DESIGNING BOATS • BUILDING BOATS • USING BOATS
by John Collings Think fixed-seat rowing in Cornwall and the Pilot Gigs immediately spring to mind. But what is not widely appreciated is the fact that the wave of enthusiasm for the gigs was triggered by the all-encompassing success of … Continued
34 years after her launch, Wharram Designs flagship Spirit of Gaia has returned to Cornwall, arriving back in Falmouth this week after a lively Biscay crossing, with her co-designer and builder Hanneke Boon at the helm. The 63’ (19.2m) Pahi catamaran is … Continued
The organisers of the Thames Traditional Boat Festival have announced that this year’s festival will be postponed and have issued the following statement:
The Southampton International Boat Show, taking place from 18 – 27 September, has announced it will unveil a significantly expanded Wooden Boat Stage in 2026, creating an even bigger platform to celebrate, showcase and support the future of wooden boatbuilding … Continued
Two traditionally-rigged ships, Spirit of Falmouth and Pellew, crewed by a rotating team of 70 wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and serving personnel, have set sail from Falmouth, as part of the 2000-mile Full Circle Expedition around the UK. The voyage is coordinated by veteran sailing charity Turn to Starboard and … Continued
Women in Boat Building CIC (WIBB) have published the findings from their 2025 survey ‘PPE for Women in Boatyards’ in a new report, which they are encouraging all boatyards to read. The results of the survey and the additional information shared at … Continued
The Environment Agency is on course to remove over 100 sunk and abandoned vessels from the non-tidal Thames in its biggest push in a decade on tidying up the watercourse. The work has been spearheaded by a newly created task force whose mission is … Continued
The Worldwide Classic Boat Show takes place again this year, all online from 20-22 February. Presented by Off Center Harbor, the show is entirely virtual, with over 1000 boats and daily live presentations lined up for the 2026 edition. As well as … Continued
The Boat Building Academy (BBA) has hosted its 55th ceremonial launch, with the latest boats produced by students on its 40-week boat building course taking to the water of Lyme Regis harbour. The academy’s most recent graduates produced four boats – … Continued
The original traditional boat festival, Les Fêtes Maritimes de Douarnenez, turns 40 next year when it returns from 23-26 July. As part of the celebrations, the festival team is compiling a commemorative book of memories from participants over the years … Continued