few weeks of sun and then back to Britain to prepare two existing launches ready for the new season 2011, and to build another launch. Thanks for all your good work, and a happy and prosperous New Year

‘Nick’

I’d like to add that Nick’s in the market for a commission for one of his handsome motor launches – so if any readers would like a grand, seaworthy traditionally craft finished to the best standards for fishing, birdwatching, picnicking or general outings, please contact him using the details below.

If a commission doesn’t come in, I’m sure he’ll be building a motor launch on spec, though what size I couldn’t say. Maybe he’ll make his mind up while stretched out on one of those New Zealand beaches…

For more posts at intheboatshed.net on this project, click here; here, here, here, and here.

Nick comes from Devon, learned boatbuilding the traditional way and specialises in new builds in clinker and carvel for sail, motor and rowing power from 8ft to 28ft with a special emphasis on West Country style and design, and also takes on repairs and refits from 25ft to 50ft. These days he’s based in Hampshire, and can be contacted by email at nick_smith_boatbuilder@yahoo.com and by phone on 07786 693370.

PS – can we say you’re looking for a commission for this spring, or would you feel that was giving too much away? G